Funeral for beloved parish peacock called Henry Percy killed in Christmas hit-and-run

Henry Percy Peacock, the "welcomer" to Grouville, was believed to be around 15 or 16 years old when he died at the end of 2023. Picture: Grouville Parish Hall (37285117)

A FUNERAL will be held this weekend for a beloved parish peacock called Henry Percy who died in a hit-and-run during the Christmas break.

Grouville Constable Mark Labey said the “absolutely beautiful” exotic bird was “the largest peacock I have ever seen, and in perfect condition”.

Mr Labey said they thought he was around 15 or 16 years old at the time of his untimely death.

Henry Percy had been “adopted” by Wendy Durrell, who lives near the Parish Hall and tried feeding him different foods, eventually settling on blueberries and cat food – and above all, blueberry muffins.

After being hit by a car during the festive break, Henry Percy was later propped up by the side of the road by a parishioner.

The parish’s Chef de Police, Drew Livingston, then alerted Mr Labey.

Mr Labey added that as peacocks were wild animals, there was no requirement for the driver to stop, and that it would be pointless to try and find out who had hit him.

In honour of Henry Percy’s love for blueberry muffins, they will be served at his funeral, which is set to take place on Saturday.

He will be buried outside Grouville Parish Hall, and a small service is planned at noon.

Mr Labey said: “I’ve known him for a long time.

“His voice carried all over the parish… He was kind of the welcomer to Grouville.”

Mr Labey reminisced about the bird’s “beautiful” display and “a very big voice”.

“I only saw him display a couple of times, and to see that is an absolute wonder of nature.

“Millions of years of evolution have come to this,” he added. “We’re just going to miss him.”

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