Interview
Building a future on gems from the past
He ’ s weathered everything from early family break-up to homelessness , struggled with dyslexia and survived a tough six years in the Army – but Peter Smith is finally following his dream and running his own business – Shanklin Antiques . He tells Island Life how he got there , and his vision for the future .
Life couldn ’ t be looking more rosy for Peter Smith at the moment . Happily settled with his partner and biggest supporter Becky , they were overjoyed at the birth of their daughter Annabell on December 3 , and have just rented extra space at Rectory Mansion in Brading to expand on their blossoming Shanklin shop business , found at 52B High Street . “ I really have Becky to thank for all her support throughout this journey ” he says . “ Nothing would have been possible without her belief in me and the business ”. It was all a very different picture as recently as 2010 though , when Peter left the Army after a six year term and found himself with nowhere to live . His mother had moved away from his native Twickenham and without any other support , he ended up living for three months in a tent in his brother-in-law ’ s garden because there was just no spare room in the house . He describes this as “ one of the lowest points of my life ”. But it was certainly a test of his mettle and determination , because rather than feel sorry for himself , he got hold of a bucket and leather , bought a window blade from Poundland and started cleaning windows . As he couldn ’ t drive , he had to carry the ladders and kit around with him all day - and then went home to sleep in his tent .
Leather cricket balls £ 2 each
Tough training
The Army training had no doubt helped . As
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