Plaque tribute to Colne ‘cheeky chap’

Family and friends of a former military veteran who died earlier in the year gathered together to pay a special tribute to a “cheeky chap who did anything for anyone”.
A plaque is presented at the Duke of Lancaster pub in Colne in memory of Peter Valentine.
Photo Ben ParsonsA plaque is presented at the Duke of Lancaster pub in Colne in memory of Peter Valentine.
Photo Ben Parsons
A plaque is presented at the Duke of Lancaster pub in Colne in memory of Peter Valentine. Photo Ben Parsons

A plaque in memory of Colner Peter (Pedro) Valentine was unveiled in his local pub, The Duke of Lancaster, over the weekend.

Organised by his friend and ex-colleague Nick Thompson, the commemorative sign is a way of honouring Mr Valentine for the 12 years of service he completed between 1971 and 1983. The former Tackler’s Club steward died suddenly in September, at the age of 60.

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His daughter Laura Valentine (31), of Birtwistle Avenue, said: “It is lovely that people are doing so much for him, even though he is not with us anymore. I am overwhelmed.

“My dad was quite a character, and a cheeky chap who did anything for anyone.

“There were over 400 people at his funeral - I was in absolute shock when so many people turned up.

“Nick asked us at the funeral if we minded if he did this, and we said no.”

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Computer engineer Mr Thompson (53), who used to live in Colne, added: “It was a lovely gathering, mostly of family.

“I served with Pete, and used to give him lifts home at weekends - I have fantastic memories with him.”

Mr Valentine served in the King’s Regiment, before being transferred to the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment - where he worked his way up to becoming a Corporal.

The former Fishermore pupil leaves behind two children, four grandchildren, five sisters and four brothers.

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Miss Valentine added: “It was a shock for all of us when my dad died, so it has been lovely that so many kind gestures have been made - it is really comforting.”

Mr Valentine’s family would also like to thank the Duke of Lancaster’s landlord and landlady Ronnie and Dawn Wolstenholme for their support and for agreeing to have the plaque in their venue.

The pub’s assistant manager John Hargadon said: “We are putting the plaque as near to where Peter used to sit as possible.

“He was one of our regulars, and was very outgoing.”

In the New Year, Miss Valentine and her brother Liam will be taking on various fund-raising ventures for Help For Heroes. This will include Liam attempting the arduous Tough Mudder Challenge.

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