St Martin event in memory of Brindley Hosken, Johnny Alston

Fun on the Field was held to remember Brindley Hosken and Johnny Alston, who both passed away last year, and raise money for charity in their memory.

Brindley, a well-known local farmer and parish councillor for almost 30 years, who 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, died in October last year aged 64.

Loki, Olivia and Toby, third, second and first place in 6-11 years (Image: Kathy White)

Arthur, Henry and Percy - first, second and third place in the 0-5 fancy dress (Image: Kathy White)

Johnny, a veterinary surgeon at Head and Head in Helston for more than 30 years, as well as being a parish councillor and host of the St Martin Horticultural Show, then died on November 29 aged 66.

Both their deaths hit the local community hard and it was agreed that an event should be held for the community to come together to remember them and support causes in their memory.

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Scruffiest dog Benjy with Abigail and Elizabeth (Image: Kathy White)

Although the final figure raised on Sunday is still be announced, it is known to be more than £2,000, which will be split equally between the Friends of St Martin Defibrillator Fund and Cornwall Animal Welfare at the request of the Hosken and Alston families.

The event began with a picnic lunch and was followed by a children’s fancy dress competition with the theme of animals and farming, then a dog show. Helston and St Keverne YFC organised a tug of war and sheaf pitching, both particular favourites of Brindley and Johnny.

The Williams and Alston families (Image: Kathy White)

Throughout the afternoon there was also a range of traditional stalls and games, a large raffle, a barbecue and live music from the local group ‘Tiger Tales’.

Andrew Bray, a long-standing friend of both Brindley and Johnny, paid tribute to both men, and it was greatly appreciated that members of the Hosken and Alston families attended the event.

Andrew Bray speaks about Johnny and Brindley (Image: Supplied)

Winners of the fancy dress competition were: 0-5 years – 1, Arthur; 2, Henry; 3, Percy; 6-11 years – 1, Toby; 2, Olivia; 3, Loki.

Fittingly, Pippa Alston, Johnny’s younger daughter, won the first prize in the raffle.

Theo plays splat the rat (Image: Kathy White)

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 - organised the event.

A spokesperson said: “The organisers would like to express huge thanks to everyone who helped in any way and all those people from both near and far who braved the drizzle to attend.

Annabel and Jeanette behind the raffle (Image: Supplied)

“We reckon about 300 people came during the afternoon and evening, and this wonderful turnout was made all the more meaningful considering the inclement weather.

“Special thanks to Guy and Angie Foreman for judging the dog show, Karen Bayliss for judging the fancy dress, Morwenna Bone for running the barbecue, Head and Head vets for their generous donations, and Tiger Tales for concluding the event in style with their vibrant live music.”

• See more photos in the gallery at the top