Lune Valley community comes together to celebrate life of respected figure

Lune Valley residents came together on Sunday to pay tribute to John Holt.
By Gayle Rouncivell
Published 21st Jul 2020, 15:42 GMT
Updated 21st Jul 2020, 15:46 GMT
Former High Sheriffs of Lancaster, J C Armfield, Peter Mileham, T G Bowring, J R Holt, Col A Jolley, K A Gledhill, Sir Simon Towneley, Barry Johnson, Peter Robinson, Rodney Swarbrick Ann Dean, Susan Reynolds, Amanda Parker, Gail Stanley, Lady Ann Shuttleworth. Picture courtesy of The Official Website of the Office of High Sheriff of LancashireFormer High Sheriffs of Lancaster, J C Armfield, Peter Mileham, T G Bowring, J R Holt, Col A Jolley, K A Gledhill, Sir Simon Towneley, Barry Johnson, Peter Robinson, Rodney Swarbrick Ann Dean, Susan Reynolds, Amanda Parker, Gail Stanley, Lady Ann Shuttleworth. Picture courtesy of The Official Website of the Office of High Sheriff of Lancashire
Former High Sheriffs of Lancaster, J C Armfield, Peter Mileham, T G Bowring, J R Holt, Col A Jolley, K A Gledhill, Sir Simon Towneley, Barry Johnson, Peter Robinson, Rodney Swarbrick Ann Dean, Susan Reynolds, Amanda Parker, Gail Stanley, Lady Ann Shuttleworth. Picture courtesy of The Official Website of the Office of High Sheriff of Lancashire

Mr Holt was one of the community's best-known and most respected figures who played many parts: farmer, councillor, magistrate and High Sheriff.

Born in Bury and educated at Shrewsbury School and the Royal Agricultural College Cirencester, he settled in Tunstall, where he married in 1956, and farmed Raw Ridding, Tatham and Home Farm, Wray.

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In addition to a busy life as a farmer, John was a magistrate in Lancaster, 1976-2002, and was on the Board of Visitors at Lancaster Prison.

A Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, he had the honour of serving as High Sheriff, 1991-92.

Having joined the Freemasons in Settle, he became Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

His service to the local community was extensive.

He was a prominent councillor on Lunesdale Rural District Council and a founder member of the enlarged Lancaster City Council from 1973, being made an honorary alderman.

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Making life better for the community was a perennial preoccupation and among his many projects was the creation of the popular Bull Beck picnic site near Caton.

John's long and full life was celebrated at the ancient churchyard of St James the Less, Tatham.

Open to the fields and distant hills, it provided the perfect setting for an outdoor gathering, where social distancing was observed.

In an address, the former vicar of Tatham, Rev Bob Jackson, described John as a gentleman who was “lovely, good and nice”.

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On behalf of the Friends of Tatham Church, Colin Burford said John initiated the group to help preserve and revitalise the church and gave it unfailing support.

Linda Kirkby, chair of the Parochial Church Council, spoke of his unstinting commitment.

As a long-standing member and treasurer, he was a true leader and counsellor and it was important that all his good work continued in his memory.

“John's sense of community spirit shone brightly and went hand-in-hand with his ability to connect with people of all ages.” she said.

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“He was a true Christian gentleman, much loved by all who knew him.”

John's own words were quoted by his daughter, Roo Berry.

“This is such a marvellous community,” he had written. “The respect, support and friendship between us is quite exceptional.”

John died at home on June 16, aged 88.

He leaves his wife Phyllis, daughter Roo and son Ian, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Donations in his memory are for Tatham Church and North-West Cancer Research.

Related topics:TunstallHigh Sheriff