Pictures

This newspaper cutting from the North Devon Journal Herald reports the death of Mr Charles Pearce of Pilton House at the age of 88 in December 1945. As well as being Mayor of both South Molton and Barnstaple (the latter in 1919), he had been Secretary of Barnstaple Staghounds, and was a Past President of Barnstaple Agricultural Association, a former Chairman of Barnstaple Conservative Association, and Churchwarden of Pilton Church.

The headline refers to the 'Song of Victory' he wrote in his 85th year which was acknowledged by wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In his youth, Charles Pearce had been a leading chorister and he played many musical instruments.

Thanks to Sue Pearce for this cutting. She is his grand-daughter-in-law and was married to his grandson 'Dick' Pearce.