Patrick Durnford, Chairman; Rhydian Scurlock-Jones, Vice Chairman; MaryAnne Salisbury, Secretary • U30s
U30s Chairman’s Jottings SPRING, that is to say what we recognised of it, seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. On speaking to Under 30s members I am keenly aware of the frustration felt by those who are anxious to see a drop of rain. I imagine that many readers of the Journal will feel the same and I think that we all have our fingers firmly crossed for some much overdue precipitation. We are always delighted to welcome new entrants to the Under 30s and hope that those who have recently joined will be interested in attending the events throughout the year. I myself was introduced to the Club by a good friend, and I would encourage members to ask people along to occasions. Similarly, if as an Under 30s member you have an idea for a particular function, or feel the Club may want to participate in an external event, the Committee would be pleased to hear from you. Thank you to Philip Hoare for organising a very excellent Devon Farm walk earlier in May. The weekend, which is reported upon in more detail (right), was a great success. Thank you also to Under 30s Vice Chairman Rhydian ScurlockJones and MaryAnne Salisbury for hosting the Royal Agricultural College Alumni Drinks on the 26th May sponsored by The Farmers Club. I know that the drinks were a welcome restorative to students parched by examinations! Looking ahead to dates for the diary there will be a Farmers Club drinks reception at the CLA Game Fair, to be held at Blenheim Palace on 23rd July. We are also looking forward to a midweek ‘Pimms evening’ in July, details to be confirmed shortly. I hope to see you soon, in the meantime do feel free to contact me on any matter.
contact Patrick for more information Patrick Durnford patrick.durnford @bidwells.co.uk 07967 822892
18 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2011
Devon DEVON was the destination for the Spring Farm Walk over the weekend of 20th – 22nd May, when Under 30s members descended on the South West for a thoroughly entertaining and educational weekend. The city of Exeter, an historic and lively centre, provided a fun and accessible base of operations for the two days. The event started with members gathering in time for drinks and dinner at the hotel on the Friday evening. After a hearty breakfast the following morning the group visited Lynch Farm at Thorverton, home to Nick Heard and his family. Nick farms about 600 acres, running 250 Swedish Red origin dairy cattle on an organic extensive system. He is also the Exeter NFU Chairman and provided a hugely informative overview of the opportunities and challenges of organic dairy farming. His role within the NFU also provided perspective into some of the wider political and economic issues affecting the region. The group very much enjoyed the scenic tractor and trailer tour and felt privileged to be given such an open insight into the enterprise. Above all, Nick’s talk provided a refreshing and inspiring view that, with traditional ‘know how’ and entrepreneurial spirit a great deal can be achieved! After a bite to eat at the Red Lion Pub, the group met with Julie Bateman for a tour of Martinsfield Farm a holding tenanted from the National
Trust as part of the Killerton Estate. Julie’s husband Kevin (who was not able to be there, as he was participating in the ‘Ten Peaks’ challenge) is a farmer turned Chartered Rural Surveyor running his practice from the farm whilst farming (an arrangement supported by the Trust). The holding is nearly 200 acres in size and is within the Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme. The farm walk in the truest sense demonstrated how such schemes can contribute to small farming opportunities and deliver environmental results. A special thank you to Julie and Charlotte Furnival (Kevin’s assistant) for their kind guidance and time. On leaving Martinsfield a Devon Cream Tea at Killerton House was enjoyed before returning to the hotel for recuperation ahead of the evening. Drinks were taken in the town prior to an excellent dinner at ‘Rendezvous’ restaurant. The evening was rounded off with après dinner refreshments at a local ‘night spot’. A sedate Sunday morning involved calling in at ‘Darts Farm Shop’ before crossing the river Exe at Topsham and an invigorating stroll along the bankside for a well earned pub lunch at the ‘Turf Inn’. The weekend was a great success – thank you to former Under 30s Chairman Philip Hoare for organising such a memorable weekend. Patrick Durnford