I live in the South West of England on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. I was born in and lived in London for many years but the best thing I ever did in my life was to move to rural England and particularly Exmoor which is so beautiful. My two great interests are growing orchids and photography. I can certainly appreciate the beauty and the skill that has gone into producing modern hybrids but my personal interest lies mainly in growing the God made species. I particularly enjoy being able to photograph the orchids in my own collection and of course our local countryside.

Addendum 13th June 2014

Peter sadly died on 27th May 2014. I, David Cronin, was asked to give a eulogy for him at his funeral. I have been asked to add this to his profile by his wife. My eulogy was as follows:-

'I first got to know Peter about seventeen years ago through a mutual friend. Peter and our mutual friend Tony had originally known each other in London and would often meet to put the world to rights. I was invited to join their discussions by Tony and from that beginning a friendship began between Peter and me. After Tony’s death thirteen years ago Peter and I continued to meet and our discussions would range over world affairs, religion and our joint passion for photography.

But who was Peter? Peter was born in London, the elder of 2 brothers and attended St. Aloysius College although his family were not Catholic. During his time there he was drawn to the church and felt left out by not belonging to the faith; when he finally joined the Church 25 years ago he felt he was coming home. Following National Service in the RAF he had a number of jobs including working for Gaevart , a Belgian photographic company. At one point he did some work as a professional freelance photographer, the start of his life-long passion for photography. He later started his own company providing supplies for the printing industry and then turned another great enthusiasm for orchids into running Exmoor Orchids in Porlock for 20 years. His articles and photographs were widely circulated and his expertise as a grower is well-remembered by collectors. At our last meeting he gave me a copy of an American magazine which had used one of his photographs on the cover of its latest edition.

I

n addition to an active business life, Peter was a family man with three sons and a daughter and grandchildren.

What was the essence of Peter? Well to me at his core he was a searcher. He was always trying to find answers to questions that concerned him which made for many enjoyable conversations. A conversation could start out discussing a problem he was having with his photographic equipment, it could then turn to a problem in the world that he could not get to the bottom of and it might then change to a discussion on a passage from the Bible which he was wrestling with. Often two hours would pass as the conversation drifted in meandering directions. Very enjoyable and it is something I know I will miss.

My lasting memory of Peter will be of very good friend who you could rely on when needed. Nine years ago I was involved in a bad car crash which put me in hospital. Peter went to my house and got my car papers and initiated the insurance claim for me. The first I knew of this was when he came into the hospital and told me the claim was in hand; the mark of a true friend and a very Christian gesture.'

The account will remain open and pictures may be used for charitable, educational, and non profit purposes as long as Peter Tremain is credited as the photographer.