Memorial service for true gent packs church

MEMBERS of Morval Parish Council were among hundreds who packed the 700-year-old St Lalluwy Parish Church in Menheniot on Friday (March 14) to celebrate the life of Peter John Harding, of Trebrownbridge.

The Parish Priest, the Rev Li Selman, described him as a man full of energy who embraced life.

Earlier that morning a private burial took place at the cemetery of St Wenna’s Parish Church, Morval, where Mr Harding was laid to rest alongside his father, Bernard, and past generations of his family.

Peter’s friend, Adrian Wilton, described it as a great privilege to be asked to give the eulogy for a lovely man.

Born to Bernard and Kay 80 years ago, Peter’s home was his beloved Trebrownbridge where he grew up with his brother Ivor and two sisters, Linda and Joanne.

He went to Menheniot Primary and his love of music and singing soon saw him join the local church choir. Later he attended Looe Secondary where he became head boy before going on to study agriculture at Camborne.

A farmer at heart, seldom seen without his trademark flat cap or a pair of his favourite red socks, Peter enjoyed a 60-year association with Liskeard Young Farmers’ Club; he was a supporter of the East Cornwall Hunt; enjoyed travelling with his wife, family and friends, and his love of sport included stock car racing where he was once a competitor.

Mr Harding, who married Velven at Liskeard in 1966, was a proud family man, with three daughters (Rachael, Fi and Debbie) and three grandchildren. He also would have been a great-grandfather in the summer.

He served 50 years with the Eliot Lodge of Freemasons who made him Master in 1987.

A member of Morval Parish Council for many years, he was also a staunch supporter of the Morval Rally, being well-known for his ringside commentaries. His family generously provided the land on which the new Morval Parish Play Park is sited.

Described as a true gentleman, confidante and friend to many, “he was a very special mate,” added Mr Wilton, “To say he was laid-back is an under-statement; horizontal’s the word.”

Mr Wilton also recalled many happy hours spent with the Harding family at Trebrownbridge. “It was a utopia for teenagers like us, and I was one of many to benefit from the time I spent there,” he said. “Bernard and Kay were two wonderful people. Bernard was non-judgemental and the during the stock car racing era of the day, the place was always buzzing with people looking for bits for their cars. 

“They were wonderful times, and memories of Trebrownbridge life remain with me to this day.”

Peter Harding, who died on Thursday, February 13, was deeply loved and would be greatly missed, he said.

It was an emotional eulogy from a life-long friend since their YFC days; a true and faithful companion and one who was “always there for me”. Mr Wilton received a spontaneous round of applause as he stepped aside from the lectern.

The family had entered the church to the music of André Rieu’s ‘Time to Say Goodbye’.

The Bible reading was Psalm 23, ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd’ and the hymns were ‘Praise My Soul, The King Of Heaven’, and ‘The Old Rugged Cross’.

Peter’s daughter, Rachael Harding, read Christina Rossetti’s poem, ‘Miss Me, But Let Me Go’, and the Polperro Wreckers (an offshoot of the famous Polperro Fishermen’s Choir) sang Harry Glasson’s ‘Cornwall My Home’ to close the service.

Mourners had been asked to wear or carry something red as it was Peter's favourite colour. There were family flowers only but donations were for Diabetes UK and St Wenna’s Parish Church, Morval.

Plenty of other memories of Peter and his long life were later shared at the nearby Village Hall.

Donations can still be made on-line at: https://www.ugaldeandson.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charities can be sent to Ugalde and Son, Funeral Directors, Trelawney House, Heathlands Road, Liskeard PL14 4DH. 

Velven Harding and the family thanked everyone for their kind words, messages and attendance at the service. 

• MENHENIOT’s listed St Lalluwy's Church is famous for many things, including the 1834 churchyard tomb of John Richards Lapenotiere, the captain of HMS Pickle, which fought at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. 
  

Lapenotiere was the man who brought home the news that the Royal Navy had been victorious but that Vice Admiral Lord Nelson had been killed in action.

14th March 2025