It was the year that a North Sea storm surge ruined Hunstanton pier and the Eleni V sank off the Norfolk coast. 

But further inland at the county’s capital, in 1978 Peter English was anointed at the Lord Mayor of Norwich – a culmination of a life well lived. 

Dr English was known to many in Norwich through the care he offered as a local GP and in his work as a city councillor, as well as his strong Christian faith. 

Those who knew him have spoken not only of his smile, humour, and fun but also of his care and concern, and self-effacingly putting others before himself.      

A native of Surrey, he lived in Sutton before moving to Norwich in 1958 for work. 

(Image: Courtesy of family)

However, his association with the area began as a teenager when he joined The Venturers sailing camp on the Broads. 

Despite taking place during the colder weather around Easter, this was the beginning of a lifelong love of sailing. 

It also gave encouragement to his Christian faith, and he remained involved with The Venturers as a leader for many years. 

As a GP, he was based mainly in the Mile End surgery of his practice but was also involved with cancer registration and served on medical assessment boards.   

This meant that he was able to visit war pensioners all over East Anglia, a poignant act which was something he enjoyed doing. 

Alongside his medical work, he was persuaded to stand for Norwich City Council where he served on various committees. His main concern was the provision of care for the most vulnerable.   

When Dr English became Lord Mayor, the position allowed him to enjoy the wide range of opportunities this gave and the many people he met.   

The Great Hospital was another organisation which Dr English contributed to, chairing the trustees at one point. 

(Image: Courtesy of family)

Beyond his work, Dr English’s love of sailing gave him huge pleasure, both on the broads and at sea.   

Serving young people on the Sailing Training Association, the square-rigged ships The Malcom Miller and Winston Churchill were highlights and the source of many stories.   

He shared several boats with Dr Francis Rutter and together they sailed to Holland, France, and around the English coast, enjoying the company of friends who joined him as crew.   

More surprisingly, in retirement he became passionate about cooking and did several courses at Norwich City College, the fruits of which were enjoyed by friends and family.  

The service he offered to others sprang from his Christian faith and he served as a church warden at Holy Trinity church for 14 years and at the General Synod for 10 years.     

Family life was always important to Dr English. 

He and Rosemary met as teenagers and were married in 1954, having qualified in medicine and Physiotherapy. 

As the family expanded, time together with each generation remained at the heart of Dr English’s life. 

Planning and hosting parties provided a lot of joy, and both his 95th birthday and the couple’s 70th wedding anniversary in particular were very special events.  

For their platinum wedding anniversary, they enjoyed a family party with their daughters, Diana and Clare, five grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  

Dr English suffered from a stroke in October last year. He died on July 10 aged 95. A funeral took place on July 26 and donations were raised for The Kairos hospital in Uganda. 

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