Tring is a very special town

In the first of a new series of profiles on Tring folk, we find out more about Peter Ashman, who has recently taken on the role of chairman for Community Action Dacorum, and is also a trustee of Tring Arts Trust.

Peter Ashman has become a familiar figure in Tring’s cultural and community life. A trustee of both Community Action Dacorum and Tring Arts Trust, he has lived in the town since 2011, and speaks warmly about the place he now calls home.

He’s married to Jane Ducklin, whom he describes with evident pride, as ‘a fantastic osteopath’. The couple met 14 years ago, and their shared life in Tring has been shaped by family, creativity and community involvement.

Originally from Balham in south London, Peter jokes that his arrival into the world caused such alarm that the hospital where he was born closed just two weeks later.

His move to Tring was prompted by family rather than long-held plans to relocate. When his son Joe secured a place in the sixth form at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Peter wanted a base where his son could come and go easily during his studies. It proved to be a wise decision. Joe thrived at Tring Park and has gone on to build a successful career as an actor, appearing in productions including the Netflix series Free Rein, the BBC teen thriller Get Even, Casualty, and numerous stage roles.

Peter’s involvement in the local community grew steadily. He first encountered Community Action Dacorum (CAD) through Radio Dacorum, which is run by the charity. He began presenting The Golden Oldies Show, a role he still enjoys every Sunday morning at 8am, and through this became increasingly aware of the breadth and impact of CAD’s work. Three years ago, he joined the organisation as a trustee, and last December he was elected chairman by his fellow board members.

He describes CAD as ‘a wonderful organisation with a fantastically dedicated team of employees, which does an enormous amount to help improve the lives of people in Dacorum and beyond’.

There are, however, significant challenges ahead. The government’s Local Reform Act is set to reshape local government in Hertfordshire, leading to the dissolution of the Borough of Dacorum. Many of the essential services CAD provides are currently funded by the borough, and while the need for these services will not disappear, future funding arrangements remain unclear. Peter is realistic about the uncertainty but remains optimistic. CAD, he believes, is a strong, well-respected organisation that is well-placed to navigate this period of change.

Peter is also a trustee of Tring Arts Trust (‘I encourage people to visit tringartstrust.co.uk to see the work that we do.’), a role that reflects his deep enthusiasm for the arts: ‘I love the work that Tring Arts Trust does – helping to support the performing arts in Tring and the surrounding area with a focus, wherever possible on supporting inclusion and innovation.’

Recent projects have included helping to launch Tring Community Orchestra, funding British Sign Language interpreters, supporting relaxed performances, and contributing to the costs of flying cast members for The Witches of Eastwick.

Both trusteeships are voluntary, as is his work on the radio. Before retiring, Peter was CEO of an international healthcare information company that publishes The British Medical Journal. He retired early seven years ago, and has since chaired a Sport England charity. Retirement has also given him and Jane the chance to travel more widely.

When he’s not immersed in community projects, Peter’s priorities are firmly rooted in family. ‘My daughter Melody has given us two perfect grandsons so we love spending time with them.’ Jane dances with Whitchurch Morris, and while Peter draws the line at donning bells himself, he happily travels around the country to support the team.

For Peter, Tring is not just where he lives; it is where his personal, social and voluntary lives intersect.

What I love about…

…the area

Tring is a very special town – it punches above its weight culturally with so many wonderful performances and events throughout the year. The sense of community also makes it special – the Carnival, Apple Week, the Christmas Fair, and the Tring Lions’ Carol Concert at Christmas – I’m the one who leads the carols from the stage and tells the terrible jokes! This year we had a record turnout – it’s a unique event.

…best local places

We’re blessed with some excellent pubs, restaurants, and cafés. I can’t pick between them but my favourite shop is definitely Fancy That.