JOHN SIMPSON. 21ST JUNE 1913 – 8 OCTOBER 2005

[Stanley]

JOHN SIMPSON. 21ST JUNE 1913 – 8 OCTOBER 2005

8 October 2005

I got word today that Johnny Simpson of Bancroft Farm died quietly in his sleep last night. He read the paper, was last in bed and never woke up. A quiet and merciful death after a long and productive life. I am so sad and my heart goes out to his family.
It’s always a shock when part of your life slips quietly away. When I bought Hey Farm in 1959 I found that my land bordered with Bancroft Farm and went across to see Johnny. Over the next 45 years I never had a wrong word with him and was always helped when I asked for it. I don’t know what else you can say about a neighbour.
There are many people who will know more about Johnny than I do, I will leave the detail of his life to them. Anybody who has read my articles will know that I have always held the view that the Simpsons of Bancroft Farm should have been recognised long since for one single important fact. Anybody coming into Barlick down the Tubber Hill road must surely have been impressed by the fact that Bancroft Farm was always tidy and perfectly farmed. They are the best advertisement that the town could have. This says all I want to convey about Johnny, his sons and the sort of people they are. Long may it continue.

8 October 2005