1 July 1935 – 3 August 2024
John was born in Chirton on 1 July 1935 and lived in the village for most of his life. He was educated at the local primary school and later at Devizes Southbroom School. Upon leaving school he commenced an apprenticeship with Chivers in Devizes where he worked as a metal worker and smith until they closed, after which he worked for Devizes Joinery. He was a very skilled and dedicated worker.
John was taught to ring by his father, William (Bill), who was the Tower Captain at St John the Baptist Chirton. Bill’s brother, Fred, was also a ringer at Chirton where the family attended services and supported the work of the Church. John joined the Guild in 1962 and took over as Captain at Chirton when his father died in 1987. Over the years, John taught many people to ring both at Chirton and at other neighbouring towers and always did his very best to ensure the bells were rung for Sunday services. John became an Honorary Life Member of the Guild in 2012 and was presented with his 60 year service certificate in 2022.
When John retired from ringing due to lack of mobility, he was always very keen to receive the Guild’s Face to Face Newsletter and hear the latest, local ringing news. John was a man who never complained; he was very independent and always willing to help everyone.
On the morning of John’s funeral, 14 August, a peal was rung at Winterslow by members of the Guild in his memory.
At John’s funeral at St John the Baptist Chirton, the bells were rung half-muffled to mourn his passing; however the service was indeed a celebration of the life of a very popular man who will be very much missed by all who knew him.
Julia Russell
Secretary, Devizes Branch
https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1763260
