| Administrative History | Edgar Robert Leslie (Peter) Powell was a sprinter in his youth and attended Dronfield Grammar School 1916-1922. After leaving school, Powell became a teacher in Chesterfield and taught at New Whittington Mixed, Christ Church Mixed, St Helen's Street Boys, Central Boys, Old Road Primary, Hasland Hall and William Rhodes Schools. He was appointed headteacher of Gilbert Heathcote in 1943 and the first headteacher at the new Dunston Primary Junior School in 1952. He retired in 1966.
Powell was a well-known sports administrator, serving under various roles with a number of local and national sports and athletics organisations:
- Chesterfield Cycling and Athletic Club: founding member of the reformed club 1923, Secretary 1927-1937, President 1947-1952 (the first following the reforming of the club after the Second World War). Appointed Life Vice President in 1952.
- Chesterfield Schools' Sports Association: founding member in 1928, Secretary 1933-1965, Athletics Section Secretary 1933-1965, President 1957-1965. Appointed Life Honorary Member 1952.
- Derbyshire Schools' Athletics Association: first Treasurer 1930-1933, Secretary 1933-1936, Athletics Section Secretary and Team Manager 1931-1937. Appointed Life Vice President in 1937.
- Northern Counties Athletic Association (NCAA) Sheffield District No. 12: Committee member from 1936, Secretary 1945-1957, Chair 1957-1960.
- Sheffield and District Cross Country Association (disbanded 1946): Secretary 1939-1946
- Chesterfield Municipal Sports Committee (defunct 1953): Secretary 1944-1953
- Northern Counties Athletic Association (NCAA), founded 1879: attended the first post-war meeting in 1946, served as Treasurer and Team Manager from 1947, Championships Secretary 1947-1964, President for 1979, and was appointed a Life Vice President in 1963.
- Amateur Athletics Association (AAA): member of the General Committee from 1947 and served on various committes. Given Award of honour in 1964 and appointed a Life Vice President in 1967.
- Staveley Works Sports Club (sports ceased 1958): Athletic events organiser 1950-1958
- Derbyshire County Amateur Athletics Association (now Derbyshire Athletics): founding member and Vice President from 1953.
Powell also served as Grade 1 Starter, officiating at the AAA Championships, Internationals, etc. and as Clerk of Course for Field Events at the 1948 London Olympic Games, on behalf of the British Amateur Athletic Board (BAAB). With the BAAB, he took athletes to Japan, South America and Eastern Europe to complete. In 1965 he led a sixstrong British team to success at two international meetings in Madrid and Barcelona. |