Map Pedherwyn a’n Cleth / Son of North Petherwin
The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies records with respect and affection the passing of Sidney John Neale, Map Pedherwyn a’n Cleth, a man whose life was deeply rooted in the places, people, and heritage of North Petherwin and Launceston. Barded at Poldhu, Mullion, in 1988, John was honoured for his service to Launceston Old Cornwall Society, the Federation, and for his wide‑ranging studies in local history. His bardic name – Son of North Petherwin – could not have been more fitting.
Educated at North Petherwin County Primary School (Brazacott) and Holsworthy Secondary Modern, John went on to work as a Nursing Auxiliary, a role that reflected his gentle manner and quiet reliability. Alongside this, he developed considerable skill as a freelance writer and photographer, becoming one of Launceston’s most prolific chroniclers. His collections of old postcards, ephemera, commemorative china, stamps, and autographed books were well known, each item chosen with a historian’s eye and a storyteller’s instinct.
John’s published output was remarkable in both breadth and longevity. He wrote for Christian Herald, Western Morning News, Cornish Life, Cornish Scene, Devon Life, Dorset Countryside, Somerset and West, This England, Country Life, Best of British, and many more. He contributed regularly to the Old Cornwall Journal, including memorable pieces such as Simpson: The Launceston Highwayman (1986) and Longstanding Bridges round Launceston (1990). His work reached national audiences through children’s annuals, the Oldham Chronicle, and stories broadcast on Radio Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and others. He also read on Radio Cornwall, bringing Cornish history and humour to listeners across the Duchy.
His books stand as a lasting testament to his dedication: Liskeard, Bodmin, Old Launceston, Following the River Camel, Discovering the River Tamar, Exploring the River Fowey, and Launceston from Old Postcards – the latter begun by Joan Rendell and completed by John after her death, a gesture of loyalty that typified him.
Within Old Cornwall circles, John’s service was exceptional. He was Recorder and Membership Secretary of Launceston OCS, and for many years served on the Federation Executive, including a period as Acting Secretary during Joan Rendell’s presidency in 1990. He was her chauffeur, colleague, and steadfast supporter, accompanying her to Federation meetings in Truro and ensuring the smooth running of Federation business. He also acted as Distributor of the Subscribers’ Journals, a task he carried out faithfully until it passed to Anne Knight.
From 1985 to 2004, John was a valued and active member of the Federation Executive. His contribution did not end there: from 2003 until 2020, he compiled and produced the much‑loved Cornish Crosswords and Kernow Grid in the Old Cornwall journal – a remarkable seventeen‑year achievement that delighted readers and showcased his deep knowledge of Cornish language, lore, and landscape.
In 2025, at the AGM of Launceston OCS, John was made a Life Member in recognition of his long and faithful service. It was an honour richly deserved.
John spent his final years in a nursing home and had been in poor health, so his passing was not unexpected. Yet the loss is keenly felt. Launceston has lost a great local writer and historian, and Old Cornwall has lost a loyal servant whose work preserved countless fragments of memory, place, and tradition.
We give thanks for the life of Sidney John Neale, Map Pedherwyn a’n Cleth – a true son of North Petherwin, and a man whose dedication to Cornish heritage will be remembered with gratitude.