Tributes paid to John Cundall (From Gazette & Herald)

Tributes paid to John Cundall

12:06pm Thursday 4th February 2010

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FARMER and auctioneer John Cundall, one of Ryedale’s best known personalities, has died at the age of 83.

He played a major role in helping to bring back hundreds of acres of land into agricultural use through his 50-year membership of the Muston and Yedingham Drainage Board, which is responsible for 170 miles of ditches and drains in Ryedale.

Mr Cundall, of Sherburn Lodge, Sherburn, said in an interview last year that the board had brought back many hundreds of acres of carr land into agricultural production.

He continued to take an active interest in the family farm run by his son, Richard. He has three other sons, Chris, a veterinary surgeon, James who is in the theatre, and Jeremy, a surgeon.

Mr Cundall was a former president of Malton Show, and was a prominent figure of Ryedale Show which last year gave him its Services to Agriculture in Ryedale Award.

He was also a keen archaeologist, angler and shooter. Another aspect of his public service work saw him helping to raise £140,000 for The Nursing Appeal to benefit cancer patients and their families.

James Stephenson, of Boulton, Cooper Stephenson, said: “John was a giant of a man in the Ryedale rural community. He headed up the family firm for a generation.

“I started my career competing with John in the old York market and we finished up together in partnership at Malton. He was a real gentleman and will be sadly missed.”

County Coun Mike Knaggs, another former president of Malton Show, said: “John was highly respected in a very wide community, both inside and outside the farming industry.

“He was a wonderful gentleman – and a first class man to do business with. John was always honest in the ring. “For both buyers and sellers. He will certainly be missed at the Tuesday and Friday markets by many people.”

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