Peter Baker

Born in London, lived for 3 years in Malta during primary school age. Completed education at Salesian College, Farnborough.

Moved to Weymouth, starting a banking career with National Provincial Bank.

Served in the R.A.F. from 1944 to 1947. On demobilisation, joined Treasurer's Department at County Hall, Dorchester.

Married Diana in 1950 and returned to banking with Barclays. Served in branches at Weymouth, Dorchester and Sidmouth before emigrating to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) with Barclays Bank DCO.

Returned to the U.K. in 1959 to serve in branches at Reading, Crowthorne and Newbury before becoming a Branch Manager first at Chipping Norton and then Chesham. Retired in 1985 and moved to Ringwood.

Was a governor of Ringwood Junior School for 16 years and a Ringwood Town Councillor for 12 years. Also served on New Forest District Council (8 years) and Hampshire County Council (4 years). 

Moved to Verwood in 2001 and elected to Verwood Town Council in 2003. Was Town Mayor 2004/05.

Was a governor of Hillside School, Verwood from 2002 to 2008 and currently serves on Schools Admissions and Exclusions Appeals Panels for the Counties of Dorset and Hampshire, the Boroughs of Poole and Bournemouth and the Portsmouth Catholic Diocese.