We are sorry to report that OC Peter Mitchell passed away in France on 10th April 2017. There was a family funeral on Good Friday.

Peter was president of the Old Colstonian Society in 2004 and had also been president of the Society of Old Colstonians in London.
 
Peter was also a governor of Colston’s School for many years
 
OC Andrew Phillips wrote these words of Peter. 

“He was a super OC, approachable and encouraging, which made him such a fabulous school governor. He really enjoyed being with people, which he reflected at Smithie's wine bar in London where all were welcome. Being older than me he had left Crib by the time I went there. Our paths didn’t cross until I came to London in 1972 and found out about the London OCs who met in a pub opposite the Law Courts. 

He was almost a Falstaff character: jolly, wonderful manners, chivalrous, forgiving, an astute businessman in the wine trade, who knew everybody and people wanted to know him. Above all Peter was kind and generous.”

Peter’s wife Madeleine has also  kindly sent me these words about Peter:
 
“Peter loved Colston’s, he loved his years there, the O.C Societies and his time as a Governor.  He was still in his late 20s, I believe, when he was appointed. 
 
Peter was born in Southend-On-Sea on 22 August 1946 to Jack and Elise Mitchell.  His sister Jean now lives in Kent.  He lived in Westcliff -on-Sea all his childhood and went to Allen Court Prep School. 
 
His father did a trip around possible schools -  saw the rugby pitches at Colston’s and looked no further (true story).
 
He loved his seaside childhood, escaping when he could to the cockle sheds. He did not sail as rugby took preference!  After school he went to the London College of Print and joined his father's company - Paper Merchants in the City.  After the company was taken over he followed his love of wine and opened Corks one of the first Wine Bars in London.  He then progressed to the wine trade itself and other ventures.  
 
We were married in 1973 and have Giles, Edward and five grandchildren and spent most of our married life in Hertfordshire.  Peter spent his last working years as a school bursar in Hertfordshire. 
 
We moved to Normandy in 2007 and we ran (and I am continuing to run) a Chambre d'hôte .  Peter loved his life in France and fitted in so well not only to the ex-pat life but also to French society itself.
 
Peter played rugby for Saracens with spells in the first team he also played for Essex and Eastern Counties.  He regretted not going any further as short props did not progress at that time and, although he was 5'10”, he was considered too short.”
 
The Old Colstonian Society is very thankful for the outstanding contribution Peter made to Colston’s School and the OC Societies and offers condolences and best wishes to Madeleine and the family.

Martin Tayler
 
 The photo of Peter was taken in Pompeii which was top of his bucket list and where his wife took him for his 70th birthday