Who was Dr Peter?
(And why should we name the Community Centre after him?)

Dr Peter Johnson was a very familiar face around Romsey until his death in May 2002 at the age of 82.

The son of a Doctor and a Nurse, Dr Peter followed in his father's footsteps to join the medical profession, qualifying at the age of 22 during the Second World War.  After wartime service, Dr Peter returned to Romsey and joined his father's practice, that we now know as the Alma Road Surgery.

Dr Peter took an active in Romsey life and the Scout Movement was one of many causes close to his heart.  Over 50 years he was in turn District Commissioner, District Chairman and Vice-President, whilst also serving at national and international levels.  As a member of the Chief Scout’s “Advance Party” in the 1960’s, he was responsible for the review of the Scout programme and uniform which saw the end of shorts as standard dress. 

The list of Dr Peter’s interests does not stop with Scouting.  He was a founder member of the Romsey and District Society, and later its Chairman, President of the Romsey Buildings Preservation Trust, Chairman of the 1979 Abbey Appeal fund, President of Romsey Horticultural Society, at least 50 years working with Romsey Hospital, and much more!

It's no wonder that he was awarded an OBE in 1967 and the only ever (that we know of!) Lifetime Commitment Award from Romsey Town Council in 1999.

Romsey Scouts are very proud to have had Dr Peter's support and are delighted that his family have given their blessing to naming the new Community Centre in his honour.  We think he would have been tickled pink at this new facility for the community he dearly loved.