Tributes have been paid to a Wistaston resident who shot to national fame for his cheeky garden gnomes which entertained villagers and motorists.
Laurence Ronald Perry, known affectionately to many as “Lol”, has died at the age of 85.
His sense of humour was reflected in his famous collection of garden gnomes, which stood outside his house year-round and became a talking point in the community.
And in 2017, his gnomes brought national and international attention when Cheshire East Council threatened to remove some of them for what they claimed were causing a distraction to passing motorists.
One of the gnomes could be seen cheekily baring his backside by the side of the road.
Nantwich News broke the exclusive story which then featured on the BBC and in national and international newspapers as far afield as India and the United States.
It also sparked a “Save Our Gnomes” campaign and petition to keep them in the village!
Born in 1940, Laurence spent many happy years living on Westfield Drive, where he became a familiar and friendly presence within the village.
Before his retirement, Laurence was a well-known and respected greengrocer, serving customers across Nantwich, Crewe and the surrounding areas.
Away from work, Laurence loved walking through local woodland with dogs, took enormous pride in his home and was a keen gardener.
At Christmas time, Laurence brought joy to neighbours and passers-by with his festive light display, which brightened not only his front garden but also the public green in front of his home.
He shared 61 devoted years of marriage with his beloved wife Margaret and was a much-loved father and father-in-law to James and Angela, and Beth and Ian.
A cherished grandad and great-grandad to Oliver, William, Joe, Charlie, Edgar, Monte, Arthur and Harry, Laurence will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Laurence’s funeral will take place on Friday 20th February 2026 at 12.15pm at Crewe Crematorium. Family flowers only, with donations if desired in support of St Luke’s Hospice.
All enquiries to A W Burrows & Son, Independent Family Funeral Directors, Swanley, Nantwich, CW5 8QB. Telephone: 01270 524243.
https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/perry/5288095
(Words and pics courtesy of Jonathan White)
Condolences to his family and friends, his lovely flowers and fantastic Christmas lights will be greatly missed, not forgetting his gnomes of course.