Farmeco Community Care 2019 Competition

FOOD, FARMING & TREES

Grace Nyandiko Makhutsi Age 14 Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

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The first section of this booklet brings together a range of your views on what is important to you about trees, food, farming and the countryside.

It was David’s 60th birthday in June 2019 and he wanted to celebrate it by bringing together views from family and friends. In return for to everyone sending a message, David will dedicate a tree on his farm everyone that sent him a message, creating a real community woodland, for everyone to come and share for years to come.

The second part of this book is Farmeco Community Care’s writing competition. In 2019 we received some truly amazing entries from Kenya, Nepal and Great Britain, we thank all those who took part. We will dedicate a tree to all those people who took part in the competition, in the community woodland. We also hope to be able to help those abroad plant their own trees in their own community and schools.

We have decided to run the competition again in 2020, with more trees being planted for all those taking part. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you require more details.

We hope you enjoy the booklet and can help take this forward.

RIGHT FOOTER

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FAMILY

David Rose Car Colston & Screveton

Happiness is walking on living soil, in rain and sunshine, seeing full crops to harvest.

Hedgerows, trees full of fruit and nuts. Bees working on wild flowers, birds singing, pheasant flying, my dog my sheep, but only sharing with generations and friends gives a true content.

Jill Rose Shackerdale Car Colston

Emily Rose Islington

Like the branches of a tree We all grow in different directions But we all remain as one root.

Happiness is...walking down Shackerdale lane, mum waves at her window pane, sun rays beam across the crop, farmers at work...’come-on pop pop’. Screveton church, what a spot, where Greig and I, tie the knot. Down Lodge Lane and to the farm, granny stands there, open armed! Pop hard at work in his shed, cafe velo verde - all get fed!

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FAMILYFAMILY MESSAGES

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Imagine if trees gave off Wifi Signals, we would be planting so many trees and we’d probably save the planet too. Too bad they only produce the oxygen we breathe.

If you wake up every morning and see the sun, it’s good enough.

Sam Rose Screveton

P J Rose Home Farm Screveton

And did those feet in ancient times Walk upon England’s mountain green?

And was the holy lamb of God On England’s pleasant pastures seen?

You have more in common with trees than you think. Just as we develop and live in families and social networks – so do trees. They communicate and share resources through underground networks of roots and fungal threads.

Co-operation is at the heart of sustaining life

Margaret Rose the poplars home farm screvetom

Sally Rose and Al Stokeld - LS168EZ

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FAMILY

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The countryside means: my roots, my home, my family, my passion.

I love rural life & fiercely want to protect those who reply on it for their livelihood.

Jo (nee Rose) & John Finch NG32 2EB

Grieg Shuter Islington

God help our greedy human race to save our planet before it’s too late.

Few favourite things: - seeing a hillside enriched with trees, - the smell of grass after it’s rained, - watching wildlife go about their daily jobs, - strolling in the countryside.

Leonard Shuter Sevenoaks

“The wonderful smell of freshly cut grass instantly conjures up memories of playing and watching cricket, football and golf.”

Christine Shuter Sevenoaks

“I love to hear the dawn chorus as the curtains are drawn back at the break of day.”

Rachel Cook Norwell Woodhouse

I find the countryside to be truly healing.

Breathing in the fresh country air is so calming, it gives me perspective and helps me to escape the fast-paced London lifestyle. It’s the simple things in life that are so wonderful.

Hannah Cook London, SW1Y 4AJ

Life, family and friends’ common sense, music, sport, dogs, history, work and helping people with gimpy legs.

Pete Cook Norwell Woodhouse

Nothing lifts the spirit more than the British countryside. It’s joyous and humbling, better than anything the doc could prescribe to make you feel better.

My passion for the countryside are the smells and noises that remind you of your family home

I’m passionate about the countryside because it’s my happy place, it’s the cheapest therapy you can get, but it works every time.

Linda Turner YO415PZ

Joe Cook Newark Notts

Harriet Hawkins Southwell

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This is one of my favourite quotes: “ I like gardening, it’s a place where I find myself when I want to lose myself “

FAMILYFAMILY MESSAGES

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Planting a tree is giving a gift to future generations. It’s not about the stuff but the experience

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FAMILY

Ray Turner YO415PZ

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To see the first swallow, to hear the first cuckoo or skylark, to hear the ripple of a stream as I walk by, to see badger, fox, deer or any other creature is a bonus whilst walking in the countryside. Â

Margaret Towers 2019 Thumpton

Very happy childhood memories of Shackerdale 1936 - 1956. Continuing links with my God son and his family.

Shirley Freeman NG5 7JW

Lots of memories of early days at Radcliffe living by the river, with the cliffs and big trees, and following my brother Peter along to the weir.

Jacqui Lonsdale NG5 8AB

Being in the countryside brings back lots of memories for me, of time spent with my grandparents Sam & Dorothy. I hope to make lots of lasting memories with my grandchildren.

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FAMILYFAMILY MESSAGES

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Born in the city my first memory of the great outdoors was Wales by Forest Camp site with its pine trees and bracken. Today as a family we continue to enjoy camping and being outdoors.

Gary Lonsdale

When we join hearts and hands and fully collaborate with Nature, we are all able to reach our full potential and shine

Marina Russel no fixed abode Australia

None of us knows all the time and effort that another person puts into their passion. Remember, never shine yourself for anybody else, you shine for you alone! Take the time to get to know the “you� that is behind the reality of yourself.

Dr David Russell Nusa Australia

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LOCAL FRIENDS

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Mike Shearstone LE14 4EN

Spencer, Carolyn, Sam Aidan NG13 9PE

Alasdair and Catherine Morrison NG23 5DE

Andy and Sue Dyson Long Bennington

What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare? No time to stand beneath the boughs, And stare as long as sheep and cow.

“Through life’s ups downs the one thing that remains a constant is the beauty of nature”

“Growing up on a farm I was surrounded by open fields and woodland. I never understood why my father planted trees he would never live to appreciate. Fifty year on I realise what he achieved. We should all plant trees for our future generations’ benefit. “ My favourite trees are the mighty oak, sweet chestnut or beech, depending on soil conditions.

How can we all work together to reduce waste, ensure more families can be fed in an affordable manner and make sure that all the hard work and effort put in by our farmers is used as it is intended and does not end up in the bin?’

Looking after Family, Friends, Farming, Flora and Fauna today will give us Perpetuity tomorrow’

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LOCAL FRIENDS FAMILY MESSAGES

Graham Caroline Daniel and Emma Brown Colby LIncoln

11 This ones for all the insects and bees that complete the circle – let’s hope they make it’.

Family, friends and good health are important to me .......... and leaving a place in a better state than it was when you arrived.

Appreciate and respect our soil it’s so Precious but don’t eat yellow snow.

When walking I enjoy: Magnificent views, Ancient woodland, Barrows, hill forts, ridge and furrow, Flint, arrowheads, coins, pottery, Streams, ponds, canals, Cygnets, goslings, bramblings, wild pigs, Bluebells, cow parsley, green winged orchids Styles, farm gates, hamlets, villages, Bridleways, disused railways, historic trackways.Small pleasures - all free!

Seasons, weather, crops, machines, repeat... amazing!

Philip Barker Newark

Jane Peake

Hannah Cook London, SW1Y 4AJ

Angela Jackson Nottingham Tony Helen Strawson Hexgrave Southwell Notts

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LOCAL FRIENDS

Tim Sayers Hawksworth

Trees, nature and the wilderness are hugely powerful transformational tools, to help us connect with our inner selves, finding our pathway of happiness and fulfilment to be the very best version of ourselves. My calling is to help people make that connection. Â

Gina Cresswell Aslocton Notts

Andy Smith Whaton in the Vale Will Smith Whatton in the vale.

Judith & Ian Montgomery Sibthrope Newark Notts

Wealth is not about houses, cars or possessions.

True wealth is the glorious countryside that we see around us, the birds in the sky, the blossom on the hedgerow and the flowers of the fields.

TREES The lungs of the earth‌. Without them there would be no Countryside. With no Countryside there is no community. Enjoy them all.

Home Farm. My home from home.

Agriculture is a passion a way of life the greatest thing is when u see grandchildren having such a passion for it Especially when they tell nana how to start the tractor!

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LOCAL FRIENDS FAMILY MESSAGES

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Over the past 25 plus years I have helped David to plant many woodlands and hedgerows for game and wildlife habitat. We have seen a change in the landscape over time which has encouraged the wildlife to flourish.

Wag NG18 3GE

Beauty can be found in every element of the natural world; intricate insects, ornate plants, decorative birds, remarkable mammals and breath-taking landscapes.

Nature heals both body and spirit. It is a gift from God and it is our responsibility to both enjoy and safeguard it.

Tree, plant, insect, ocean, animal or human, we all need each other to keep this beautiful world alive. Let’s fight to keep our planet a joy for all that call it home.

Andy and Magz Guy norwell

The Inman Family

Friends come and go like the waves on the ocean, but the true ones stay like an octopus on your face In cities no one is quiet, but many are lonely; in the country, people are quiet, but few are lonely

Jason Hearse Screveton

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LOCAL FRIENDS

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Gary Hales Newark NG24 2AB

The definition of Golf = a game played in the fresh air on your own or with some good friends in which a small hard ball is struck with a club into a series of small holes in the ground, the object being to use the fewest possible strokes to complete the course.

Our future is at stake, now more than ever. We must learn to look after the land more otherwise our species will live to regret it. Education is the key here – both passing on the

Jeff Moss Flintham

James Howard Scarrington

knowledge down the line as well as learning new things to drive things forward with innovation.

It’s a team game though and everyone needs to do their bit – we’re stronger together!

“I love the modest hawthorn. Crafted repeatedly into perpetual immaturity as hedges, they seldom become trees but home or haven to a multitude of insects, birds and small mammals.

Always lovingly portrayed in images of the countryside which it changed irrevocably. It is indeed, England.”

Wind tumbles across the sweeping fields, carrying whispers of the trees. New life arrives as the seasons change, hope survives. The news rustles through the copse, stirring the rabbit as he hops. We respond to nature’s call, preserving life through dominion, not domination, after all.

Nick Kay Long Bennington

Rob, Jo, Charlotte, Paul , Mollie and James Wolliams

Orla Bamford Tawneys Orchard Main Street, Norwell

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God bless the man who sows the wheat, Who finds us milk and fruit and meat; May his purse be heavy, his heart be light, His cattle and corn and all go right; God bless the seeds his hands let fall, For the farmer he must feed us all.

FAMILY MESSAGES LOCAL FRIENDS

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I hope this community woodland is enjoyed by the generations to come and is a tranquil place where they can pause and think about the importance of community and kindness to others. That they can put their concerns and anxieties aside for a while and celebrate the things that are given to us for free; nature, wildlife, love and laughter.

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LOCAL FRIENDS

Rita Bamford Norwell

My passion for our beautiful English countryside is having the freedom to go for long walks and appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of nature which is of benefit to us all and especially for our mental wellbeing and stress relief.

16 Russel Bamford Norwell

I think that I shall never see. A billboard lovely as a tree. Indeed unless a billboard falls I’ll never see a tree at all! Ogden Nash.

Pam & John Coen Stableford Newark

What is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs, and stare as long as sheep and cows.

Ellie Allwood Lincoln

Much of the landscape we love is made by man as well as Mother Nature. This area has been made by a man, who is loved by many people, as a legacy for us all and gift for Mother Nature.

Terry Stafford Newark

Having spent the weekend in the north west around Carlisle you realise just how little the countryside is changing up there compared to the Midlands and further south where thousands of acres of prime agricultural land are being lost to houses and enormous business parks.

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LOCAL FRIENDS FAMILY MESSAGES

17 The four seasons create a beautiful countryside all year round. Winter the fresh frosty morns.

Spring the green fields and daffodils bright in the sunshine. Summer glorious long days and barley waving in the breeze. Autumn the misty meadows and golden leaves. A perfect place to live and protect for future generations. Farmers are very privileged to work in such a paradise.

Peter June White Eakring Notts

Home Farm, trees that are here are about renewal, the fields about permanence, and the people around me now are allowing me to grow into the person I can be. Except during the nine months before he draws his first breath, no man manages his affairs as well as a tree does.

George Bernard Shaw

Anita Home Farm Cottage

The nature walks, every time I see something different, the big white owl, a small grass snakes which will not hurt you, the trees and hedges that change their colour every season, the wild flowers, so wonderful, get out in the fresh air and see.

June Carrington & Archie Screveton

‘In cities no one is quiet, but many are lonely; living in the countryside people are quiet but few are lonely’

Ian Littlefair Screveton

The open space of the countryside promotes open minds, new thinking and time for reflection.

The countryside has the most space but has the closest communities that live, love and laugh.

Freddie Reid & Lucy Shelton, Newton.

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LOCAL FRIENDS

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Robert Reid Bourne Linc

My thoughts are really about appreciation of the 4 seasons because I’m a farmer’s son! Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter all mean a lot to me in their different ways.

Julia Reid Bourne Linc

For me the future for our children and grandchildren is important that is why I try hard not to use single use plastics...we cook from fresh and use as many things as possible that do not come or require plastic packing...we have our own water bottles and now I’m using beeswax to wrap food in the fridge....

Janet Jones Nottingham

“The tree of life” “Representing unity and renewal in nature... our lives, experiences & opportunities spread out in different directions like the branches and leaves, but we’re all connected by the trunk and roots, drawing energy, life, renewal, wisdom, longevity and love from the earth.”

I love riding around the country lanes. The views of acres of golden cornfields dancing in the breeze of an English summer’s day. Farmers put a lot of work in which most of us take for granted until the day we open our eyes and just ‘look around our fantastic Countryside’

David Miller Newark

My passion is for wildflowers to remain to freely bloom on this planet.

To quote Lady Bird Johnson. “Almost every person from childhood has been touched by the untamed beauty of wildflowers”

Gill Walker Nottingham

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FAMILY MESSAGES LOCAL FRIENDS

“Trees! For the shade they cast on a hot summer’s day. For somewhere to shelter in the rain. For the oxygen produced and CO2 absorbed. For the sound of their leaves in a gentle breeze, birds singing from their branches and insects scurrying, buzzing and getting on with their lives. For an escape from the modern world. Trees of life! “--

Sam Travis Elston

Good shooting, Good Food, Good Drink, Good Friends, Good times, nothing without a Good Pub to share then in.

Richard Vicky Spencer Car Colston

Grow yourself happy enjoy your garden! Animals change lives! If you give them a chance! Magical!

Ceri Anne & Steve Home Farm Screveton!

Sow and ye shall reap.

Richard Ogden Car Colston

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FRIENDS / ENGLAND

Valentine Nkoyo

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David (Lemayian) Rose, you are a LEGEND of all times for what you do for humanity through food production, environment and communities. Thanks for meeting my beloved mother Mary, family and late father Parmuat in Narok, Kenya. A genuine and trustworthy friend. Your legacy will remain forever�

Laura McCartan

For David’s birthday because he inspires me to keep learning and travelling the world

Kate Butler Bradford

For me trees are a fundamental analogy for family - their roots connect to generations that have gone before and yet stand fast for the growth of the next branch.

Jenny Payne Hackney London

Alison Ball South Yorkshire Pam McCartan

D reams of Flourishing woodland on the A cres of your green and pleasant V ale a lovely leafy I nspiration your legacy for D ecades to come I feel very privileged to work protecting my community some of them the most vulnerable in society There are girls like lions

Sue Dearden London.

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“Trees are ‘nature’s great connectors’ says David George Haskell. Bound for life with their mycorrhiza and the currents and creatures that propagate them they remind us – lest we should forget – that all life is relationship and we must not only compete but cooperate to thrive.”

Graeme Willis CPRE London

I ponder - if all humans really knew and be felt it in their bodies, in each of their cells how much we need trees, what would our society look like?

Ida Fabrizio Sustain London

Farming is my happy place

Rosie Hamilton

David, A very happy birthday to you. A big thank you for the trees. They make such a difference to the landscape.

Shall we call you protector of the environment?

And those bees, I hope I will be able to taste that environmentally friendly honey mmm, but bees are not usually friendly are they? But I hope yours are.

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FRIENDS / ENGLAND FAMILY MESSAGES

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As a city dweller and only an occasional visitor to the countryside, I am forever grateful to the wonderful hardworking people who work and nurture the land for us all.

Veronica Barnes

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FRIENDS / ENGLAND

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David Holmes Yorkshire

Liz & Richard Whitaker Scarcroft Yorkshire

Kinsi Clarke

All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.

Our passion is a deep love of horses. The joy of breeding and training successful racehorses is the equivalent of getting your children through school and university and then finishing with a degree! Being involved, like us, from one generation to another is simply magical.

What can I say about David Rose? A man in a million who devotes so much care, love and attention to the very thing that is sustaining the human race: the environment. Thank you, David, for nurturing these trees and making them, and all that is around them, so accessible to everyone.

Keep planting the seeds for tomorrow’s food.

“The simplest pleasures in life are to spend time in nature and eating good food”

Farming and sustainable agriculture is the future for all of us. If we get to embrace the peace and tranquillity of the environment, then we will be able to tell the generations to come about where we have come from and where we are heading.

I love the wild life especially when you compare them to some humans—

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FRIENDS / WORLD YOGA GROUP FAMILY MESSAGES

Sujita Sharma Katmandu Nepal

23 Angela Wathoni Nottingham & Nairobi

Gerard De Rauville South Africa

We enjoy following the work you do towards sustaining our environment for generations to come as well as your involvement in and dedication to so many charitable organizations!

You’ve made a huge impact on this world. You’re a GOOD MAN, David Rose! God Bless

Cathy Freeman California USA

Stand Tall and Proud Sink your roots deeply into the Earth Think long term, Go out on a limb Remember your place among all living beings Embrace with joy the changing seasons Feel the wind and the sun Be flexible, Remember your roots Enjoy the view!

Sandra Fowkes Calverton

Farmers’ Markets, Men in Sheds. Planting time, Lambing time. Yoga time, Coffee time.

All are welcome at Farmeco! Anytime! Open Farm, Open hearts, Open arms!

Angela Barrand Yoga Teacher Mapperly

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FRIENDS / WORLD

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Margaret Ogden Thoroton

Jean Brooks Flintham

Farming is a great way of Life, until a crop fails or an animal dies.

Yoga in the Ecocentre, looking out the windows to see the beautiful trees coming into blossom in the spring, but when the autumn arrives the leaves change colour and fall off, blowing everywhere! We listen to the birds sing and guess which bird it is.

Don Rees Mapperly (Hanan Ansari)

A treea tree with green leaves, a tree with yellow leaves: a leafless tree-large branches; small branches: a limb; a twig; a deep-rooted tree, a shallow rooted tree, a tree with red shoots, a tree with green shoots; a tree- falls down, lifeless, when axed.

Cheryl Marsh Newark Notts

What I love and value about the farm and the country side, is being at one with nature. Seeing it at first hand in all its glory as nature intended.

Farmers should support the community within which they live and work.

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FAMILY MESSAGES NUFFIELD

Alan and Anne Becket Solihull

25 My major concern in life is about disadvantaged children especially those we have worked together with in Kenya. Helping with health and education goes together with an increasing respect for the environment.

Gill Bullock Chadik Kent

Look deeply into nature - its shows us that integrating trees, crops and livestock together as Agroforestry makes perfect sense, providing a 3-dimensional climate smart agriculture for the future

Stephen Briggs PE73DR NFS

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NUFFIELD

Bill Young - Nuffield Scholar NN6 0DL

Roger Mercer Chairman Mercer Farming. Nuffield Scholar DE138AJ Sarah Burt The Mynde - Much Dewchurch Herefordshire - HR2 8DN

Farming is about handing your farm over to the next generation in a better condition than when you took it on. Farmers value their soil structure, wildlife habitat and biodiversity on their land and farm sustainably but still manage to produce more to meet demand.

“We seek to find the right balance in our lives and careers during the short time we are on this earth. In agriculture we are fortunate to be working in the countryside and should seek to balance profitability, people and planet. This is true sustainability “ I hope this is the sort of thing you are looking for

We are here but for a blink of an eye, stop, breathe in, breathe out, savour, stand here and enjoy the absolute beauty and wonder of life.

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FAMILYNUFFIELD MESSAGES

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You voluble Velvety Vehement fellows That play on your Flying and Musical cellos....

Come out of my Foxglove; come Out of my roses, You bees with the Plushy and Plausible noses!

You voluble Velvety Vehement fellows That play on your Flying and Musical cellos....

Come out of my Foxglove; come Out of my roses, You bees with the Plushy and Plausible noses!

Stephen Dorothy Fell Yorkshire

The average life expectancy of the most common tree, the English oak is around 250 years, which means the oldest trees today were planted when Captain James Cook discovered Botany Bay, what will oak trees we plant now be looking at in 250 years? It is our responsibility not just to plant these majestic trees but also to ensure their outlook is favourable in 250 years’ time.

Richard Burt The Mynde - Much Dewchurch Herefordshire HR2 8DN

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NUFFIELD

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Holly Beckett Nuffield

Take a deep breath. Can you feel your connection to this tree?

You are breathing the oxygen it produces. Feel your feet on the ground.

Can you sense your connection to the land?

This tree’s life depends on this land. Your life depends on oxygen.

Andrew Scoley LN4 2HW

“Stop dragging iron and start pushing carbon”.

Dorothy Faitburn Yourkshire

Rob Ward London

The Wonder of the world , the beauty and power, The shape of things, Their colours, lights and shades, these I saw. Look ye also while life lasts.

This world of farming and food will transform vast part of the agricultural economy. And also, be destroyed too.

Here’s to an honest food future. One where farmers know where they are. Cheap or extraordinary. There’s no middle ground.

I’m passionate about the countryside because it’s my happy place, it’s the cheapest therapy you can get, but it works every time.

David and Mary Morley Bramcot Notts

29 Richard men sheds NG12 3HP

D David A Always V Vital I Interesting D Dynamic R Realising O Outstanding S Sites and E Encouraging a sense of fun, fellowship, freedom and understanding of this green and pleasant land.

Farmeco It’s not like any farm we have been to before in our caravanning days. Men in Sheds even do their own bacon butties. Very good, but only after they have done any odd jobs for the farm. What’s an Eco Farm? A community, a different way of doing farming, great people to have met.

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My passion for the countryside are the smells and noises that remind you of your family home

NUFFIELD MENS SHED FAMILY MESSAGES

Di and Nev Stangroom Norfolk

Ben and Anne Barrow Bingham

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FRIENDS / WORLD

Felista Wathungu, Nairobi

The ultimate goal of farming is not growing of crops, But the cultivation and perfection of human beings. Thanks David for having a place where the next generation can be able to learn from.

Githinji & Wairimu Kamau, Maragwa, Kenya

As you clock 60, your work and devotion has transformed many lives and will definitely continue to do so as the new generations put into practice what you have impacted on them making the world greener, healthier and happier for all.

William Mwangi, Mojatu Foundation, Nottingham & Murang’a, Kenya

Farmeco and the work within this farm is a source of great inspiration and attraction for more of us to engage in countering the massive environmental degradation that has happened over the years.

Frank Kamau, Mojatu Foundation, Nottingham City & Murang’a, Kenya

Coming to Farmeco and working with David is always a reminder of the small yet important steps we all ought to take daily in improving our environment, relationships and self. Happy birthday David and happy times to the wonderful people involved in this beautiful place.

John Njuguna Gathu, Nairobi

Indeed age is just a number. The thing is that, what did you and I do with those years to make a positive impact on the environment that we all love and Cherish.

Robert Borbely Budapest

I think that the world is in the middle of a huge transition that we have to make to renewable energy.

By the time I am 70 I want to have contributed to a massive increase in tree and woodland cover around the UK. Less talk, more trees”

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WOODLAND TRUST FAMILY MESSAGES

John Tucker woodland trust TN31 7NE

31 “A reasonable agriculture would do its best to emulate nature. Rather than change the earth to suit a crop it would diversify its crops to suit the earth.” author Verlyn Kinkenborg.

Helen Chesshire Woodland Trust Grantham

‘I love trees, the way they stand looking striking in the landscape and become more spectacular with age. They provide a home to such a wide array of wildlife and produce the oxygen we need to breathe. They are tremendous!’

Emma Bird NG2 2FW

My children enjoy nature & trees, your use of this inspiring quote has changed how I interact with them, It would mean nothing if you didn’t believe in it so much.

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn’

Stuart Holm LE7 9DE woodland Trust

Nature will bear the closest inspection.

She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf And take an insects view of her plain. ‘

Katherine Owen Woodland Trust Grantham

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MENS IN SHED FARMERS CLUB

Bill Pearl Men Sheds

Do thou unto others as you would that they should do unto you. A short passage I believe from the bible which seems to cover all of the ten commandments, not rendering them unnecessary but simplifying them. Expectations, If you don’t expect too much of yourself or others then there will not be so many disappointments

Anne Chamberlain

Farmers: stewards of the countryside My Mother planted trees around the steading in the 1930 then my Father put in more in the 1960s. This year their great-grandchildren planted the next generation of trees which will shelter the farm.

Martin Shaw; Eileen Hogan S WF14 9QD

Let’s hear it for the trees – the lungs, of our land purifying the air that we breathe!

Martin Shaw Eileen Hogan WF14 9QD

Life on Earth – given by our parents and borrowed from our children. Cherish it in life and leave it in good order!! .

Mark Arthur Thrope Newark

I find it important to be part of this diverse farming community. No one farm is the same but in the end we all produce for each other and ourselves.

John Cook Besthorpe Newark Notts

The noises of the countryside are something no generation should miss. From the birds to the rustle of leaves and the hum of the breeze.

Growing and nurturing is sharing these noises for those to come

Sue Shipley Scarrington Notts

Time and family is the most precious thing to me and leaving the world in a better place

Tanya Cornford

I have always lived with Horse Chestnut trees, bearing our swing as a child, conkering with our own children, hosting our nest boxes and providing enduring joy with the sharp lime of fresh spring hands of leaves and those heady floral candles of flowers...

Katherine Owen Woodland Trust Grantham

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WOODLAND TRUST FAMILY MESSAGES

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My big thing is litter in the countryside. I hate to see it and applaud all those that volunteer to litter pick in the countryside. I donate every month to the canal and riverboat trust in order that our waterways remain well maintained. I don›t have time to do it myself, so I contribute in a small way. I enjoy well maintained hedgerows and smile whenever I see a newly planted copse.

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FRIENDS / WORLD

Liz & Richard Whitiker Scarcroft

Simon and Lorraine Whitaker Scarcroft Yorkshire

Our passion is a deep love of horses. The joy of breeding and training successful racehorses is the equivalent of getting your children through school and university and then finishing with a degree! Being involved, like us, from one generation to another is simply magical.

The scented rose, the shade of the tree.

The rolling hills, the animals roaming free.

A very special commodity we must keep safe for others to see.

Jess Payne Hackney London

Society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they know they will never sit.

Mark Tomlin Screveton

Walking amongst the trees and nature trails have helped my partner Debbie win her battle against cancer,thank you.

FOOD! FARMS! by Swatsee Regmi Nepal, Aksharaa School, Kandaghari, Kathmandu, Nepal

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Hello there! To the one who is reading this, I thank you a bunch! Thank you for choosing my write-up and I hope you find it riveting.

and distributed crops throughout Nepal for several years. Rice, wheat, millet, barley etc are the major crops grown in Nepal.

I was born in a hindu family in the terai region in biratnagar. Nepal is my home country and is a really beautiful country covered by hills and mountains and plain also enriched by many beautiful birds and species and water resources. Biratnagar is a city in the terai region in Nepal. It is my hometown. Most of you mightn’t know about biratnagar so I will explain: biratnagar is a plain that has lot of greenery but is also famous for its very hot temperature. Yes the temperature there is very very hot, but whatever it is my hometown is very special for me as my grandparents live here. That was about my hometown and me.

Tobacco, jute etc are the crops that Nepal exports. Apples, oranges are also of a great demand. Nepal is very good in agriculture and nowadays many youths have also diverted their thoughts to agriculture.

Now the food:

According to me, these problems can be easily solved if we all come together and try to develop our country. Also if corruption innepa, completely ends, then there are high chances of huge progress in Nepal.

Nepal has different and iconic food items like rice, dhindo, daal, curry and pickle. It is also famous for gundruk. I love the food in Nepal and I love eating the food found here cause its really good Nepal as mentioned is enriched by blessings. Nepal has many forests, birds, animals, diversed groups and many more.

Nepal is renowned asan agricultural country and Nepal has numerous amount of farmers working for agricultural sector in Nepal.

Nepal is an agro-base country. 80% of Nepalese people are engaged in agriculture.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people living in Nepal.. 41% of nepal›s income is from agriculture itself. And the farmers of Nepal have successfully harvested

But there still exists lots of problem regarding agriculture, farming etc in Nepal: • • • • • • •

no irrigation facilities lack of transportation poor economic condition no proper tools for development poor facilities brain drain traditional farming etc…

Even though I mightn’t go for agriculture in my future, I would try my best to do something for my country specially in the sector of agriculture as agriculture is the base of our country and all the Nepalese people should be focused towards its development.

Many of you don’t know Nepal but I hope after reading this, something about Nepal has been clear and I hope I have been able to clarify things about nepal›s agriculture, faroms, farmers etc…

Ann Alubiri Khaira - Age 18 Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

Food, Farms, Community, What Future?

As human beings we all need food since it provides energy for fundamental body processes. We take food any time we feel the need to but mostly don’t consider the source of all the food we have. According to the knowledge I have, food comes from either animals or crops. It is later processed and made ready for the consumers. I usually wonder what would happen if we one day woke up

and found that there was no food because the suppliers failed to produce the needed food.

From this point I have always looked at food and its sources with a critical eye since I know these two are vital. I always feel the need of having a balanced diet in order to overcome nutritional disorders. A good supply of food will also ensure that children do not suffer from malnutrition and adults do not die of hunger.

To wrap it up, food, farms and my community are vital. They are always in my heart and their future is so bright if only everybody works hard to make them successful.

Food By Shaarav Sanjel, Grade 6, Aksharaa School, Kandaghari, Kathmandu, Nepal My mouth water’s when I see you around.

The best thing I have ever found.

Food! Food! Food! You are the best.

Withso many varieties in the plate.

You are the best.

I can’t see you waste.

You are tasty With lots ofvarieties.

You have different name than others And that’s call a food.

You are the best With different types of taste

Food Farm (End of Universe) by Pranaya Dhakal, Grade 6, Aksharaa School, Kandaghari, Kathmandu, Nepal Recently, I watched a mind blowing video about low universe meet its end point.

This is all our fault. We human beings are polluting, cutting more trees and it is causing global warming. Some people aren’t aware of that. We don’t care about our mother earth rather we are just caring for our happy life. If we follow this way forever, the situation will get more worsted.

We are at the beginning process of it. After many due to global warming, sea level will rise up, Antarctica will melt, Volcano will be erupted etc, As we are throwing many wastes, our sun will absorbed it, and will purely converts into mars, or life will exit there. After that there would be no light of sun and there will not be anymore ring

of Saturn. After many years ever the stars will began to blast and all galaxies would be destroyed. Black holes will also start to destroy. And there would be only last sun which would be only last sun which would be ‘Sun’ but it wouldn’t exit any more. Only the smallest particle of mass will remain. After billions of years it would also be destroyed and there would remain nothing forever. Then there would be no value of time and light.

This is the time where the processes haven’t began yet. So we can still use environment friendly vehicles, plant more tree and not using nuclear power. If we follow this hopefully we would survive for long time.

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The community forms part of me and I have a major role in it. It is the one that gives me a deep sense of belonging. Although there are some issues that are overlooked, like soil erosion and water conservation, they are the ones that matter most. Also, people ignore

the small pieces of land around which in a real sense can be very FAMILY productive and MESSAGES helpful. Having passed through a school where I have learnt not to just identify problems but to find a way of solving them, I now know my future and my community’s future is bright. This is because school has prepared us and empowered us with crucial information needed to transform society.

I know that what those before us did not do to ensure they achieved food security, a well-developed farming sector, a happy and informed community and a bright future for the next generation, is all going to be done.

This is by me as a young person never giving up, being willing to do hard things, having an undying spirit and striving to excel in my dreams and ambition.

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Farms form part of the world I live in.

Being brought up in a community where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, I know the need for farming. Without it, my fear might come true which would be the worst thing in my country’s history. Working in the farms is very hard, bearing in mind that most farms are not mechanized, and farmers get very tired and feel like giving up. The thing I know is that at times I enjoy working in the farm when I have a strong will to do it and am interested in all I do. I know that as time goes by and as Kenyans embrace farm mechanization, the produce and harvests from our farms will be bumper and food insecurity will be a long gone issue.

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By: PurnikaWasti, Grade 8, Aksharaa School, Kandaghari, Kathmandu

Me, my lifestyle,

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“Her name shall be Purnika!

Purnika it shall be, Why is it wet it’s leaking AH!” And that’s the starting of me

You know my name already, just know that I’m not steady Cause a little more studies, a little more brain Adding a little music, that’s what I gain.

Happy my dog, barks when I tell so I’d love some books, no judging of looks Hey, I’m a Harry Potter fan yo!

Curly hair, twirls with the air, Born in a city named Kathmandu Full of rejoice, elation in the voice “Thanks God, hallelu.. !”

I was born in the paradise Nepal, Which sleeps in a blanket of nature Flower of mountains, with hills it’s sepal, Sparkling water with amazing creatures Nepal is wonderful, if you haven’t heard, Your heart’ll be taken away, even by this little bird From the peaks of Everest, to the plains of lumbini Want a ticket? I’m sure you’ll be in it Just a kind of lifestyle, did you ask Nothing will fit, not in this little flask Nepali “bhasha” yup that’s our craze “Gundruk” or “dhindo”, it’ll leave you amazed Well the kind of country I’m surrounded with I hope listening about me won’t leave you with filth Actually, I’m goofing, cause that’s one part of me Now, let’s move on ‹bout myself, with the mindset of Glee

We Nepalese have a life, And we also have a style Most people have husband’s and wives We have “haris” and “rams” not “mikes” and “Kyle’s” Intruders beware, cause the gorkhalis live here!

If others try to harm us, just anywhere Then you’ll know the real meaning of adrenaline and fear They’ll just come up to make it fair and square I love my country, I love the world Obsessed with the universe and how the black hole swirls I love the atoms deep inside And the glory of a Nepali, it’ll be right beside Well, I gave you some info, I made you aware, Of what place I live in, what Homeland I share I really hope in the end this writing has turned out great Just for the last time, my lifestyle is my FAVOURITE!

Benson Omukoko Mboya - Age 19 - Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

SIMPLE RECLAMATION Agriculture is the backbone of many developing countries but the land is becoming inadequate due to increasing population. Because of this, it is important for people to be creative to ensure proper utilization of our lands.

For my case, this is how I have tried it. At my home which is in Western Kenya, I reclaimed the land which was dormant and at the moment it is useful. Our piece of land which borders a river periodically floods around August. In that case people would tend to abandon it and move to other places to cultivate or do other jobs.

The grass around the river grows fast and tall, and sometimes dangerous animals like snakes make it their habitat. Care is needed when clearing. The grass is cut only where

one can easily access. The cut grass is left to dry before burning. Some portion which formerly was not cleared is burnt thus giving a breakthrough to access other parts which are easily cleared.

When tilling, you need to dig deep to expose the grass roots. This gives them no chance to grow. Remember the best time for this is the afternoon and when wearing protective clothes. The whole piece, say an acre, is tilled plainly. It is then left for a period of two weeks for the water to drain. The land is tilled for the second time and trenches are made which are about a metre deep.

A lot of water is realised and left in the trenches. Plants are selected and no fertilizer is required since the land is very

After two months, the climate is usually not

Keeping into account that this is the time when rains start causing floods, the arrowroots are safe because of their depth.

The arrowroots grown in such conditions are usually very healthy. Therefore, you get a good harvest and the land is well utilised.

Ann Alubiri Khaira - Age 18 Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

Food, Farms, Community, What Future?

Alone in the vast open land, A young tree grows, Dreaming of the day she will be accepted, Surrounded by a hollow of air, She is sad and happy yet, Not knowing why.

Alone in the silent land, She calls upon the desire to plant more, Broody shadows of trees are seen,

The once deserted land Has been turned into a lively vase of trees.

The trees blossom, Wrapping the land to tottering beauty, Drizzling green all round, Shining in the sun’s multi-colours, Oh! Plant even more of the seedlings, Eucalyptus, pine, cyprus, cedar, To preserve our Mother Nature.

Faith Jepina Loronyokwe Age 17 Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

Our Ancestors’ Land The rays of the newborn sun search under the skies, The hardworking farmers set out, their tools rattling, The ancestors of our land, heroes of our hearts Took care of our land – and left pride in our hearts.

They cultivated under the raging sun, Soon the maize will grow, The crops will grow, Only when Long rains have come.

Palatable meals are set before us,

Hunger no longer in our stomachs, Due to the rich agricultural lands That they hardworkingly utilized.

Just in moments The pride was fading away, Oh! Just in moments, Our pride – fades away.

Grandma would never hunger, Nor would she wander, For she worked at the sorghum crop.

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In the first months, it is usually dry and the vegetable may lack water. The maize are less affected and the arrowroots are deep and have adequate water. The water in the trenches is used for irrigation.

favouring. The vegetables in the market FAMILY are of both low quality and quantity. MESSAGES You can then harvest your quality vegetables and find a good market to sell them. You weed at the same time and this creates space for maize and arrowroot expansion.

After another five months the maize is ready for harvest and as this is done the arrowroots are weeded. The ditches are repaired frequently, and the arrowroots have enough space.

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fertile because of deposition of eroded materials. For my case I took maize seeds, arrowroots and ‘kunde’. Kunde is a traditional vegetable. The holes for arrowroot cuttings should be very deep almost half a metre. This is to avoid being carried by floods in case they occur. The maize is mixed cropped at the normal depth. Kunde seeds are also broadcast in the same piece.

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Eunice Lukania Ndeso - Age 15 - isima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

FOOD

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Like a hood for cold, we take food till we are old, Truly I can speak bold, even without being told.

I’m not for gluttony, but food is good.

Since I first stood, my mum gave me food, Which I felt was good, to have energy it is crude, I’m not for gluttony, but food is good.

I may not know what you eat; if you say rice, I am for it, Just like an injury needs a first aid kit, without food you die and be put in a pit.

I’m not for gluttony, but food is good.

Countries shout about food security, our crops fail to reach to maturity, I don’t know if it’s due to lack of purity, it’s just that I do lack certainty.

I’m not for gluttony, but food is good.

Many tend to die hungry, leaving their loved ones angry, Not even able to do laundry, and not knowing progeny, I’m not for gluttony, but food is good.

Africa let’s wake up, and our lands let’s take up, For the last time let’s make up, and good children let’s bring up, I’m not for gluttony, but food is good.

Ian Were Ekoma - Age 17 - Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

AGRICULTURE THE WONDERFUL ART I have a clear reminiscence of those days.

When I was overflowing with ignorance.

Absolute ignorance towards agriculture.

I knew so little about it, yet I always had a strong feeling towards it. Long strong strings were pulling us together. That one day I would have agriculture on my mind.

My first encounter with agriculture was fascinating. My digging backwards saw me into being a joke of the entire village. I did not shy away from agriculture. In fact, that rejuvenated my adoration for this wonderful art. Thanks to my papa who held my hand during that crucial time. He shone bright light for me in my journey of exploring the mighty art. From an ignorant kid I slowly transformed into a potential farmer. I even owned a miniature orchard!

My enrolling at a high school was a blessing.

My love for agriculture intensified when

I got a chance to take it as a subject. In class, I got equipped with all the necessary knowledge about my beloved subject and my perception widened. Each day I got a new idea of how to save our country from food shortage.

Eventually, I had to practise whatever I had learnt. Sharing my ideas, our family agriculture was perfected such that we had surplus at the end of the harvest. My cabbage project at school was a blessing.

Despite the drought, I got wonderful results.

An average of 7.0kg per head, unbelievable!

My dream course is a Bachelor of Agricultural Education and Extension. Hopefully, I will be an icon of change on graduating. I hope to transform agriculture in our country.

I love agriculture. The source of vital air that nourishes our community. It is in my blood.

I will never let it down.

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FAMILY MESSAGES

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Pranaya Dhakal - Grade 6 - Aksharaa School Kandaghari, Kathmandu

WHAT WOULD BE THE FUTURE?

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Every child has different prediction of the future. Nobody knows what would be future structures. They have lots of expectations and so do I. Let’s talk about my future prediction.

I have predicted as many things as I can which could be happening in the future. In my own perspective, I think that there will be lots of modern gadgets, technology and facilities. Everything will be done by robots.

Our lives will be more comfortable, faster and smarter. There will be supersonic airplane which can travel faster than sound and will cross the Atlantic in less than 3 hours.

People will be able to make settlement in the moon as well as other planets. It would be fun playing in low gravity place.

But there is possibility that third world war may happen which will create violence and destroy everything.

And due to global warming, countries like Maldives will disappear. There will be possibility of massive earthquake in certain region that will cause a complete destruction of that region. This will cause massive tsunami to occur and may cause loss of many lives. I think there will be improves food system. In my perspective there will be more delicious foods and hotels and restaurants will be automatic.

At last, there will be possibility of alien attack and cause extinction of human from the earth. But I am sure we can use our weapons and defeat them.

THE WORLD’S FUTURE I think world’s future will be sad because I or past time. There are two faces of the same guess if the global warming goes on people coin, they are: will die or get in the way of extinction. The world will probably die. I believe in what 1. Stop global warming and have a good future.

Steven Hawking predicted, I specially believe the asteroid prediction because an 2. Go on with global warming and asteroid is heading towards the earth and destroy everyone’s future. there is no way earth is going to survive the hit from that asteroid. There is another way In the future there might be many foods. to block the asteroid that is to make a missile Just like there might be more special foods that will destroy the asteroid. But there for many occasions and I am sure future is another future, that is if we stop global foods will be more tasty than present food. warming we will really develop, we might Our future will be amazing. develop a time machine and go at the future Guyo Bonaya Wakoü- Age 17 Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

Seeds of Gold Dusty forgotten little mysterious treasures, In the seed shop they crumble, Smoothly run over the cranked-up surface of a heavily-relied-on palm; Green abundant crops in their depths, They sigh contentedly as the farmer slides them into the earth, Where they were long supposed to be; Fountains of contentment, disillusioned pleasures.

Afterwards, the panoramic view of the green live field, From the spent and grinning lean-to hut, Makes ones heart lurch And malnourished distended bellies rumble from memories of the previous crop enjoyed; Fogged minds closed up, it’s too much, The pain from the memories interwoven with the sinister hovering cloud of hunger, angry hunger.

The fields take ages to mature, As if basking in the glory of being the cause, All that misery mixed with contentment; Heady scent of ripe fruits beckoning the steamy, dry tongues, Which will be heaps better in due time, After tasting the golden yield, long awaited, Hopefully. Eagerly.

Ivy Ong'ayo Mukhwana - Age 14 - Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

Many people tend to think that agriculture is all about getting in contact with the soil, making them not want to associate with it. The youth overlook agriculture just because they don’t want to get dirty or smelly as in application of manure. But agriculture is a very important factor in economics. For example, in Kenya, about 80% of the population is dependent on agriculture.

The growing population in rural areas increases the dependence rate on agriculture. We should be proud of and appreciate the oldest profession man engaged in. Research shows that most of the students are not taking agricultural courses at university/college level because of the mentality they have about agriculture. However, the agricultural sector is sensitive and requires responsible people. For example, in Kenya, the National Cereals and Produce Board created a scene whereby we had maize rotting in the stores/ granaries yet in other areas of Kenya people were starving to death. The agricultural sector has to get responsible people to come up with strategies to prevent that from happening again.

Agriculture is our culture and I would rather be close to Mother Nature than anything else.

Our ancestors didn’t know anything to do with accountancy, management or neurosurgery yet they lived happily as farmers. ‘As we drink water from the tap, let’s remember the source – the river.’

Were it not for agriculture probably we wouldn’t be

Going to the farm Pigs, cows, ducks and sheep Running in the rain

here. Where does the food we eat come from? As we flood those universities pursuing engineering or medicine courses among others, agriculture remains the source as they revolve around it. We work in offices, seated the whole day without exercise. Two years down the line diseases come knocking at our doors. “How, when, where and why?”are the questions, while a farmer who works by getting dirty every day is healthy. We wonder, ‘Are they disease resistant?’

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The main exchange earner for many countries is agriculture. Agriculture is offering employment to many people, like the engineers who make machines used in agriculture. When we get to know the money they get for that, we get shocked, just because we looked down upon agriculture. People search for office jobs but they are limited. You meet your friend who seems like lady luck smiled for him. The secret behind this is putting their little knowledge of agriculture into practice. Agriculture has made people go places, it has educated people.

Newton Owino has become a hero, our role model, for were it not for agriculture he could not have thought of making leather from the skin of fish. Kisumu, Kenya, is known for that.

I love agriculture and I will not give up or regret my choices because they are the right choices. Long live agriculture, you are my pride and my future.

Nature I can see Apples on the trees

My life was turned upside down when I came to UK and I stay in now. I go to school, it was too late, so my English was like a rubbish lake. But now I can speak to good all my teacher said, “you can do” the inspired me, they gave me courage so I can do it. I just believe it. My language is Romanian, I don’t know how to explain it. It’s a good place. To go, now, get your ticket and let’s go.

Food is delicious Don’t be suspicious

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Agriculture, Root of Prosperity and BrightFAMILY FutureMESSAGES

I like most fantastic food Except when I am in a mood.

Paloma , Grade 5 Sycamore Academy, Nottingham, United Kingdom

Andrea, Sycamore Academy, Nottingham, United Kingdom. Grade 5 Fantastic Food Farms by Layla, Sycamore Academy, Nottingham, UK

Leah Wandia Munene - Age 16 - Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya

Farming at its Best

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Polyphonic sounds of every hue, Hoes borne, each tool asunder, The sun’s aglow in the making of sight, Fresh-faced dew against the swish of skirts.

Witness the green crop stick out of the fountainhead of joy, Vexed, abysmal heat yet fortitude prevails, Farmer’s atelier painted in shades of delightful green, From within depths, bubbles forth merriment.

Long awaited clouds shroud the countryside, Earth’s herbs wax forth like kiss-inspired lips,

No longer formaldehyde preserved thus, As slow soothing showers drizzle onto mother love.

Through the tempest, lastly around the fender-brink, Chaffed hands warmed, love rekindled, Harvest enjoyed ere they remember, The hot sun on stiff backs, glistening black.

Greetings thrown this way and that in the market place, Produce sold and bought as lips unfurl, No mishap can befall a farmer, If you can see how beautiful Africa is.

Cyiera Shuvangini Bazagai - Grade 6 - Aksharaa School - Kathmandu Nepal

MY BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE I was born in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. Even though, I have my dear family, friends and teachers, it isn’t my favorite place! Too much crowd, too much pollution & too much noise. Some of the things that I don’t like at all .Life is so busy here wake up early then go to school, come home, do homework, go for swimming practice, sleep and then repeat this routine again. Even in weekends we have to do loads of homework and help our family to clean the house.

So every time I get a holiday I don’t think about anything I just rush to my grandparent`s home. Trust me, it’s the best escape ever, If you want you can try it as well. Despite so much of travelling for long hours all my energy boosts up again when I reach there. Then I feel like never returning home again, it has a magnetic power that keeps on pulling my thoughts every time.

Every morning you wake up with the sun rays shining brightly in your eyes, you can hear the chirping of sparrows and other birds beautifully.

You will be breathing the freshest air ever. Unlike Kathmandu the water is so clean and fresh, the vegetables and fruits that my grandmother feds me would be right from our garden, not just purely organic but tasty as well .I try to be with the nature, observe and understand it.

My Grand parent›s house has an orchard farm for me where you can find the smallest but the most ripen guava to the biggest jackfruit which was even bigger than my face, believe me it is true! There are different types of trees and plants that I had never seen before like

the amla tree. I can even try some hand in rice plantation if its monsoon. It feels really good playing with the hot mud however one can relate the hard work of a farmer.

I even used to help my grandpa and grandma to harvest potato and spinach but in Kathmandu we have to eat the food which has chemical added sometimes even the food which has expired date, I still member climbing the mango tree with my friends and eating the raw mangoes from my grandma›s garden. We used to even play so many games and have fun. In Kathmandu I literally don’t have any friends near my house expect my friends in school. I told my village is very beautiful but still there are things that needs to be improved because my village is located in the terai region, natural disaster such as flood can occur anytime so we need more safety saver to save them. They can also put programs so people can survive themselves. We can also add more programs about health we can add more health post and pharmacy and about education it is very important for everyone. So I think we need to tell people to send their children to school and if they have the problem of poverty then we help with a little money and send their children to government school other things like copies , books and pencils and be given by the parents themselves. So when they grow up, people have various new ideas to take care and grow food which shall make my village perfect. .

Thank you

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FAMILY MESSAGES

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I feel proud about myself and happy because I have an amazing family. I also think we have a gorgeous community because we have lots of things in St Ann’s

I’ve got the community on my mind Different groups of people are really struggling to bind Solutions foe peace is something we need to find All to make our futures bright, we need to keep the community light Yes, we really need to keep the community tight.

Filipos, Sycamore Academy, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Aziz, Sean, Waleed, Ebenezar, Romar, Blessing, Robel.

Nottingham Emmanuel School, UK

Dated Monday 9th September 2019

Farmeco Competition Judge's Report By: Leanne Moden Executive Assistant, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature

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Judge’s Overall Thoughts: I was really impressed by the incredibly high standard of entries for this competition. Many of the entries tackled the themes of food, farming and community in thoughtful and interesting ways, and I was pleased to see lots of pieces of writing reflecting upon the natural world, and the relationship between human beings and the landscapes we inhabit.

The ideas of shared responsibility, shared futures and climate change also featured heavily in the entries. Overall, the entries that I enjoyed the most were those that made me see familiar situations through fresh eyes, using language in fun ways to paint pictures with words. Thank you to everyone who submitted writing and artwork to the competition – I really enjoyed reading them all.

Artwork competition: First Place: Grace Nyandiko Makhutsi Highly commended: Sarah Natuwa Lelemeyog The judges said: Grace’s colourful design depicting a farmer in his fields and the abundance of fruits and vegetables at harvest time is joyful and vibrant, and really shows a great deal of talent. Sarah’s work is really lovely too, and I like the way that she has made a link between food and culture in her piece.

Writing competition 8-11-year-old age group: First Place: Nottingham Emmanuel School Highly commended: Andreea (Sycamore academy) The judges said: I was really impressed by the great sense of rhyme and rhythm in the poem

by Nottingham Emmanuel School, which also pitched a strong message about community cohesion as a route to solving social problems.

Andrea’s piece of writing, which detailed her move to Nottingham and the difficulties in learning English also had a great sense of rhyme, and it was lovely to read about her taking inspiration from the people around her.

Writing competition 11-15-year-old age group: First Place: Ivy Ong’ayo Mukhwana “Agriculture, Root of Prosperity and Bright Future” Highly commended: Cyiera Shuvangini Bazagai “My Beautiful Village” The judges said: Ivy’s essay about the importance of agriculture in her locality, and across the world, made several important points about agriculture, and successfully argued that more young people should think of the sector when choosing their careers. It was lovely to read a piece of writing by someone so obliviously passionate about farming! I really enjoyed reading Cyiera’s writing too, and I liked the way she used the examples from her own life and experience to talk about the wider issues affecting future generations.

Writing competition 15-18-year-old age group: First Place: Ian Were Ekoma “Agriculture the Wonderful Art” Highly commended: Leah Wandia Munene “Farming at its Best” The judges said: Ian’s energetic and engaging writing was an absolute joy to read, and his love of agriculture came through so strongly too. Leah’s poem was also very impressive, with a wonderful vocabulary and a great message too.

Writing competition 19-26-year-old age group: First Place: Benson Omukoko Mboya “Simple Reclamation” The judges said: Benson’s informative essay on reclamation of the land in Kenya really showed me a subject through fresh eyes and I was impressed by his command of language and his obvious interest in the subject.

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FAMILY MESSAGES David and the Farmeco team would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this 2019 booklet. We will plant a tree for every entree and look forward to seeing everyone visit the farm to see the plaques and trees. We are running the competition again in 2020 47 and would like to ask everyone to participate.

Sarah Natuwa Lelemeyog - Age 15 - Kisima Mixed Secondary School, Kenya