John Spreadbury 1931 - 2022

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Patrick Lawford and John Spreadbury in the early 90's

John Spreadbury, came to Stocks aged 19 when we first arrived there, and became headman on the retirement of Reg Whitear in the 1960s and remained on the farm while it expanded with the purchase of Harvestgate Farm from the Biles's in the 60's and Little Stocks Farm from the Henderson's in the 70's, until Patrick Lawford retired from the day to day running of the farm when he reached 80, and John also retired, though he continued to do jobs on the farm, such a spraying for Stephen Horn who was contracted to look after the farm from his own at Bushey Down. John had been gifted Little Stocks Farm in Meonstoke in the 80's, so that he could build houses for himself and his family - his wife Peggy, and children Andrew, Rita and Shaun. John lives there still, but very sadly his son Andrew, who also worked on the farm from an early age, died in May 2021, and is buried in Meonstoke Churchyard.

This photo, in a silver frame, was presented to John by the family for his 90th birthday in 2021. It shows Stocks and Harvestgate Farms in the valley under Old Winchester Hill, land that John spent his whole career looking after.

This is Herry's letter of condolence to Rita, his daughter, following his death on 3rd June 2022

My dear Rita

I was very sad indeed to hear that your dear father had died, but thank you for letting me know so quickly. It was very fortunate that he was able to attend Andrew’s Memorial Football Match and I was very glad to have seen him there, though I wish now I had talked to him more. I expected him - and you all - to come over this Sunday (26th), as you know, and was looking forward to talking to him then and showing him some old photos. 

He played such a large part in the life of the farm and as Head Man was the lynch-pin around which it all worked. He had a great facility with machinery of all kinds and there was almost nothing that he couldn’t fix in that long dark workshop of his, which I used to enter with fascination, watching sparks flying or hearing the hiss of the blow-torch as he expertly welded something together again.

As a child, I was always amazed too at his great strength, handing those heavy bags of grain as though they weighed nothing, but glad that he was never injured as far as I know, and that he didn’t seem to suffer from a bad back in later life. 

Of course it was as a ploughman that he made his name in the county, winning so many trophies that I doubt that any other ploughman won more, particularly as he went on practising his great skill with his vintage machinery in later life. I am glad the he was featured in that article on Old Tractor Magazine, following on from a piece about tractors which they found on my blog. A fitting tribute and I am sure, widely read. 

It was most fitting that my father gave him the land on which he built his fine house and made his garden. My father asked Piers and me if it was alright that this was done, as obviously it diminished our own inheritance, but we both readily agreed, fully aware that my father could hardly have managed the farm as successfully without him.

I shall miss his slow smile and ready wit, and the sense that he could handle any problems that arose. And with your dear mother, Andrew, you and Shaun, he created a strong and united family that for many years have had the respect of all those who know you.

 With my deepest condolences

Herry 

For some photos of John, click here 

See also 'John Spreadbury turns 90' 

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