Community to remember Brindley Hosken and Johnny Alston

On Sunday, June 23 the community will remember Brindley Hosken and Johnny Alston who both passed away last autumn.

Brindley, a well-known local farmer, and parish councillor for almost 30 years, was also vice president of Cornwall Young Farmers Club, a past chairman of both the West Cornwall Grassland Society and Cornwall Grassland Society, as well as chairman of St Martin Horticultural Show.

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To add to this, in recent years, he was the author of two books ‘Cows and Catastrophes’ and ‘Up Long Meadow’ reflecting on his life as a farmer.

Brindley was a well-known farmer and parish councillor (Image: Family picture)

Brindley is survived by his wife Ruth, three children – Sarah, David and Frances – and five grandchildren, who he was devoted to and dedicated his recent second book to.

Johnny was a veterinary surgeon at Head and Head for more than 30 years, as well as being a parish councillor and host of the St Martin Horticultural Show. 

He was a larger-than-life character and was known by many in Helston and the surrounding area, with his death hitting the local community hard.

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Johnny is survived by his wife Frances, children Bethany, Pippa and Ed, son-in-law David, grandson Henry and sister Sue.

Johnny was a veterinary surgeon at Head and Head for more than 30 years (Image: Family picture)

The community was shocked by the passing of Brindley and Johnny who were only in their sixties. Their respective funerals both held at Helston Central Methodist Church attracted huge numbers of mourners who wanted to pay their respects.

Now, several local organisations – St Martin in Meneage Parish Council, St Martin Show Committee, the Friends of St Martin, St Martin Parish Hall Committee, and Helston and St Keverne Young Farmers have organised the ‘Fun on the Field’ event at the Parish field in St Martin.

At the request of the Hosken and Alston families, all the proceeds made from the day will go to the Friends of St Martin Defibrillator Fund and Cornwall Animal Welfare.

The event will begin at 12.30pm with a picnic lunch, followed by Children’s Fancy Dress (with the theme of animals and farming).

At around 2pm, there will be a dog show, followed by a series of activities including Tug of War and Shef Pitching organised by the young farmers. Both activities were particular favourites of Brindley and Johnny.

Throughout the afternoon there will be traditional stalls and games, and a grand raffle. There will then be a barbecue and live music from the local group ‘Tiger Tales’.

Organisers would also like to stress that the event is for everyone who knew Brindley and Johnny, and not just for the villagers of St Martin. Everyone is welcome.