by Alan Quick

HEARTFELT tributes to a man who served his community in many ways were made at his funeral service last month.

St Matthew’s Church at Coldridge was full to capacity, as was Coldridge Village Hall, where mourners also took part in the service to remember Peter Clarke Bailey, by televised link.

Friends and family of Peter, who had farmed at Coldridge for many years before retirement, had travelled from far and wide to pay their respects.

Paul Evans paid tribute to Peter’s contribution to public service as a leader and member of the Rotary Club of Crediton, amongst other charitable societies.

He said Peter had held various offices within the club, twice as president, and added that he was awarded the highest Rotary Award, a Paul Harris Fellowship, for his outstanding loyalty to the club and for his work in the community, an award of which he had been extremely proud.

WILLING VOLUNTEER

Paul said: “Peter was always the willing volunteer, never the pressed man”, adding that he lived up to the ideals of the Rotary movement, Service Above Self, and was sadly missed.

Peter’s nephew, Nicholas, spoke movingly of his affection and respect for Peter as an inspirational role model and a good friend.

He and Peter’s son, Andrew, spoke of Peter’s creativity and craftsmanship shown in the pleasure he took in wood turning.

They spoke of his skill as a wind surfer, but most of all they spoke of his love of the land and of his animals, which he called and knew by name, and for which nothing was too much trouble.

Rev Lindsey Starrs spoke of Peter’s love of music - quite eclectic - Shirley Bassey was played at the end of the service.

Peter and Mary had loved Ballroom Dancing, their favourite dance being the very elegant Foxtrot. Peter also loved cricket and got his first team colours.

Peter and Mary had 58 happy years together and they served their community in different ways.

Mary, as a member of the Parochial Church Council, had often suggested that Peter would help with practical matters like repairs and fittings.

SORELY MISSED

She said that Peter “loved to have a job or project to work on”.

Rev Starrs said: “We owe the lovely metal handrail beside the cobble path to the church to Peter’s expertise.

“Peter had become a member of the PCC which immediately felt the benefit of his experience and wisdom and the long list of practical tasks he took on like repairing the louvres in the tower and suggesting less expensive methods of going about our tasks.

“Peter was that rare commodity, a truly gentle gentleman: with a capacity for friendship and service.

“He was a man who took his faith seriously, demonstrated in his genuine love of God and for his creation and in service to his community.

“He will be sorely missed. Our prayers are for Mary, Anthony and Andrew and their families.”

Peter attended Bolton School, in Lancashire, after which he went to the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester. There he attained a National Diploma in Agriculture with honours.

His arrival at Westacott, Coldridge was delayed until February 1958 because of Foot and Mouth restrictions in Bolton.

It was in 1969, after training, that Peter became a Magistrate, a duty he enjoyed for 35 years and certainly did not want to retire when he was aged 70, as is the norm.

Peter made some of the furniture in the family home, including their lovely dining table, which Mary says is still in use.

His woodturning in later life was a favourite pastime and he specialised in working with Monkey Puzzle wood.

On the farm Peter first kept Red Polls but changed to Friesians, building up a Pedigree herd.

His farm also hosted field trials for the Grassland Research Centre at North Wyke, near North Tawton, and other colleges, including national colleges. Peter became a skilled farmer and respected farmer.

Peter was a member of the Round Table from 1968, for many years, before joining the Rotary Club of Crediton.

Peter passed way on Saturday, November 19, aged 80 years.

Mary said he will be sorely missed by his family, of whom he was incredibly proud, and would always tell everyone about his five grandchildren’s achievements.

“He was always willing to help anyone and he will leave a huge void. He was a lovely, kind and caring man - a real gentleman,” she said.

Donations in memory of Peter, have been distributed by A White and Sons, funeral directors, of Crediton, to Devon Air Ambulance Trust and local Crediton Rotary Charities.