Peter Firminger 1958-1992 (34 years)

Peter Firminger, student from 1946–1952 and staff from 1958–1992

Here was a man who made an unparalleled contribution to development of sport (especially hockey) at the school. Peter entered school with his twin brother David while living in Deal (the picture below shows the two of them outside of the school Pavilion). In an illustrious school sporting career, he represented Manwood’s First Teams in the following sports: Rugby 1949, 50, 51; Cricket 1949, 50, 51, 52 (Captain '52); and Hockey 1950, 51, 52 (Captain ’52). 

From Manwood’s, Peter served two years of National Service in the RAF Regiment, primarily based in Credenhill, Hereford reaching the rank of Corporal. This was followed by three years at St Johns, York where he studied for a Diploma in Physical Education (Dip.Phy.Ed) and Geography. Peter’s first teaching post was at Chatham House, but after a conversation with Ephraim Parker Oakes (Headmaster at Manwood's 1935–1960) at a hockey festival, he was offered the post of Head of PE with a side dish of Geography at Manwood’s and he returned to Sandwich, which is where he remained, becoming known as Furry to many generations of Manwoodians.

Peter’s name was synonymous with Manwood’s hockey for the best part of 40 years. A lover of all sports (he was also coach of the First XV in the early 1960s), hockey was his number one passion and he coached at Manwood’s from 1958–1992 (34 years). He was once interviewed for the post of National Hockey Coach but their loss was Manwood’s gain, as he put the school on the map as a leading hockey school. One of his great protégés was Mel Clewlow (1987–1994) who said 'PF is the reason I put a stick in my hand all those years ago!' Mel went on to play for England, winning Commonwealth Games silver in 1998 and 2002 and bronze in 2006 as well as playing for GB at the 2000 and 2008 Olympics (you can read a bit more about Mel by clicking here).

Peter led four trips to the Los Reyes Hockey tournament at the prestigious Real Club de Polo de Barcelona and took tours to Vienna, as well as leading a team to the Men’s Hockey World Cup warm-up tournament in 1986. He instigated the Peter Firminger Trophy (the U15s Kent County Competition) and the Peter Firminger Memorial Trophy (School v OMs) was named after him. Outside of Manwood's hockey, PF was a one club man at Cliftonville and was capped by Kent.

Peter held the role of Housemaster at the Grange from 1971 to 1981, where he lived with his wife Elaine (Deputy Head at Sandwich Secondary) and their two daughters (Sue and Sally). Peter was also Honorary Secretary of the OMA from 1961 to 1966. Peter passed away in 2017.

Peter's impact was so great that the OMA ran a fundraising campaign in 2024, which led to the naming of the school's new hockey astroturf as 'The Firminger Field.' Peter's twin brother, David Firminger (in the picture below) was the guest of honour, alongside Peter's family.

What was particularly touching was that Peter’s two daughters, Sue and Sally, were also present to see this fantastic new facility named after their father, as were  many of Furry Pete’s former hockey students including Vyv Smith (1955–1963) and nearly 300 current and former Manwoodians. Following the opening ceremony, a highly competitive hockey match between the School and the OMs took place with the alumni winning 3-0. How apt it was that the first goal scorer on the new pitch was Manwood's hockey legend Mel Clewlow.

During the fundraising, many OMs left touching memories of Peter and the impact that he had had on their lives. It is worth sharing a selection of those as they are a mark of the man:

Keith Simpson: "Furry was a true Manwoodian! Pupil, Teacher, Coach and OM! I had the pleasure of knowing him in all those capacities."

David Stevens: "Furry was an inspiration to me as a pupil and was the reason I became a teacher. As a pupil, he encouraged and helped me to coach sport and I loved it. That passion continues to this day."

Peter Crone: "So much love and gratitude for all the magical memories."

Edward Boucher: "Just a wonderful idea to name the pitch after the inimical Furry. An amazing sportsman."

Richard Pratt: "Furry was my first form master in L1, 1958 and gave me my love of geography, which I had to give up in U2, but returned to successfully for A'Level in U6 in 1964/5."

Richard Ford: "It's a great pleasure to support this project. I joined Manwood's in the same year as Peter Firminger and had the privilege of singing in the choir at his wedding. He introduced me first to hockey and then to Cliftonville Hockey Club, and I played regularly for a number of clubs until shortly before my 60th birthday, when back problems prevented further involvement. I'm also pleased to support the refurbishment of the Pavilion, having played cricket for the First XI for two seasons in 1964 and 1965, and so having used its facilities extensively."

Michael Norris: "Such a great idea. If teachers are meant to be one thing, it is to be inspirational. Furry was exactly that."

Alison Birkett: "A fitting tribute to a lovely man and a great teacher!"

Jonathan Linnane: "Happy to support the new field in memory of Pete Firminger ... I wasn't much of a sportsman, but have great memories of his geography lessons and his constant positive attitude."

Anthony Moore: "Fond memories of Firminger twins, colleagues for the same years. Not many of us left!"

John Brett: "Peter was the reason I have played, umpired and been involved with hockey for over 50 years. Only recently retiring as my club treasurer (North Devon) after 28 years service. Thanks to Peter, I have loved every minute of this time. John Brett (1965–1972)"

Eugene Gilkes: "Mr Firminger, Furry, PF, and Pete were all the names by which I knew this legend of a man. As surrogate parent as my housemaster; as Head of PE, coach and for all the years that followed as my friend. There is little that hasn’t been said that I can do anything but reiterate, except to say, that there have been few who have had the lasting legacy of impact to match his or who could bring an instant smile at a fleeting memory from our past together. I still smile when I think of how annoying it was that he knew before I knew, the mischief I was about to get up to and it was only years later that he shared his secret; that he and his brother, David had done it all first, and worse, many years before in their days as pupils at Manwood’s!"

And the final word goes to Peter's daughters – Sue and Sally: "It seems our dad (Peter, Furry P or PF!) evokes many memories for a lot of people whether at Manwood's as a pupil, teacher or housemaster or playing hockey for Cliftonville and Kent, or cricket for Sandwich, or singing in the Sandwich choir, or for just being the best dad and grandad. We are so proud to call him our dad and honoured that Manwood's want to name the new astroturf pitch 'Furry’s Field!' Thank you for the comments and donations so far. We love to read your memories of him."