Arthur JohnBENNALLICKdied peacefully at home on 14 December 2025, aged 92. On 10 January 2026, a cold but sunny day, more than 200 people gathered at St Wenn Church to give thanks for his long and well-lived life. Many stood inside and outside the church as John's four sons, Mervyn, Glynn, Alan and Ian, carried him into the service led by Phil Tremain. Rev Nichola Jones read Bible passages reflecting John's lifelong service to Methodism. Glynn delivered the eulogy, and John's six grandchildren, Lucy, Morwenna, Jonathan, Hollie, Sophie and Melissa, paid a loving tribute. His coffin was draped in St Piran's flag and carried his Cornish Bard headdress as he had requested. Afterwards, the village hall was full of friends and family sharing memories, conversation and good Cornish food.
John was born on 31 July 1933 at Penatillie Farm, St Columb Major, to Will and Lucy Bennallick. With his younger brother Vercoe, he spent his childhood at Gluvian, Retallick and later Tregatillian, before the family moved to Tregurtha Farm, St Wenn, in 1945. He attended St Columb School and Newquay Grammar School, joined the Army Cadets and seriously considered an Army career. John left school at 16 to help his disabled father on the farm and his mother who became ill and later died aged 42. He and Vercoe worked tirelessly in the family business, W H Bennallick and Sons.
John enjoyed Cornish country life to the full. He and Vercoe played football for St Wenn on his father's field and every year took part in the traditional running with the silver Hurling ball in St Columb Major. He often said he was "a St Columb boy and a St Wenn man".
From a young age John felt a calling to preach the Christian message as a local preacher, beginning a Methodist ministry that lasted 60 years until 2019, serving chapels across Cornwall. Alongside farming, he was active in Roche Young Farmers Club, becoming chairman and representing the club at major agricultural shows including Smithfield, Bath and West and the Royal Cornwall Show.
In 1954 John married Jean Hawken of Treliver Farm at St Columb Chapel. Jean brought warmth and feminine touch to Tregurtha Farm, and together they had three sons there. In 1962 they bought Lower Polmorla Farm near Demelza, moving there in 1968, with Ian completing the family of four boys the following year. John continued farming with his father and brother until Will's untimely death in 1976, after which John and Vercoe carried on as Bennallick Brothers. The business expanded until their semi-retirement in 2000.
John had many interests beyond farming. A keen photographer, he became chairman of Wadebridge Camera Club and left a valuable photographic archive. John and Jean were enthusiastic gardeners, winning prizes and opening their garden regularly for charity. John was a founder member and chairman of St Wenn Gardening Club and judged at many local shows. Whist drives were also a great love of his and he was MC for many years. He also enjoyed the St Wenn parish meal get-togethers. At home, John read a lot of books and wrote articles for local magazines. On TV he watched informative documentaries and sport especially cricket. He laughed at old comedies like Steptoe and Son and Laurel and Hardy but his favourite was Last of the Summer Wine.
Music and entertainment were central to his life. He sang loudly in chapel and was Vice President of St Columba Male Voice Choir. He organised Rosenannon Chapel concerts, chaired events and became well known for his humorous storytelling, later performing as "Farmer Jan". He also raised over £14,000 for Cornwall Hospice Care and Cornwall Air Ambulance through donations and sales of his two CDs.
John served St Wenn as a Parish Councillor for 40 years, including 11 years as Parish Clerk, and later volunteered delivering meals and driving patients to and from hospital appointments. A proud Cornishman, he was deeply committed to Cornish culture and heritage. He served St Columb Old Cornwall Society for over 40 years, including terms as Chairman and President, supporting traditions such as Crying the Neck and Castle-an-Dinas Midsummer bonfires. In recognition of his storytelling and cultural contribution, he was made a Cornish Bard in 2002 with the title "Whethlor Wenna - Storyteller of St Wenn".
John and Jean shared 65 happy years of marriage until Jean's death in 2020. In many ways John supported and helped his family of four sons, six grandchildren and his five great-grandchildren Finn, Bodhi, Juno, Max and Sidney. In his later years he was supported lovingly by his family and lived independently until he died of old age. Guided by his Christian faith, John lived a life of service, generosity and humour. He leaves a rich legacy in his family, community and Cornish culture.
Kosk yn kres. Rest in peace.
Thanks to R J Bray of Wadebridge for the funeral arrangements.
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