OBITUARY: PETER BANTON (died 24th March, 1972)
Peter Banton came to the School in 1955 as one of the nine Assistant Masters who formed the foundation staff. His previous career had embraced service in the R.A.F. as a navigator, three years at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, three years in business and two years teaching at Corner Hall School, Hemel Hempstead. He left the School in 1969 to become Deputy Headmaster of Hampstead School and in January 1972 took up an appointment as Headmaster of Claremont School, Kenton.
Not only did he lay the foundations of a very successful Geography Department and inaugurate the annual journey to the Lake District at Easter and the field course for 'A' level geographers, but in his later years with us he developed an interest in careers work and counselling. In 1967-8 he was seconded for a year to follow a course in School Counselling at the University of Reading.
Colleagues retain many vivid memories of him. They appreciated his friendliness and frankness and his zeal in pursuing a problem until he had brought it to a satisfactory conclusion. On several occasions he saved the Staff Cricket XI from disaster by his skilful bowling. Past and present members of the School will remember him with affection as the man who made Geography live for them, especially perhaps those whose love of mountains was first awakened on those memorable school journeys. Boys who benefited from his advice when he was Head of Careers will always be grateful for his wisdom and understanding.
A memorial fund to which past and present colleagues, Old Boys and present members of the School have generously contributed has enabled us to put up a framed map of the Lake District in the Geography Room to remind us of his 14 years of loyal service to the School. The balance of the fund, at Mrs. Banton's request, has been sent to the Leukaemia Research Fund.
IN MEMORIAM Peter Tween (1968-70) died in a road accident 7th May, 1972
Harrow Observer - Tuesday 06 June 1972
TWO FUNDS HONOUR TEACHER
MR PETER BANTON was headmaster of Claremont High School, Kenton, for only three months before he died of leukaemia at the end of March. But in that three months, Mr. Banton made a great impression on children at the school. Since his death. children at the school have been trying hard to raise money for leukaemia research. All the forms in the school have helped in some way to raise over £2OO which they will send to the Leukaemia Research Centre. The sixth form produced a school play. Members of the lower forms helped to swell the funds by printing and selling their own magazine while others sold records funds teacher donated by various recording companies. Parents, teachers and friends of the school all helped to push the fund over £2OO.
Mr. Banton used to be the head of the Geography department at St. Nicholas Grammar School, Northwood, where last week headmaster, Dr. R. F. E. Watson, set up a second appeal.
Dr. Watson is looking for old boys of the school living in Wembley and Harrow who knew Mr. Banton when he was at St. Nicholas's. Mr. Banton was one of the founder members of the staff at the school and became known for the expeditions to the Lake District he led.
The money collected at St. Nicholas's will also go towards leukaemia research but some is being reserved to buy a showcase with an ordnance survey map of the Lake District for the Geography Room. This, Dr. Watson feels, will remind the school of Mr. Banton's 14 years of service at the school.
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