The Rickmansworth community has paid tribute to local farmer John Wallington, who passed away in January aged 92.
John grew up in Mill End and began working at Woodoaks Farm in Rickmansworth from the age of 14. He later moved to Watford, where he cycled seven miles to get to and from work, before moving into the farm cottages with his wife, Hazel, and their daughter, Amanda.
On Facebook, Woodoaks Farm shared details of John’s life.
They wrote: “John arrived on Woodoaks Farm in 1944 a few months before the Second World War ended. He became a valued member of the Woodoaks farming team, working alongside two generations of Findlays.
“Many people remember John and Roy [one of his co-workers] to this day, delivering potatoes to local customers off the back of a trailer in and around Mill End and Rickmansworth, operating from a handwritten list on the back of an old envelope.”
John retired in 2002 after more than 50 years on the farm working as Mr Findley’s right-hand man and foreman. He lived in the farm cottages for the rest of his life.
Woodoaks Farm said: “He will be missed.”
The post received an outpouring of responses from the community, sharing memories and offering condolences. It garnered over 110 likes and 40 comments.
Michelle Pyle commented: “He was a lovely man. Always had time for a chat, reminiscing old times about my grandparents and parents. He will be sorely missed.”
Lisbet Sherlock said: “A sad day for the Woodoaks family. He saw the farm through so many changes during his long association with Woodoaks and was full of interesting stories about his life there. Condolences to his family and friends.”
Photo credit: Woodoaks Farm, with thanks to Amanda Wallington and Sally Findlay
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