|
|
Peter Barnett 5thDan
|
I had been doing judo for only a few months when I attended the Midland Championships where I was impressed to see Keith and Les win. I also noticed they were being keenly coached by a Mr Peter Barnett. The seeds then were sown for my desire to become a member of your winning team.
In May 1968 I attended a weekend course at Lilleshall Hall and was delighted to find that you were running the course. At the end of the weekend you invited me to train at Solihull Judo Club and I eagerly accepted. After being coached by you I achieved my ambition of becoming a member of the winning team you had created. I always looked forward to the National Team Championships with relish!
During my teens you not only coached me, but you kept me on the straight and narrow. This was not an easy task. You also invited me into your home where I was made to feel part of your family. After all these years I still think of Bar as an absolute treasure and friend.
When younger I was infuriated that I could never work hard enough and my achievements were never good enough for you. Do you remember when we went on holiday together in Majorca and you made me spend at least one hour per day, before sun up, working out on the beach. It was all worth it to beat the Londoners!
As I have grown older I now realise that to be a winner and stay at the top you must always strive for better and I attribute my moderate success in business to the adoption of your philosophy.
Peter, to this day I regret the fact that I did not win the gold in Russia, it was not good enough, you were right, as usual. Also, I regret that I have not given my son the opportunity to be trained and moulded by you, as I was, at the world famous Solihull Judo Club.
You will always remain a star, thank you for everything you have done for me over the years.
Love
Geoff Hobbs 3rd Dan
(Proud to be one of Peter's lads)