Tributes paid to John de Cani from The Stowaways

 John de Cani, former drummer for The Stowaways and a volunteer bus driver, was described as a  'local celebrity' in Moreton.

Mr de Cani spent his younger years growing up in Condicote and Lower Swell before spending most of his life in Moreton in Marsh and Adlestrop alongside his wife, Angela.

Daughter Michelle Biston described her father as quite the local celebrity and how people would frequently stop him in the streets to speak to him.

The Stowaways, with John de Cani in the centre. (Image: Michelle Biston)

Mr de Cani helped form his band, The Stowaways, in the 60s and played throughout the decade.

The Stowaways often rehearsed at Condicote Village Hall, played at gigs in Evesham, Cheltenham and Worcester and supported names like The Moody Blues.

Alongside this, Mr de Cani also performed alongside legendary Who bass player  John Entwistle, who stepped into play alongside the group for a charity concert.

The poster advertising the charity concert John Entwistles performed in. (Image: Michelle Biston)

Mrs Biston said: "They were all over the news, and Dad loved being a local celebrity.

"People would stop him in the street to speak to him.

"He loved speaking about this to anyone he met and kept all of his memories to show carers and nurses.

"They recorded a CD shortly after this, which was played at his funeral."

Mr de Cani was a keen gardener who loved competing in the Home and Garden section at Moreton Show with vegetables, chutneys and wines.

He finally won the Goodenough Cup for his wine, which his daughter said he was ecstatic about.

During his life, Mr de Cani worked as a gardener for Hinchwick Manor, a driver for The Fire College and a Salesman at Nuswift Fire Extinguishers.

He also enjoyed volunteering as a driver for The Villager bus service when he retired.

He is survived by his wife Angela, his daughter Michelle Biston and his three grandchildren, Willow, Peggy and Reggie Biston.

Mr de Cani's funeral took place on September 19.