2 June 1936 – 28 December 2025
John was born in Devizes and lived with his parents above their shop in New Park Street opposite St Mary’s Church. Following his marriage to Margaret, the couple moved to Great Cheverell where their son, Michael, and daughter, Carolyn, were born. Very sadly, Margaret died at the age of only 37 and John brought up their children on his own.
John always enjoyed listening to the bells and thought he would like to learn to ring. Many years later he was taught by Dave Cleaver at Potterne (where he was then living) and was elected a member of the Guild in 1993. Shortly after that he began ringing regularly at Devizes St John until St John’s was damaged by fire in 2006 and all services were transferred to St Mary’s so he rang there instead. John returned to live in Devizes in 2008 and, in 2009, when ringing resumed at St John’s, he joined the St John’s band.
For some years he would ring in Devizes for the 1030 service and then travel to Potterne to ring for the 1100 service. He also took on the responsibility for winding the clock at Potterne, which is not a mean feat, handing over the task when it became too much for him.
From 1960 John worked as one of the projectionists at Devizes Cinema at a time when large reels of film had to be uploaded but was made redundant after 50 years when the system was modernised. From 1974 he worked for 24 years at the Jam Factory at Easterton. He generously gave pots of jam to his many ringing friends as he travelled to different towers each evening to ring and give us the local news. For this he earned the title of “John the Jam”.
From Liz Merritt (Devizes St John):
During my 24 years as Captain at St John’s, I kept an attendance register and John was our most regular and reliable ringer. Come rain, wind, sun or snow, John would attend via his most appropriate means of transport, either push bike, scooter, motorbike or car. Occasionally if I was unable to greet visiting groups of ringers, John admirably did this for me. The only times he missed ringing was during his twice yearly holidays in Devon where he attended several practice nights. He happily took his place for call changes but was most comfortable ringing the tenor. He had a great sense of humour and always keeps us abreast of the local news. In 2023, at the great age of 87, John retired from ringing but would often greets us at the foot of the tower as we left on Sundays and often handed out copies of photos of his recent excursions that he very much treasured.
In 2024 John was presented with a Branch 30 Year Long Service certificate, of which he was very proud.
John sadly died in hospital on 28 December 2025 aged 89. His funeral was held on 14 January 2026 at St John’s Devizes with ringing before and after the service in celebration of his life. The Church was full of family, friends and ringers, all of whom will miss this funny, kind and unique man who will be remembered for many years to come.
Julia Russell
Devizes Branch
Following John’s funeral today [14 Jan 2026], we received a message from his son, Michael, thanking everyone for attending, ringing the bells and making John’s send-off so special. I have attached the Tribute to John which was written 10 years by his friend Gail, who read it during the service today. I’m sure John enjoyed it just as much 10 years ago!
Although John’s funeral service was at St John Devizes, where he worshipped, you may be interested to know that he has been interred with his wife, Margaret, in the graveyard at St Peter Great Cheverell where they lived for many years.
Julia Russell
