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A MAN who has farmed all his life, despite being struck down with Polio when he was 20 years old, has received one of the highest honours from Cheshire's farming community.

John Lea, of North Rode, Congleton, has been awarded the prestigious Capesthorne Millennium Cup.

The trophy, presented at Cheshire Agricultural Society's Annual General Meeting, is given for exceptional endeavour and hard work within Cheshire's farming and countryside community.

John, who was born in 1935, has farmed successfully all his life, despite suffering Polio as a young man.

He spent 16 months in hospital unable to move for most of the time – but with sheer grit and determination, was able to walk again three years later with the aid of a stick, which he has had to use all his life.

Nigel Evans, Executive Director of the Cheshire Show, said: "John is held in high esteem by people within the rural community and richly deserves this honour.

The stunning award – an antique silver tankard with swan finial – was presented to John by William Bromley Davenport at a ceremony held in Astbury Village Hall on February 14. This was preceded by a snowdrop walk at Rode Hall, home of Sir Richard Baker Wilbraham.

The trophy is administered by a committee set up by the Cheshire Agricultural Society, after it was kindly donated to the society by the Bromley Davenport family, of Capesthorne Hall.

It was first awarded in 2000 and is now given annually for 'exceptional endeavour in promoting the interests of agriculture or countryside related activities in Cheshire.'

The award ceremony formed part of the Cheshire Agricultural Society's Annual General Meeting.

The meeting heard that John, who is married with three children, was chairman of the Macclesfield Branch of the NFU for two years in 1973/74, and became chairman of the Cheshire County Branch in 1975.

The following year he became a county delegate to London NFU headquarters where, with his shrewd debating skills and determined character, he soon became involved at the highest level.

While in London he became involved with the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and had a tremendous input in changing RABI's charter to include farm workers.

Since retiring John has been able to spend more time on his hobby of making Shepherd's crooks, and he has successfully published two books on farming. He has generously given some of the proceeds to RABI.

Terry Abbott, Regional Director of the NFU, said: "John, throughout his life, despite his very personal disability, has run a very successful farming business and has devoted his life to helping his fellow farmers and country people by representing them at all political levels of agriculture and the countryside.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to John for the tireless work he has undertaken on behalf of all who are involved in agriculture and the countryside in Cheshire and nationally."

Cheshire Agricultural Society is now busy preparing for this year's Cheshire Show taking place at the Tabley Showground, near Knutsford, on June 20 and 21.

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