Obituary

The Trust’s title indicates that it is a coming together of those who concern themselves with Heritage in general and with North Craven in particular. John provided the clearest possible example of that motivation. As with many members, John came to the area after a career pursuing other interests, in his case, an academic but very practical career at the University of Manchester as a much respected Bio-physicist. He was a pioneer of the use of electron microscopy for the study of connective tissue (collagen). He went on to make a number of highly original and important contributions and his review of the subject made in 1996 is probably the most cited in the field.

An example of his practical activities was his involvement with an expedition to the Hindu Kush, which brought immense and on-going benefits to the inhabitants in reducing the incidence of goitres by the simple expedient of adding iodine to the salt consumed by them. He subsequently led many expeditions on behalf of the Ramblers Holidays (and independently) to that and similar wilderness areas. His love for those areas was instigated by periods spent there during his RAF service as a break from being stationed in Mumbai (Bombay).

After his academic life at Manchester University tapered off he and Constance retired to Settle where he demonstrated his respect for Settle in his restoration of Rock House and its garden. He became a member of the NCHT Committee in 1996. Throughout the years 1997 to 2002 he was a member of that Committee and was responsible for arranging the Sunday Walks which were so successful during those years. His enduring memorial is the published and re-published Settle Town Trail leaflet, notable for the effort he put into its accuracy in both research and production and which still produces a not insignificant income for the Trust. It provides me with a personal and satisfying memory of John when I see visitors to the town walking round with the beige leaflet in their hands.

To quote a sentence from his obituary written by fellow scientists who obviously had the greatest respect for him:

“He will be sadly missed, though his voice continues to ring out in our memories.”

John leaves his widow Constance who continues to live at Rock House.

         Harold Foxcroft

John was interested in all aspects of science but combined this with other pursuits that he loved; good will, good companionship, love of his garden and house, Burmese cats, Mozart, Jane Austen, - and me.

         Constance Chapman