John Sowerby (05.05.39 – 28.04.2025)
WHEN John and his wife, Rita, bought a small coffee shop in the Market Place in Wolsingham, they
thought that is what they would have – a small coffee shop, named Peggotty’s after a favourite
Dickens character.
From the day the shop opened, after several weeks of renovation, it was clear that the residents
and holiday makers of Wolsingham needed something more. The small selection of pies and cakes
on sale were snapped up in an hour and customers wanted to know when more would be available.
So, the business had to deviate to split between a bakery and coffee shop.
The very small kitchen meant staff had to work in shifts to produce all the baked goods required.
Theresa Crampsie and Ann Lally were the first employees, working hard to help establish the
business.
When the Queen’s Head public house in Angate Street came on the market, it was the obvious
choice for new premises. After a battle with the Planning Department, the go-ahead was given to
erect a custom-built bakery and develop the area at the front for a shop and cafe.
The new Peggotty’s was opened by Hannah Hauxwell in 1992. With extra space and ovens, John
was able to pursue his passion for bread making. He developed several rustic recipes, including
Hoagies, small rolls with a mixture of seeds and flours. People from Durham and Sunderland would
come to the shop on a Saturday to buy a week’s supply of bread.
John was a proud father of two daughters, Mary and Helen, both former pupils of St. Anne’s High
School in Wolsingham, and a son, Nathan, who began his school life at St. Thomas’ Primary School.
He was a devoted grandfather to Maria, Daniel and Catherine.
The last years of John’s life were spent in a small East Yorkshire village, tending his garden and
enjoying visits from his family and friends. Sadly, a progressive lung disease plus Alzheimer’s
Dementia took their toll and he died, with his wife of 58 years, his daughter and grand-daughter by
his side on the 28 th April.
John’s funeral will take place on Thursday, 29 th May at Haltemprice Crematorium, East Yorkshire.
HU10 6NS.
