It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our President, John Bennallick. A devoted servant of the St Columb Old Cornwall Society and a true champion of Cornish culture, John gave decades of leadership, friendship, and tireless commitment to the community he loved.
At the time of his passing he was President of the Society and had served as a Committee member for over 40 years, including terms as President from 1986 to 1988 and 1992 to 1994, and as Chairman from 1985 to 1986 and 1990 to 1992.
He was a natural storyteller, always ready with a yarn, and a fine singer who brought occasions to life. He often took the lead role in Crying the Neck and played a central part in lighting the Midsummer bonfires, traditions he carried with pride and good humour.
John was born on a farm near St Columb Major, into a long line of Cornish farming families. His wife Jean was also from a St Wenn farming family and was a prominent member of the Young Farmers movement. Farming and community life ran through both their lives.
John was a farmer, Methodist local preacher and a natural raconteur. He was educated at St Columb Major Primary School and Newquay Grammar School, and later passed the Second Grade Cornish Language Examination. In 1956, at the age of twelve, the family moved to Tregurtha Farm, St Wenn. John left school at sixteen to work on the farm alongside his father and brother.
His interests were wide and deeply rooted: the Methodist Church, local history, nature and conservation, and singing with St Columba Celtic Male Voice Choir. John and Jean regularly opened their garden two or three times each year in support of charities including local schools, the church, the choir and Mount Edgcumbe Hospice.
He joined Roche Young Farmers, became a member of the county quiz team, and represented both club and county at the Royal Cornwall Show, the Bath and West Show and the Smithfield Show, particularly in stock judging.
John became a Methodist local preacher in 1959. Both he and Jean were lifelong members of the Methodist Church, worshipping at St Wenn until its closure and thereafter at Roseannon.
He served many outside organisations with commitment and energy. These included Treasurer and Secretary of the St Columb and Padstow branch of the Local Preachers Mutual Aid Association, Member and President of Wadebridge Camera Club, and Parish Councillor for forty years, including eleven years as Parish Clerk. He was a founder member and Chairman of St Wenn Gardening Club, acted as a judge at local shows, and was several times North Cornwall Onion Champion. He was also Vice President of St Columba Celtic Male Voice Choir and a highly active singing member.
In 2002, John was barded at Pensilva by Gorsedh Kernow in recognition of his dedication to promoting Cornish culture. He took the bardic name Whethlor Wenna, meaning Storyteller of St Wenn.
A true Cornishman.
Duw genes