Page 13 - Shorthorn Magazine

John’s passion for cattle was firmly placed in the Shorthorn breed and he started registering pedigree cattle under the Rantonall prefix in 1978. This passion and dedication for the breed remained throughout his life and he passed this enthusiasm down to Stanley and David. His legacy lives on in the renowned pure bred Rantonall and Winhall pedigree Dairy Shorthorn herds.
John was born, raised and lived
all of his working life at Ranton
Hall Farm. Agriculture, but also Horticulture would prove to be
the areas where he excelled. He always wanted to be outside. When I asked what subject he enjoyed at school, I’m told, gardening. In fact, at school in Eccleshall, John was so trusted by the teacher to deal with the garden, that he was sometimes allowed to miss classes in order
to go and do tasks in the school gardens. He also must have been Athletic, because I’m told he won Queen Elizabeths Coronation mile in Ranton.
At home, whilst it was gardening at school, John was trusted with the sheep, and took that responsibility at an early age, moving, as he got older, onto all aspects of the farm. And as he found his way of doing things, it was clear that he didn’t mind being different. When the world of cattle farming started going black and white, he decided to stick with colour, red in fact, with his shorthorns. He could see the benefits of the breed and wasn’t afraid to plough his own furrow when it came to his farm.
And he had clear plans of what he wanted to achieve for himself and his family. From a young age, he wanted to have a pedigree herd
of Dairy Shorthorns. And when Stanley and David left school, he encouraged and supported them to take the herd forward, using those cows that John had picked out as the basis, they together developed the renowned pure bred herds that they run today. John also got to
see David become the President of the Dairy Shorthorn Society, which was also a further achievement
for John, from those early days imagining what could be.
Family was incredibly important for John, whether it be playing Father Christmas for the grandchildren
or building a business and legacy for Stanley, David and Mary. His dream moved on, and wasn’t about just one farm, but two. Having purchased Ranton Hall Farm as tenants in 1989, John also wanted a second farm in order that both Stanley and David could move forward with their own businesses. He took a step back from the business when Stanley and David reached their twenties, acting then more as an advisor, encouraging them, letting them make mistakes and then making sure they learnt from them. The plan was always taking shape. In the early 2000’s Moor End Farm was purchased for David and Debbie and David tells me that there was no cheering
or celebrating, but as the gavel came down, a simple quiet look
of satisfaction came across John’s face that he’d achieved what he wanted for his boys. Because it wasn’t about him, it never was, it was about what he was building for his family.
And it was that quiet, stoic character that reflects another important aspect of John, and that’s his faith. John’s faith was an important, but a quiet one. When the children were young, whatever had happened at milking, Sunday night was chapel night and he never missed chapel. But it was also the strong gift of hospitality that both John and Doreen shared with so many people, that really showed their Christian love to others. I’m sure far too many of us to mention today could share instances where we’ve been invited in by John and Doreen and treated to a spread of food and a warm welcome. They both had a warm welcoming nature and infectious smiles, which always
put you at ease. And it’s that ability to make people smile and put them at ease that seems to have been a key stone of many people’s memories.
Equally, John was always willing
to help out if anyone was in a pickle. When I was a young teen, my father was ill and John came over to help with the milking.
We had huge Holstein Fresian’s
and one of them was being particularly unhelpful about going into the parlour. And I eventually completely lost my rag with the cow and for a reason I don’t quite understand today, I grabbed its tail in some kind of feeble attempt to make it stop. The cow carried on going and in my temper I refused to let go. And as we went past the doorway of the milking parlour, I saw John stood there watching and I went past looking probably a lot like a very slow waterskier, trying to make this beast comply. Anyway, once I’d exhausted this new sport, John came through and quickly helped me get the animal through. And why do I mention it, because he never said a word. There was
no need to say anything, there was a lot going on and he was just a great support. He did things calmly, simply and quietly, in his own way and God honoured him and his family for it.
John spent his life preparing to provide for those he loved, but we also know that he knew that his Father in heaven had prepared a place for him. We know that today, he isn’t here, but residing with his Saviour whom he loved. Like in
life and in his Ranton Coronation Cup win, he fought the good fight, he ran the race and he kept the faith. And now to top all those numerous Best In Show rosettes, he has received his crown of righteousness’ from his Saviour.
James Cantrill
JOHN WINNINGTON
5th December 1934 - 19th May 2023
A gentleman who lived his life for his family, late wife Doreen, children Stanley, David, Mary and their families. A master cattle breeder who continued in his fathers farming footsteps.
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