Peter Leslie Edwards, CVO
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From 1968, Peter was responsible for recording The Queen's Christmas Messages. He was extremely proud to serve Her Majesty and even whilst battling with cancer continued recording the message. His last recording was in December 2006, which was his 38th Christmas Message.
Peter left the BBC at the end of the 1980's to embark on a freelance
filming career and following his own Investiture in 1985, where he was made a Member of The Royal Victorian Order by HM The Queen, Peter begun discussions with
the Royal Household on producing a film of this very special occasion.
Working every hour of every day on the Investiture project, he filmed at almost every Investiture held at
Buckingham Palace, Cardiff Castle and The Palace of Holyrood House since 1991.
He also produced and directed the Official Guide to Buckingham Palace, The Windsor Castle Restoration and The Royal Mews Tour Video.
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The Gulf War Memorial Service in St Paul's Cathedral and the "live" satellite coverage of many State Visits held in Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
In 1992, Peter was upgraded by Her Majesty to Lieutenant of The Royal Victorian Order and in the same year won a BAFTA for Best Broadcast Sound on the documentary "Elizabeth R".
Below and In Memory of Peter - emails of condolence which have been received
from friends and colleagues. If you you would like to send a message of condolence and be added to this list then click here.
Peter was an IBS Member (#623)
I had the personal pleasure of working as an assistant to Peter in his BBC
days on a number of memorable music documentaries, and his laid-back but
highly professional style was a model that I have always aspired to.
My thoughts and condolences go out to his family - I am sure we will all
miss him terribly.
In sadness,
Richard Merrick
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I collected Peter's car sometime earlier this year and I felt something was
terribly wrong, When he collected the car later, we had a long chat and he
told me the prognosis which was a major cancer, which I did not pass on as
in my book there is always hope. My sincere condolences to her
and the boys for the loss of a great colleague and top bloke
Alan and Pam Stevens
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Dear All,
Peter was the ultimate Gentleman, a fantastic sound recordist and a great friend of camera department, I think mainly due to the huge breadth of his knowledge and interests.
I knew nothing of his post BBC success which seem from Richard's mail to have been considerable. Having known him I am not in the least bit surprised.
We lose another one of the great stars of the old BBC Film Department.
It is with great sadness that I mark his parting.
My thoughts are with the good times we had together and, of course, his family.
My sincere condolences,
Paul Wheeler
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Others have said it all...I echo every word.
I send my sincere condolences to his family.
The memories remain.........John Walker.
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May I add my condolences to Peter's Wife and two Sons at their sad loss
My thoughts are with you
Charlie Pitt
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To Peter's Wife and Family,
I am so very very sorry to hear that Peter died earlier this week. I worked with him on very few occasions but often, very often chatted to him in the canteen. He was a very considered character and I always felt that he spoke very much from his heart.
After leaving the beeb I was freelance and, if I am not mistaken, worked at Sky News with his son who is a cameraman. Again a quite but honest thoughtful guy and I feel for him and Peters wife right now.
As is at a time like this all one can do is echo the sentiments that abound and add my voice to say that I will miss the thought that Peter isn't here anymore and wish his spirit well and never forgotten.
Very best wishes to The Edwards, Vicky Parnall.
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May I add my name to the list - we worked together many times, and I will remember him for his weather forecasting as well! Great loss - Peter Bartlett
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My sincerest sympathies to Peter's family. Peter was always such a
pleasure to work with.
May God greet you Peter.
PD Chapman
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It's very sad to read about the untimely death of Peter Edwards.
Peter was a great guy to work with - who had a tremendous presence and
whenever he was around in unit , the whole profile of the film unit was uplifted
with his skill and knowledge of his craft. His charming nature and sense of
fairness will always be missed.
Our sincere condolences to his wife and the sons.
Paul Kanwar
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I was deeply saddened to hear of Peter's death, and my thoughts go out to
Peter's family and those that worked with him. Peter was a guiding light for
me and a superb teacher when I joined Ealing in the 70's. His fabulous and
fearless skills with planting and mixing mics on the fly were an inspiration
to me. I did all of my formative drama's with Peter as his assistant on
TELFORDS CHANGE, GRAHAMS GANG and
THE GOODIES, all fabulous experiences.
He was a wonderful laid back guy and I'm sure I must have been a real trial
to him. I remember doing a tracking shot and smashing the microphone through
a trailing lighting gel during the dialogue sequence. He didn't even blink.
He played it back and there was no noise at all...nothing! He'd just watched
my impending disaster and potted the millesecond of crash out on the fly! I
was of course gobsmacked, and it was one of many lessons I was to learn
about psycho acoustics and mixing like lightening that would stand me in
good stead during my career to come.
This has been a very sad year as we have lost an awful lot of the finest
mixers of that generation...the term Mixer may well pass into folklore with
the iso tracking situation we now seem to find ourselves in today. I'm glad
to have worked and learned from some of the finest MIXERS in the world, and
when you combine the technical skill of Peter with his cool and sensible
disposition you really did have one of a kind. So long Pete and thanks for
all of it.
Mike Donald TFS '74-79
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How tragic.
The Diamonds learned a lot from Peter over the years.
Carrie learned the Western Role, whilst high jumping in her back garden when Peter was her Dad's assistant, and I learned so much as his assistant, working with wonderful teams in the days when the beeb made great all film dramas.
Happy days and very precious memories. A great guy ...... a great loss.
Sincere condolences to Peter's family.
Steve & Carrie Diamond
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Dear Jonathan
We have never met but I am very saddened to hear of the death of your father. I was also a BBC Recordist at Ealing and Peter was a very respected friend for some 30 years.
Please will you convey my very sincere sympathy to the other members of Peter's family.
I am involved with keeping retired Ealing recordists in touch and would much appreciate details of funeral arrangements when available. Many of us would wish to attend.
Very sincerely
Bill Chesneau
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In the Autumn of 1970 I had the honour of accompanying Peter to
Buckingham Palace to record the Queen's Christmas Broadcast. There
was an ongoing industrial dispute in the Power Industry and the noisy
strikers chants, as they processed up Constitution Hill, interrupted
filming. As we waited for the noise to subside Peter was heard to
remark " It's the revolution Maam, they'll be over the wall in a
minute". Only Peter could have got away with that. RIP
Dick Manton
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Sometime in the dim and distant, a day shooting on a sound stage at
Ealing,myself assisting Peter Edwards. A scene around a huge American
car of the 20's - a V-12 Duisenberg. The wild track of this car
coming to a halt, and the handbrake going on, to be done at the end
of the day, on the lot.
"I'll drive it", I said. Well it was a fabulous car.
So I rolled up towards Peter in this three and a half ton monster.
Cars of this vintage often had clutch,throttle, and footbrake in that
unusual order. While ineffectively searching for that elusive brake
pedal, I became aware of Peter desperately diving backwards, and I
grabbed the (outside) handbrake lever. I came to a standstill with
Peter's Perfectone recorder precisely punched through the fibreglass
pavement of the lot, and sporting a superb tyre tread mark across the
top of it. Peter said three things - the first is tricky to repeat,
the second was about easier ways to get a Nagra (three!), and the
third was "cut".
A long time ago now, but one little memory of sharing my career with
a gentleman, and a superb and admirable sound recordist, in the glory
days of Ealing.
My heartfelt condolences to Peter's family and friends.
Barrie Tharby.
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May I add my sincere condolences to Peter's family. What a pleasure it
was working with him, on productions which included among others "Blue
Peter Royal Safari" to a post BBC film "A Breed of Heros".
His presence in the industry will be greatly missed.
Ken Westbury.
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I am very saddened to hear the news about Peter Edwards. Although I
did not work much with him as an assistant, he was always calm and
easy going in difficult situations.
I felt that he was a "neighbour" having gone to school, a mile from
my parents home in Woodford. We shared stories about the area.
His knowledge of meteorology was also useful on location, by reading
cloud formations, he got the brolly out ahead of anyone else!
This may be an apocryphal story, but the first year Peter was asked
to record the Queen's Christmas speech for radio as well as for TV in
stereo, he recorded the National Anthem outside at Buckingham Palace.
To set sound levels and overcome aircraft noise, several takes were
recorded. Suddenly Peter was approached by an Equerry, who came
running over. "Mr Edwards, Her Majesty would like to know how many
times would the National Anthem be needed to be played?" Peter was a
little surprised at this comment. The Equerry explained that the
Queen was entertaining the Archbishop of Canterbury at lunch, but
every time the National Anthem struck up, all the guests stopped and
stood up, and the soup was getting cold!
John Hooper
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Please allow me to add my condolences to both Bob Roberts and Peter
Edwards' families and friends.
We have lost another two well liked and professional gentlemen.
Fred Hamilton (Cyprus)
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Dear Val, Jonathon and Mark, Philip and Mervyn passed on the sad news of Peter's departure.
The best years of my life were spent with Peter and Philip, Peter's quiet professional personality was a great insperation to a young Aussie who's confidence was supported continually on whatever job we did. The six years I spent filming the Queen were only achieved with the great team spirit we enjoyed and it's only now on reflection that I realise how lucky I was to have that confidence from the Beeb & the Palace..... Peter would take me aside in those early days (1969) and talk about 'procedure' and sharpen my response to the protocol that surrounded our efforts.
You have lost a great father/husband and I have lost a truly great friend.
My thoughts are with you.
Sincerely, Ray Henman (Sydney, Australia)
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After being a member for a couple of years now, I would have preffered my first post to this forum to be prompted by a humorous event instead of a sad one, but I am moved to put on record my sadness at the passing of Peter. My first 'proper' on-the-road job, straight of training school was on a Drama with Nat Crosby and Tony Mayne with Peter on sound, assisted by Pat Quirke. I was very 'new' and very 'green' and was unaware that Peter was quietly observing my approach and attitude to what I was doing in my new role as a Trainnee Assistant. He was to pass on some great advice, comments and constructive criticsm as to how I was doing and what I could also do to help the sound department in what is after all a team profession. In the vein of Richard's comment I was also in awe of Peter's calm and professional manner and I too wished to aspire to his patient and calm approach and promised myself from then on to 'Never Panic!' My condolensces to his family and friends.
Steve Battley
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Another sad loss . My heartfelt feelings to his family. I have some idea how they feel , having lost my wife , and last year my eldest son . Having been the Minister for a great number of funerals I have felt for some years that so often we have to wait until they die to find out about their life . I have been amazed at what some people have done , a wonderful and interesting life such as Peter 's . I do not think there is an answer , which is a great loss , we are very reserved.
Hugh Wilson
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Dear Hugh,
How beautifully put, I thank you for that as I am sure Peter's family will. Hugh, I am going to say something that may seem crass, please forgive me. I always looked up to Peter as, perhaps, the most rounded and accomplished Gentleman at TFS. Don't get me wrong, there were many true Gentlemen at Ealing but Peter managed it a very unassuming way which made his wonderful manner and great talent in so many fields all the more admirable. I have beaten thee big C, I suppose, twice and am now of the hook - it was 11 years ago - which makes me feel how horrid it must be for those who now morn him. Why me, not him? Fate, or what ever you want to call it, is a funny thing - calling some and not others, seemingly at random. Hugh, I have always believed there must be a God, my simple justification, as a born and bred cameraman is - "How can a sunset look so wonderful if somebody, or something, did not organise that!" On the other hand, I think possibly unlike you, I have never been able to get close to organised religion. Someone said to me recently, after me new heart valve, "God clearly doesn't want your company yet". Of course that pleased me, But I went home and thought about it. With my take on God that is flattering but irrelevant. I believe I am just bucking the odds - much to my advantage. Peter lost the odds and I morn all the more for him now knowing a little of his last fight. But then, it may be I am wrong............... Even I have to admit it's possible God truly wanted Peter's company. If that is the case then all I can say is God is a very fine judge of which of us poor mortals he would like for company - and then - I can understand him welcoming Peter. May we all be Lucky enough to have as rewarding a life as our dear Peter Edwards. My fondest regards to his family, who I only met once, but may they know how much I ,and so many others at TFS, respected, and much more importantly, liked him so very, very much. Hugh, this was originally meant for you alone but I decided to go on the blue book as I feel so sorry at Peter's passing. Another star of TFS gone into the firmament. Lets keep our happy memories.
Best to you all,
Paul
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In 1974 I can remember the first time I was so impressed by a TV drama soundtrack that I could n`t wait for the end credits to see who had recorded it .The Play For Today was "Leeds United", and the recordist was of course Peter Edwards. Many years later I did tell him how much I had enjoyed the production, in his usual laid back way he just said he had enjoyed the challenge, but he did appear to appreciate my comments. TFS fostered many great talents and Peter was one of them.
My condolences to Peter`s family and friends.
Derek Norman
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Peter.He was a joy to work with on any job and a joy just to be with. i still miss his [ hi yer al ]. all the good words are justly said and so true.i speak for myself and i know so many sparks in saying . you were a great guy Peter. a big loss . god bless you.
Alan Muhley.
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Don Martin and I are sorry to learn of Peters demise, a gentleman and a sad loss. We send our condolences to his family. We also learn with sadness about Bob Roberts?passing away recently, another first class recordist. R.I.P. both of you.
David Johnson Recordist/ENG cameraman / News
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Very sorry to hear about loosing Peter Edwards & Bob Roberts. Both charming men that set the tone of TFS. Two great losses, men I will never forget.
Remi Adefarasin
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Very sorry to hear of Peter's untimely passing. We worked together a lot in his earlier days on the road and I still remember him disentangling those long legs from the Mini he drove in those days, then into the sound car and off to record another masterpiece! He was known to our kids (quite young then) as "Thin Uncle Pete" as distinct from "Fat Uncle Pete", another of our colleagues who was a little more upholstered! He was known to Toni and I as a charming and ever reliable friend. Others have written eloquently of his later exploits, so I would just like to add our condolences to his family and say that we've all lost a great guy.
Stan & Toni
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I have just returned from Peters funeral service. It was a most moving experience in a beautiful country church. There was a great turnout from TFS;- camera, grips, foms,sparks and of course a great representation of Sound dept.It was a lovely experience and I hope the family took heart from the number of colleagues gathered.Peter RIP.
P Chapman
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I concur, as somebody who worked with Peter back in 1963, after immediately coming out of the classroom on "Beside the Seaside" I find it terribly sad that somebody younger than myself should succomb to such a terrible disease, and with such apparent dignity.
I would also commend the eulogy given by his daughter in law Natalie, if somehow it could be published here it would be an inspiration to us all . If I could please add, that it was a privilage to have known and worked with Peter who was one of Ealings Gentlemen. God Bless.
Alan Stevens
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I am pleased so many were able to attend, and from Peter's comment, a most moving memorial, to which I was unable to attend. Earlier I did not feel I could contribute to Peter's loss amongst so many former colleagues, while only having the rare opportunity to work with him. I do recall though the canteen conversation with him about 'the production value' we all contribute to the BBC, and our mutual enthusiasm for TFS. His then was for Ealing to produce film shorts (2-3 minutes), mine was that we should promote our position within television with our location stills. In our own family we have two with cancer issues, and on the day of his memorial I was able to secure a film venue for a cancer charity support group event next year. Positive thoughts then for Peter and colleagues and their respective families who are subjected to such tragedy.
Reflectively,
Eric Samuel
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We were both extraordinarily shocked to hear that Peter had died. Please convey our sympathies to Valerie and your brother, also to colleagues in the company. I regarded Peter in the warmest and closest way over many years and we will miss him.
Ken and Andrea
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