Local Face: Richard Peck

Richard is from North Lincolnshire and attended Sheffield University, completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2001. He was a Project Manager for GlaxoSmithKline in Harlow, Essex, where he met Rosie. In 2003 they were married in Antigua, only yards from the beach. They have two children, Oliver (10) and Imogen (8). A job opportunity arose in Long Crendon in 2009, and Wendover seemed like the perfect location, especially as Rosie has a twin sister, who lives in Hyde Heath.

Richard has had a varied career and for the past decade he has held numerous roles within the cold chain industry, essentially the safe storage and transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals across the world. He is well known within the industry and regularly writes white papers and technical reports on hot topics as well as facilitating training courses and providing consultancy support. Eventually, Richard hopes to work for a Non-Governmental Organisation such as UNICEF, supporting the supply of lifesaving medicines to those in countries where they are not readily available.

In Wendover, Richard has a number of roles, mainly thanks to Oliver and his sporting activities! As well as coaching the U10s age group at Wendover Junior Football Club, he has been the club’s secretary for the past three seasons, supporting the chairman and the dozens of age group managers and coaches, as well as ensuring that the many teams across 11 age groups are all affiliated to the appropriate leagues and the FA. The biggest commitment is the club’s annual tournament, the main fundraiser for the club. Nearly 250 teams enter the tournament each year over 1½ days in mid-late June. The organisation for such an event takes a lot of effort but the satisfaction on the Sunday afternoon at the end of another successful year is so rewarding.Richard is Juniors Manager for Wendover Cricket Club and supports group managers and coaches for children aged 5 to 17, sitting on the club’s management committee. Their outdoor season runs from April to July, extended by organising winter nets in February and March. Most training sessions take place on a Saturday morning at both grounds and there are regularly 80 plus children at the joint under 7s and 9s session. The pavilion serves teas, coffees and snacks for all, along with the BBQ cooking bacon and sausage sarnies, a well-deserved treat after a long week at work!

Richard is also an active member of St Mary’s church, sitting on the PCC, regularly involved in services and social events. He manages Movies @ St Marys for both the younger and older generations of the community. His most memorable part of church life (besides his confirmation a few years ago) has to be his role as Joseph in the crib service for the past three years. In addition he sometimes plays football and golf with friends and runs!