Mr John Bush CVO OBE KStJ JP died on 11 May 2024.

He was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant in 1998 and was HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire from 2004 to 2012. He was also the High Sheriff of Wiltshire from 1997 to 1998.

Mr John Bush was a farmer at Fullingbridge Farm near Westbury and chairman of Countrywide Farmers PLC, a large agricultural supply and retailing company owned by farmers.

From 1980 to 1992 he was a council member of the Royal Agricultural Society, and from 1981 to 2000 he chaired the Environment Agency Bristol Avon Flood Defences Committee.

He became a JP in 1980, and in 1991 was elected chairman of the combined West Wiltshire bench. He was chairman of the Youth Court Panel prior to the formation of the North West Wiltshire bench and chaired the Wiltshire Magistrates Courts Committee until the establishment of HM Courts Service in April 2005.

He was a member of the County Council’s Police Committee from 1990 to 1994, and a member of the Wiltshire Police Authority from 1995 to 1997.

He was further involved with many local organisations and charities. He founded the Bobby Van Trust, was a Patron of the Community Foundation of Wiltshire and Swindon, an Ambassador to Alabare, was the founding Chairman of Edington Arts, and supported the Alzheimer’s Society, amongst many other groups in the county.

Mr John Bush in uniform

Funeral at Edington Priory Church

Over 350 guests attended the funeral at Edington Priory Church on May 30 2024 which was led by the Revd Malcolm Wieck. The address was given by The Right Revd Nicholas Holtham, former Bishop of Salisbury and the eulogy was made by Mr David Ronn.

HM The King was represented by General Sir Nicholas Parker; HM The Queen was represented by Mrs Sarah Troughton HM Lord-Lieutenant; and HRH The Princess Royal was represented by Captain Sir Nicholas Wright.

The mourners were led by Mr Bush’s children, Mr Alex Bush and Mrs Carly Farley, together with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many civic dignitaries, friends, and representatives from organisations across Wiltshire were also present.

The civic dignitaries included the High Sheriff, the Chief Constable, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and representatives from the Magistracy, Wiltshire Council, Dean and Chapter of Salisbury Cathedral.

Apologies were received from Swindon Borough Council, Lord and Lady Lansdowne, and The Right Revd June Osborne, former Bishop of Llandaff.

Mrs Sarah Troughton, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, said: “John was a much-respected and much-loved figure in our county.

“He had a wealth of interests, was generous to a fault and leaves behind a loving family and many friends and
colleagues who will miss his wisdom, his wit and great charm.

“He was a huge help and mentor not only to me as his successor as Lord-Lieutenant but to many others
from many walks of life.

“His adored wife Pam died three years ago, and our thoughts go to his family who will cherish many happy memories of a wonderful man.”