A third generation farmer who served on Mungrisdale Parish Council has died aged 84.
Thomas Shepherd Bennett lived at Hutton Moor End Farm all of his life and went on to inspire many young farmers in the Allerdale and Eden areas.
He was born there, he farmed there, and he died there.
He was a consistent presence and supporter to so many for so long in his local area, in the wider farming community and with his family.
Tom was the third generation of Bennett to farm at Hutton Moor End.
He took great pride in his farming, striving to blend quality of produce with good land management long before environmental agencies considered it a priority.
He sat on the parish council of Mungrisdale, as secretary, for many years and provided years of service as trustee and treasurer to the Penrith-based Jonathon Scott Foundation which gives young people help towards the cost of education, training, books and equipment which helps them to prepare for entering a trade or profession.
As an agricultural lecturer at Newton Rigg Agricultural College, Penrith, he inspired generations of young farmers.
He even found time to tread the boards as a member of the Blencathra Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS), although even he did admit “that’s going back a bit”.
Tom is survived by his wife, six children and 10 grandchildren.
His family requested donations be made to charity in Tom’s memory in lieu of sending flowers.
