Colin Perchard, a British Council diplomat who spent 47 years with the organisation and rose to become minister (cultural affairs) in India, has died aged 85. His most visible achievement was a cultural programme celebrating 50 years of Indian independence, coinciding with the 1997 state visit of Queen Elizabeth II, who appointed him CVO.
Early life and career beginnings
Born in occupied Jersey to Win (née Horn) and Bill Perchard, farmers, Colin attended Victoria College. He was the first in his family to attend university, studying history at Liverpool and graduating in 1963. Determined to work in postcolonial Africa, he joined the British Council and was posted to Malawi as an assistant representative in 1964. There he met Elisabeth Jones, marrying her in 1970.
Opening new British Council offices
The couple were briefly posted to Calcutta (now Kolkata). After the Bangladesh liberation war ended, Colin was sent in 1972 to open a new British Council office in Dhaka, his first post as director. This was the first of several new centres he enthusiastically developed: South Korea followed in 1973, and in 1980, newly independent Zimbabwe. For his impact on educational and cultural life in Zimbabwe after years of racism and war, he was appointed OBE in 1985.
Legacy in India and beyond
During Colin’s time in Delhi, the British Council promoted partnerships between India and the UK in education, science, technology, and the arts. His defining legacies were the programmes for change he created and the lasting connections he made with people of all kinds. He and Lis formed a tremendously effective partnership, fostering warmth and appreciation for the UK worldwide.
Retirement and final years
On retiring in 2000, Colin returned to Jersey's cultural life, serving as trustee of several international and local organisations. An autoimmune disease deprived him of mobility but never his optimism and joy for life. According to his obituary, 'A big man, with a big mission to improve lives, Colin was a huge personality in every way, and his laugh rang out till the end.' He is survived by Lis and their sons, Nick, Jonty, and Adam.
