Under 30s New Members Event

Chairman’s Jottings

I joined the Under 30s shortly after graduating and was resolutely determined to enjoy the events but not rush into any position of responsibility. It didn’t last long, and I’ve been on the Under 30s Committee for five years. In that time, it’s been great to see the Committee become more and more organised, including the introduction of specific roles and a better understanding of our budget. This structure helps us deliver more for the Under 30s membership and we hope encourages younger members to use the Club outside of our events. It was a privilege to be Scott’s Vice-Chairman and I must congratulate him for an excellent year – the range of speakers and the fantastic farm walks to both Hampshire and Rutland created lasting memories and friendships. We also had some of our highest attendances at events, something I hope to continue. Fortunately, we are not losing Scott, who steps into the immediate past chair role and will continue to be involved in the Jill Willows Scholarship work, which I know he is passionate about. A little about me – I grew up in Clitheroe, Lancashire but am now based in Edinburgh. I completed my BSc (Hons) Agriculture at Royal Agricultural University and specialised in Sustainable Soil Management before going on to work for Birds Eye in pea production, Rothamsted Research as Knowledge Exchange Manager and now as Agriculture Policy Adviser at Scottish Land & Estates. Our 2020 calendar is looking busy with Christopher Price, CEO of The Rare Breeds Survival Trust, as our Spring Dining speaker, Farm Walks to both Lancashire and Scotland along with some exciting speakers. I am delighted to have Alice Hind as my Vice Chair, and to welcome three new committee members: Emily Pile, Laura Hancox and Rose Franklin. Please visit our “The Farmers Club U30s” Facebook page to keep up to date. I look forward to seeing you all at Main Club and Under 30s events this year.

Contact Eleanor for more information: Eleanor Kay Edinburgh Under 30s Chairman 2020/21 07964 909108 eleanorkay@live.co.uk

New Members Weekend

The Under 30s New Members Weekend was exceptionally well attended with a great mix of returning, new and prospective members. The food was outstanding, thank you Chef, and the conversation even better. Could you ask for more for the first event of the Under 30s year?

Our guest speaker for the evening was Richard Ballard, Co-Founder of Growing Underground and was very much enjoyed by all in attendance. Having entered the industry through an interest in film, Richard and cofounder Steven have developed a micro-salads farm using hydroponics in the redundant tube lines under Clapham. As someone who presently works on Clapham Common it was fascinating to hear all about the developing farming enterprises in the tube tunnels in that very area.

Richard spoke to us about their sustainable growing practices and how they are presently working towards carbon neutral certification. Their hydroponics system presently uses 70% less water than traditional open-field farming, and all nutrients are kept within the closed-loop system removing any risk of agricultural run-off. Limiting food miles and keeping produce local, leaves can be in the kitchen within four hours of being picked and packed.

The Under 30s AGM happened the following morning and after a fantastic tenure, outgoing chairman Scott Hayles officially handed the reins over to Eleanor Kay and our new committee members were introduced.

The weekend concluded with a wonderful evening at Swingers Crazy Golf in the City. It appears that the highest score does not win in golf…!

• See: www.growing-underground. com/the-farmers-club

Alice Hind Pre-Prep Teacher at Parkgate House School Under 30s Vice-Chairman

UNDER 30s EVENTS 2020 17th April Spring Dining Evening

29th-31st May Spring Farm Walk - Lancashire

17th July Cocktail Evening

4th September Autumn Dining Evening

23rd-25th October Autumn Farm Walk - Loch Lomond

27th November November Dining Evening