I was born in Eastbourne in Sussex, where I had a solitary childhood with a workaholic father who provided for me well enough materially but not emotionally; he was also gay and his homosexuality was a great burden as at the time it was still illegal. I forgot to mention that in my conversation with Energy but obviously it had a big impact. My mother was at times suicidal and underwent electroshock treatment in the psychiatric hospital for ‘manic depression’. I therefore learned very early on to be self-reliant, and music became my companion.

During a stint in the police force I realised that I found the prisoners much more interesting people than my colleagues and resigned to seek my own life. This I found in Edinburgh in the colourful hippie scene where music was an essential ingredient. Travelling was an integral part of that life. India and the USA brought me in contact with two cultures that touched me deeply.

I made my home in Manhattan and fell in love with the city. I found a niche in supporting big Rock’n’roll bands on tour, for 4 years. Rock’n’roll at work and more sedate and eclectic music to relax at home.

Another 2 1/2 years travelling the world and a devastating relationship breakup brought me back to Cluny in the early 1990s, after my initial connection in the early 1980s. My basic nature as a traveller took me on a further trip, planned to last one year which turned into seven. In 2002 I finally returned to the Findhorn Foundation, settled in The Park and for the first time, aged 50, found work as a routine and structure in my life. I joined the management team for seven years and was deputy chair for a time. I joined the Park Campus Team in 2002 and became Campus manager around 2006.

Pete’s Wow Place

Now, in this turbulent time of big changes in the Foundation, I am taking voluntary redundancy and for the first time in 20 years I am living on my own.

Findhorn is home now.

Releasing a loving long-term relationship where, for the first time in my life, I felt part of a family, I realise ‘I KNOW love, but can I always let it in?!’’


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