A Pixie Day stalwart received a birthday surprise of his own as supporters gathered to celebrate his 90th birthday and decades of community service.
Richard Coley was honoured at a surprise party on Saturday, October 10, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to Scouting, Guiding and community life in Ottery St Mary.
Speaking at the celebration, Pixie Day organiser Catriona Paton said the town’s Scout and Guide groups had shared around £70,000 over the past 27 years.
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Richard and the late John Toy created the Joint Scout and Guide Committee, bringing representatives from the organisations together.
Catriona said: “Thank you for coming along to celebrate the fundraising by Pixie Day and the man who is behind it all.
“Monies raised each year are all due to Richard’s commitment to Ottery Scouting and Guiding, or Pixie Day as we all know it.”
She paid tribute to his practical help behind the scenes, from moving furniture to taking charge of the barbecue.
“We are here to thank Richard for his ongoing commitment, moving chairs, tables, helping to load and unload the vans etc, stepping up to run the BBQ when no-one else is available!!”
Catriona recalled meeting Richard while stewarding at Holiday on Ice in February 1996, when he asked whether she would like to get involved in Pixie Day.
“My reply was ‘what is Pixie Day!!’” she said.
“I, personally, would like to thank Richard for getting me involved in Pixie Day; it has meant I have met many lovely people over the 30 years, some I can now call friends and many acquaintances – Thank you.”
Richard’s contribution was previously recognised when he was named Ottery’s Citizen of the Year in 2018.
The tribute accompanying that award credited him with resurrecting Pixie Day in 1977 alongside John Toy and others in the Scout movement, and helping develop attractions including its fireworks display.
It also recognised his involvement in Christmas carols, church bellringing, guided tours, local theatre and charities.
Richard moved to Ottery in 1969 with his wife Cynthia and their two young children, Stephen and Jill, to take up a senior post at Bicton College.
Their son Andrew was born soon afterwards.
In a 2019 interview, he said taking early retirement in 1992 had enabled him to become involved in voluntary activities.
Reflecting on life in the town, Richard said: “The thing I most like about Ottery is how easy it is to get to know people.
“Going into the town on a Saturday morning is like going into a club.
“The problem is that I never know how long I will be out, because of all the people I meet.”
The birthday gathering also provided an opportunity to thank those who have supported Pixie Day and encourage more people to take part.
Catriona said: “You have all been invited today to celebrate your input to Pixie Day over the years in many different ways, you know what you have done each and every year, and continue to do so.
“For Pixie Day to continue it is very important for future families to be involved for Pixie Day and for Scouting and Guiding to thrive here in Ottery.”
She highlighted the need for volunteers and leaders to support the town’s youth groups, as well as more help for the Pixie Day committee.
“By helping at Pixie Day parents can have that sense of belonging, a chance to make new friends, and help build a friendly community,” she said.
“In the past some parents made a point to meet at Pixie Day and run a stall together, have a chat and catch up.”
She ended her tribute: “Thank you and Happy belated 90th birthday Richard, and hopefully you have many more.”
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