East Ilsley pays tribute to ‘community hero’ Peter Goddard who died, aged 77
A village has mourned the loss of a “funny” and “mischievous” community stalwart.
Peter Goddard, hailed as the “beating heart” of East Ilsley, died at his home on September 16, aged 77.
His funeral was held at St Mary’s Church in the village on October 18.
In a moving tribute, local vet Jamie O'Gorman described Mr Goddard as a “vital cog in the machinery of the community” with a “mischievous twinkle in his eye” and a “wicked sense of humour.”
“His loss comes as such a shock to us all,” he said.
“He was so fiercely protective of the village and all who lived in it.
“He defied the laws of physics in the way he managed to have his eyes and ears absolutely everywhere.
“He was always at the centre of community events, especially his beloved sheep fair where he took great pleasure in being pelted by soaking sponges.
“It never ceased to amaze me how Pete’s fame extended well beyond his kingdom of East Ilsley.
“I only had the pleasure of being escorted down Newbury high street by him once. I might as well have been taking a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard with Robert De Niro. His reach was massive.”
Mr Goddard was born Michael John Brewer in Cambridge on March 25, 1947.
He was put into care after his parents’ relationship broke down during the war.
When he was about 13 months old, Mr Goddard was adopted by Marcus Goddard, a scientist based at Harwell, and his wife Kate Goddard, a teacher at Compton.
He was renamed and his lifelong connection with East Ilsley began.
He attended East Ilsley Primary School before moving onto a boarding school in Kent.
After leaving school, he worked at a farm in Chaddleworth for eight years.
He later turned to work in construction, when he was involved in building the M4.
He also did stints playing football and dancing in his time.
He is survived by his daughter and five grandchildren.
“He often spoke about his daughter to us when we were younger,” added O'Gorman.
“He used to come into the kitchen with a beaming smile announcing the arrival of each of his grandchildren.
“I am still driving around the village expecting to pass him by the duck pond waving his arms and shouting abuse at me.”
The departure of Mr Goddard’s coffin gained a round of applause, as the chimes of Bring me Sunshine played jauntily on the organ.
Rest in peace, Mr Goddard.