Peter McDonough

I loved my years at Mill Hill (and Belmont before that). It was a great challenge moving the school on in the Winfield years and I loved working with him.

What is the most interesting thing about you?

I’m not sure what my most interesting feature is (perhaps ask others!). I am blessed however to have a really interesting life. Work at Ted Baker is fascinating, involving lectures, mentoring, product development, project management and historical consultancy. My work as Next Generation Coordinator for Urban Partners has taken me back into schools and allowed me to work with some wonderful people in the Kings Cross community.

Do you keep in touch with any OMs?

I see or hear from a lot of ex-pupils. Most recently, a group of OMs helped me deliver the Ted Baker Challenge, as part of the Camden Summer University for young people. Matti Thal (who also helped out with a homework club locally), Joe Yellon, Ben Kelvin and Sophie Ward were all brilliant, supporting a weeklong Dragon’s Den type project. A number of OMs also work here at Ted Baker, Gabriel Evans is full-time, Izzy Gilchrist parttime (during vacations from the Courtauld) and Fabio Bragoli works for an associated company as an architect. After his arrival here, it took Fabio three months to stop calling me Sir!

Most inspiring teacher at school and why?

William was a pragmatic leader with a strong moral code and a deep affection for Mill Hill, its history and values. It was a privilege to be part of his management team. I am still in contact with colleagues from my Belmont and Mill Hill days. Kevin Douglas is one of my oldest and closest friends. He even asked me to be the guest of honour at his final prize day as Head of UCS Junior Branch! Mark Dickinson and I still catch up and spend evenings together putting the world to rights and Peter Lawson emails me frequently with some of the world’s worst jokes!

Which four famous people would you invite to a dinner party?

I would like to convene an OM dinner party. My guests would be: Herbert Ward (adventurer, artist, sculptor and soldier), Keith Murray (pilot, designer and architect), Ralph Tubbs (Festival of Britain architect) and Norman Hartnell (fashion designer). All 4 of these great men have featured in lectures I have given as part of my role here at Ted Baker.

What is your proudest moment and why?

My proudest moments are my marriage to my wife Sue and the births of my three sons.

My proudest moment from Mill Hill was walking out of St Paul’s Cathedral after the Bicentennial Service. I had been charged with organising the celebrations for bicentenary and the St Paul’s service went exactly plan…..even the weather was perfect.

If you won £10 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money?

If I won £10 million in the lottery, I’d give money to the youth groups I work with in the Kings Cross area. I would also want to support the work of The Reading Agency, probably by funding the Quick Reads scheme. I would also help my boys with property and buy myself an Austin Healey 3000.

A piece of advice you would pass on to those leaving Mill Hill School.

My driving force ( and advice to Millhillians) is to always try to reach your full potential and never have any regrets about missed opportunities.

Your favourite quote?

My favourite quote also sums up the key lesson I learnt from school. I finished my farewell chapel with it in 2014. It’s written by Lennon and McCartney

“And in the end, The Love you take, Is equal to the love you make.”