John Bates also known as Jack or Johnny was born in East Garston on 27 August 1892 where he lived all his life. One of eight children, the two youngest brothers (eighteen and twenty) were killed in France in the First World War, their names are on the War Memorial. He worked on the farm for several years during the war and afterwards as a groom for Mr Soames at Gold Hill House.

In 1929 he set up his own coal business, delivering fuel in the village and in Lambourn, Eastbury and The Woodlands. He was a keen gardener and also played cricket for many years in the local team. John was a member of the Royal British Legion at Brightwalton and a member of the Royal Antedilvian Buggaleurs or perhaps letter known as the 'Buffs' in Lambourn. He died in October 1967.