WHEN the funeral service for Maurice Wonnacott is held at Crediton Parish Church on Thursday, October 8, he will be driven past his pub, The Three Little Pigs at Crediton on the way to the 11.30am service. 

This is to give people the chance to say their farewells as the service is invitation only because of the current restrictions on numbers.

Maurice was 69 when he died last month, on holiday with his wife, Sandy, in Greece, one of his favourite places. 

Born in Chiswick, London, Maurice moved to Crediton when a young man with his parents.  One of his jobs before moving to Devon was with progressive rock band Emerson Lake and Palmer. 

He played rugby for Crediton and ran an antiques shop in the town until he bought the former Market House Inn on Parliament Street in 1987, renaming it The Three Little Pigs.  

The following year they opened Pomeroy’s Wine Bar with refurbishment of the main pub still going on. 

It gained a name then and still does for all the quirky bits and pieces around the walls, hanging from the ceilings, everywhere there was space.

By then Maurice also owned the North Bridge Inn and the Crown and Sceptre in Exeter as well as Timepiece. 

Very keen on sport, Maurice used to sponsor Sandford Cricket Club and Crediton RFC Firsts, transferring to sponsor the RFC Ladies. 

One web site has described Maurice as “one of Devon’s most well-known pub and club owners”.  Sandy described him as “a free spirit”. Others have said he was a “a true legend” and “wonderful businessman”, his pub being “laid back and chilled”.  He was certainly a lovely man, always ready for a chat and a laugh with customers, leaving quite a hole in the town. 

Sandy said that so many people had sent her their condolences and that Maurice would have been totally amazed at how many people’s lives he had touched, giving enjoyment and support. 

With Sandy, Maurice leaves sons Ashley, Ben, Aidan and their youngest Taylor.  Also grandchildren Casey and Jaxon. 

Sandy said: ““The pub will remain open as we all agreed this was what Maurice would have wanted.

“Maurice took great pleasure in helping with all the deliveries during the Covid 19 lockdown and was pleased that he could help all the vulnerable and isolated people of Crediton even though he would have been one of the ’at risk’ himself having a heart problem and being diabetic.

“If you do only one thing after reading this, make sure it is checking up on your friends and family, even if just to say hello. Sometimes that’s all someone needs.”

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent for Pete’s Dragons via LeRoy Funeral Services, 94-95 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LB

Lou Chalmers and Crediton RFC

Crediton RFC President, Roger Holloway has sent the following message on the death of Hew Robert Hannay Chalmers (Lou), a great friend of Maurice’s. 

Crediton RFC is sad to announce the death of our dear friend Lou. Lou was born on February 23, 1933 and passed away peacefully at the RD and E Hospital on Tuesday, September 15 at 8.30pm.  

He was a renowned Rhodesian sportsman, soldier, farmer and oil rigger.  He moved to the Crediton area following the destruction of his farm arising after Government changes in the 1980’s and his clandestine activities with the "Selous Scouts”.  

He leaves behind his beloved wife Ann, having just recently celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

Maurice Wonnacott, Sandy and all the family have been the best of friends to him over recent years and he really appreciated their comfort and support.  

Whilst Lou was suffering from ongoing health problems, the loss of Maurice greatly affected him.  As a couple of great supporters to the Club, we will miss them both for their friendship and generosity, especially to our Ladies Team.

Hopefully the time will come soon when the Club can honour their passing in an appropriate celebration of their lives.

His funeral service was held yesterday (Thursday, October 1) at the Exeter and Devon Crematorium but to allow local people to pay their respects, his final journey included a period of time on the main pitch of the rugby club.

Rest in Peace gentlemen.