THE death of the man behind the tale of Peter Pan, Sir James Barrie, was reported in the Journal 75 years ago.

J M Barrie was a frequent visitor to the area, particularly Broadway and Stanway, and it is said the inspiration for his most famous work arrived while he was staying at Stanway House.

The story has it that sunlight reflecting off one of the historic house’s ponds shone through his bedroom window and shimmered on the wall, inspiring the character of Tinkerbell.

His death occurred at the age of 77 on May 9, 1937, at a nursing home in London.

The Journal’s report of his passing said Peter Pan “would live for ever unless in the future children became too sophisticated to appreciate the delightful adventures of Hook and all the rest”.

Mr Barrie went to Broadway for the first time in 1898 when he stayed at Wisteria Cottage.

During this stay in the village he kept a keen eye on local life and was particularly impressed by the village policeman.

In his hostess’s visitor book he wrote: “Ever on the move in Broadway, a melancholy, not undignified figure, looking to the right and left for the criminal who never was and never will be there, he circles round the face of Broadway continually like the hand of a seven-day clock.”

Towards the end of the 19th century, Sir James captained a cricket team known as the Allahakbarries, which included well-known personalities in the literary, dramatic and artistic worlds. The team played many games at Broadway, Stanway and Fairford.

It was at one match in June 1925, when a reporter from the Journal was the only newsman present, that Sir James made a remark typical to him.

He said to his opposition: “I would remind them that even if they perchance lose, they have advantages which bachelors do not possess. It is far better to have a loving wife than to make a 50 at cricket. Aye, better to have a loving wife than to make 99 at cricket.

“I won’t go beyond that.”