THE Crediton music community received with sadness the news of the passing of our great friend Pete Mason in late October.

Pete was buried at the woodland burial ground at Littleham near Exmouth last Friday, November 6, although due to the pandemic restrictions only a small number of family and close friends were able to attend.

Many of Pete’s friends from Crediton and Shobrooke turned out in the Town Square to watch his coffin pass through and say a final goodbye to a much-loved figure on the local scene.

Many readers will know Pete from one or more of the many activities in which he was involved in the area.

He would often be seen clearing woodlands and hedges with his friends John Downes, Charles Mossman and Eddy Kay as part of the Sustainable Crediton Wood Group.

From that genesis Pete and John formed “The Woodmen” with Leslie Hampson, later joined by Steve Ewart and Stuart Toms, who played at many events and functions around Crediton.

Pete was a talented self-taught guitarist and harmonica player, and a prolific songwriter.

He was involved for many years in Busk It!, started the Red Lion Open Mic in Shobrooke, and from that grew the annual Shofest event.

Pete was also heavily involved in Extinction Rebellion, joining many of their local and national protests and organising the local ER music group.

Recently he started presenting the Music Spotlight podcast on Crediton Radio, showcasing local musicians from many different genres. Latterly he also played several times at Share in the Square during the summer, which sadly turned out to be the final gigs he would play.

Many of these musical activities had a charitable focus, including “The Woodmen’s” CD “Shobrooke Moon”, which raised money for cancer charities, while money raised at Shofest was donated to the Sarah’s Bedroom appeal, and he played several fundraisers for the Arts Centre.

In memory of Pete’s boundless humanity, passion and altruism, “The Woodmen” have worked closely with Pete’s wife Diana and the Arts Centre to set up The Pete Mason Music Fund.

This fund will offer bursaries to developing musicians who need a helping hand to progress their musical careers, perhaps to help buy a new instrument, pay for voice lessons or recording costs.

Donations can be made by cheque (made out to Crediton Arts Centre) or bank transfer. Details can be found on the Crediton Arts Centre website: www.creditonartscentre.org or via Facebook.

On behalf of Busk It!, the Red Lion Open Mic community, the Arts Centre and all on the Crediton music scene who knew Pete, we say farewell to this kind, caring, talented, passionate man. We will miss him always.

Jack Robson