Farming expertise boosts Club

Andrew is a partner in the Court Farming Partnership farming 274 acres at Norton Bridge near Stone in Staffordshire where regenerative farming practices are used across a wide range of crops as well as beef finishing for Sainsburys.

The farm is active in many projects with partners such as LEAF and Severn Trent Water. Andrew studied Agricultural Engineering at Harper Adams University and sits on the Institute of Agricultural Engineers council. He is Vice Chair of The Farmers Club Under 35s and a Scholar of the Just Farmers media education programme. He is currently studying towards full BASIS qualification and Environmental Chartership.

As a lawyer with a private practice background in agriculture and rural affairs Sophie joined the CLA in 2019 as National Access Adviser advising on legal and policy issues around public access.

She took on the role of CLA Midlands Director in November 2022 with overall responsibility for the management of the organisation’s regional business and membership. Currently living in Chirbury, Montgomeryshire her family’s background is in farming and veterinary practice in the county. She is passionate about rural matters. Interests include country sports, eventing, skiing and singing. She is Secretary of the United Pack in the Welsh borders.

Nick is Farm Operations Director for farmers and cheesemakers Alvis Brothers based in North Somerset, responsible for the 4,000 acre estate including dairy, beef, arable, pigs, contracting and property.

He is a Fellow, Trustee and Chairman of the Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies, Chairman of the Farmers Club Charitable Trust, Fellow of the Institute of Agricultural Management and vice Chairman of the farm-based charity FarmLink. Nick is a Nuffield Scholar, alumni of the Windsor Leadership programme, founder chair of the FCCT Professional Forum and chair of the North Somerset Agricultural Society’s ploughing match committee. He lives at Congresbury near Bristol with wife Marlene.

The Club’s General Committee plays an important role in running the Club for its membership, with new members elected and co-opted each year. This year four new Full Members and two new Co-opted Members join, bringing a wealth of farming experience. Charles Abel introduces them

Lindsay returns to The Farmers Club Committee, having served a previous term from 2013 to 2018. He brings over forty years of experience of managing large farming enterprises in the eastern counties.

He now works with a number of organisations focused on the regulation of water resources for agriculture. He is a keen supporter of science for agriculture through his work with Innovate UK. Lindsay is a Nuffield Scholar, Fellow of Royal Agricultural Societies. He has been a Club member since 1975 and was its Under 30s Chairman in 1984. He lives with Carolyn in Cavenham near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

“The Farmers Club is a great place to meet farming people from across the country and discuss issues of the day. Its central location so close to the seat of government adds to its value and amenity.”

Mark is a rural practice Chartered Surveyor and graduate of Harper Adams University who worked in estate and rural asset management, before joining the CLA as a surveyor.

He went on to become a Regional Director and is now the CLA’s Director of Programmes in London. Mark is a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association and previously sat on its Council. Other roles include a seat on the Council of the Canal and River Trust. He is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farmers and has attended its Challenge of Rural Leadership Course.

“With the highest quality British sourced food on offer, there is no better place in town to catch up with old friends and colleagues, or to make new ones.”

Ayrshire farmer John has produced milk to be used by international food manufacturing business Nestle to make the chocolate for its KitKat biscuits.

His business focus now is renewable, green, low carbon heating installations. He has been a member of The Farmers Club for 25 years, including a time as an Under 30s member and a previous spell as a Committee Member. He is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Farmers, a member of The Royal Highland Agricultural Society and a beneficiary of the Roy Watherston Agricultural Scholarship programme. He is married to Jean and lives at Ayr in Scotland.

“I have always found the Club to be an excellent base to meet business associates and friends when in London.”