The Squire of Stoke St. Mary
Born locally in 1941 and a much admired member of the community of Stoke St. Mary, Richard Pearse has lived in all three parishes of Orchard Portman, Thurlbear and Stoke St. Mary. His parents farmed the freehold of Stoke Court Farm prior to Richard and his wife Mary taking over in the 1980's. He is a past Chairman of the Parish Council and continues to be a Council Member - his wife Mary being herself the Parish Clerk since 1997. Richard is an expert ploughman and hedge-layer of the old school. He has been, among other activities, a past Milkman and Bell-ringer of Orchard Portman. He is dedicated to his sheep and beef farming.
Photograph by Jenny Rowles, 18th March 2002 on the occasion of the 70th Birthday celebrations for her brother Terry Rowles at the Half Moon.