My name is Peter Latham, retired 14 years from PE teaching at Prince Henry's Grammar School in Otley, and my specialisms were rugby union and athletics.
It was physical education that was always going to be my life as a young man in the early '70s. Carnegie was the number one recommendation to me, and so I applied for teacher training, got in, and spent the next four years having a fabulous time here.
I think the importance of sport in the region as regards the support and influence that Leeds Beckett has is massive. Back in my teaching days, there was always a close link with Leeds Beckett. The facilities were always opened up for championship meetings, football competitions, not just to my old school, but to the whole of the Leeds school setup.
My role in developing personal talent revolved very much around my hometown that it's become, Otley. The links I developed were very much with the rugby, the cycling, and the cricket clubs. Being members of those clubs and being asked to coach down there during my career. I was fortunate enough the year after I retired to get an MBE for my services to sport and education. That is something that I think has led to me getting today's honour.
So the memorabilia that I donated to Beckett has a selection of things that were very close to me. English College's badges, my MBE certificate, and a photograph or two of me as a younger man performing on the athletics track. It's absolutely brilliant to see it so beautifully framed up.
Being inducted today was an absolute honor. It was a surprise when I was contacted and saw who else was inducted and thought, "Wow." And it's turned out to be an absolute first-class event and something that I shall not forget.
1975
2026
