A memorial service was held in St Lawrence Church on 11th March to celebrate the life of John Duncombe.  The church was completely full with people having to stand outside. This is a measure of the esteem in which John was held by Chicheley village and the wider farming community.

The Duncombe family lived at Grange Farm for over 100 years, and John took over its management from his father Ted.  John was recognised not only as an efficient and progressive farmer, but also for his concern for and care of the environment and wildlife. 

John contributed in many ways to community life, and will be remembered particularly for his humour and ability to extract high bids at the harvest auction fund-raiser.  John took up cycling in his 50s, and progressed to long distance routes in the UK, and mountainous sections of the Tour de France.  He will be deeply missed.