Iain Perkins was well known by many in the Swindon and Wanborough area as a dedicated family man, PE teacher and as a very able sportsman. A most convivial man, he was well liked and well respected by all those that knew him.
Iain worked in the Swindon area and taught at Hreod Parkway/Nova Hreod for many years. His wife Jill continues to work in a primary school. Their 2 daughters have both established professional careers, of which Iain was very proud.
His longevity of service at the secondary school was second to none. In that time he became head of PE and was very active putting on sporting fixtures against other schools, promoting sport to generations of students and providing top quality coaching. He ran the staff football side for a time and took students on many trips to Wembley and Twickenham to give them first hand experience of major sporting events.
Iain played for and served Cirencester Rugby Club for many years. He would sometimes come into work on a Monday morning with bruises and cuts to his face having had a ‘good game’ against the weekends opponents. He also supported Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Football Club and Swindon Rugby Club where some of his ex-students continued to ply their trade.
Iain loved French Boules. He was instrumental in setting up Boules games at his local village pub and worked tirelessly on the fixtures. He loved getting old friends, ex colleagues, ex rugby team mates and others around the Boules piste on a Friday night for a few beers, some food and some good competitive banter. It enabled a host of people to remain in contact and this was highly valued by all.
Iain was also a keen promoter of The Wanborough Vets. This is a group of people resident in the village who regularly participated in all manner of events and raised money for local charities. Iain founded the Wanborough Vets rugby side. He organised tours and games against other sides who were of ‘Vets’ status. The group have raised some £16K for various charities over the years.
When Iain retired from teaching he became a member of South Cerney Golf Course. He would regularly play twice a week with a keen golfing group of friends and ex-colleagues. He had an unusual and quirky manner on the course and was always good company. He was also very competitive.
Iain also undertook voluntary driving work for the NHS and was often delivering patients for appointments and returning them home again. His easy going nature and ability to engage in quality chat was indeed an asset for the job.
Iain passed away suddenly in April 2016. His death has had a huge impact on a wide range of people. Following his sad passing a few of his golfing partners set up the ‘Iain Perkins Memorial’ fund acting, with Jill’s wishes, to support BHF. Their first event is the Iain Perkins Memorial Charity Fundraiser to be staged in April 2017 on the anniversary of his death. It is anticipated that the IPM fund will continue to put on events into the future.