Farmers Club HARVEST 2020 • ISSUE 286
www.thefarmersclub.com
INSIDE News update p4 Club facilities open p6 Covid19 impacts p8 Tech or die p10 AGM report p11 Entrance refurbished p12 Canada insight p14 Rural youth p16 Farming figures p18 Longwool sheep p18 Chef p19 Under 30s p20 Club Info p22 FC/BCPC Seminar p22
INSERTS Annual Report & Club Accounts
Fully open Welcome back to your home from home p6
www.thefarmersclub.com for the latest Club news
Farmers Club Serving the farming industry for 178 years 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL Patron – Her Majesty The Queen
Contents
FRONT COVER The Farmers Club is pleased to have re-opened its doors to members, with clear guidelines to ensure a safe and secure return, so everyone can enjoy their popular and comfortable home-from-home (p6) Photography: Farmers Club Disclaimer: The articles published in The Farmers Club Journal do not necessarily reflect the views of The Farmers Club. No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in the magazine can be accepted by the publisher. Advertisements are included in good faith. All rights reserved. All information correct at time of publication
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Chairman’s Comments Reflections on an extraordinary period
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Club News Successful Club re-opening – come and join us in London now
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Club re-opening Everything you need to know to enjoy a return to your Club
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Farming communities respond to Covid19 challenge A roundup of some of the key developments as farming and rural communities coped with Covid19 over recent months
10 Go tech, or go extinct Technology is all pervasive – this book review provides an insight into how you might embrace it in your business
11 AGM report Club AGM welcomes Keith Redpath from Kelso as 2021 Club Chairman, and John Lee from Devon as 2021 Vice Chairman
12 Entrance insights
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A major refurbishment of the entrance to 3 Whitehall Court
14 Canadian vision Helping students develop skills for on-farm work in Canada
16 Rural Youth Keeping rural youth in the countryside is the goal. Club stalwart Peter Jackson provides some timely pointers
18 Farming figures Some key farming stats during Coronavirus crisis
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18 Longwool sheep New initiative aims to reverse decline
19 Chef ’s page Teamwork ensures readiness to offer fine Club food
20 Under 30s Chairman Under 30 members have kept in touch with on-line socials
21 Under 30s Event Cocktail Masterclass & Club Dinners planned
22 Club Information and Contacts 02 • The Farmers Club Harvest 2020
Chairman’s Comments • Allan Stevenson Return to the Club To celebrate the reopening of the Club I had a fabulous dinner last night on the Terrace with Vice Chairman Keith Redpath. We decided to come to London, from Scotland, to see the small staff team who are now back at work and to enjoy our Club. We also met with the Management Team to review our financial position and look forward with a revised and expanded events programme 15 months ahead. It is good to see members lunching today and bookings for rooms being secured. The Restaurant menu may be slightly smaller for now, but the quality of food and service is fabulous and specials are appearing.
Chairman’s Comments “I urge you all to make just one room booking now, for between now and the autumn, to help the Club get back on its feet. Please come and enjoy your Club and support the British farmers and producers who supply our Restaurant. We need full bedrooms and a busy Club as quickly as possible.”
I AM sitting on the Terrace of the Farmers Club with my friend and Vice-Chairman Keith Redpath, as the Club has just opened again in mid-July, and we are here for a few nights. As I look back at my Chairman’s Comments in the last Journal, written in late February, it is a shock to notice there is no mention of the Covid19 risk nor of the events that followed so fast in March. By the time the Journal reached the Club membership, this was the main global news story. Only weeks before neither business leaders, politicians, nor the mainstream media had any idea of the health pandemic and economic tsunami that was about to hit us all. Farming response Since then little else has taken our attention, whether at home, on our farms, or elsewhere, and sadly much personal suffering has been experienced by so many people. I fear there is a terrible long term price to pay for the economic lockdown in the UK, which appears to have been better managed in some other countries. However, it has been encouraging to see how the farming industry has risen to the challenges of operational complexities, disrupted supply chains, but also real innovation and rapid pivoting of businesses to meet changed circumstances, whilst keeping fresh and high quality farm produce on the nation’s tables, if not, sadly, in its restaurants. The impact on our Club, by necessitating a complete closure, has been severe. The Management Team, Trustees and Club committees have been busy working together to take steps to protect the Club as much as possible, minimise costs and create an assured future that could be denied to other top London Clubs.
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Many of you have asked me if I am to stay on for another year, due to the significant ruination of my year and cancellation of more or less the entire events programme. For many reasons, the answer is no, as you might know from the AGM resolutions. However, next year’s Chairman, Keith, has agreed to share a number of events with me, with a larger programme, and I plan to attend about six of the main agricultural shows next summer. I will also host my Chairman’s trip to Burgundy in September 2021 – a year late. We are also looking at what can be salvaged this year, and in what format, as restrictions may continue for a while. Welcoming Club You may have noticed that I took the challenge of speaking to members from our Terrace on video and the Club shared the 90 second communiqué on Instagram and other social media. Please follow the Farmers Club on our social media channels. This video was produced to show members that the Club is open, safe, and very welcoming indeed. The Restaurant and Bar are operating with a reduced menu initially, until more members return. I urge you all to make just one room booking now, for between now and the autumn, to help the Club get back on its feet. Please come and enjoy your Club and support the British farmers and producers who supply our Restaurant. We need full bedrooms and a busy Club as quickly as possible. Agriculture Bill I have focused on the Club for this Journal, but we are also keeping an eye on critical political developments with the Agriculture Bill, which has nearly completed its journey through Westminster, and the negotiations on Brexit. Plenty of scope for troubling farmers in the months ahead. I wish all our farming members a great harvest period in the months ahead, and hope we don’t have to deal with the excessive rain like last year. A heatwave would be better!
@thefarmersclub
The Farmers Club Page
www.thefarmersclub.com • 03
Andrei Spence • Club News
Club News
and I have spent the lockdown period making a vast array of plans, from the financial and re-opening, to the maintenance and operation of our property. Many of these have needed refining, and refining again, in light of Government announcements and public health policy. It was time very well spent, as when the Government’s relaxation of the lockdown extended towards the hospitality sector (of which we are part), we had detailed and extensive plans for how we would operate the Club, maintaining fiscal cohesion, safety and operating procedures for the plethora of activities we offer. Team members Despite the Club being closed and most of the team being furloughed, administrative tasks still required attention. Negotiations with Westminster City Council, HMRC and our Insurers, to name but a few, were extremely important, as was having team members available to answer the steady stream of questions from Club members about membership, booking rooms, restaurant and function rooms and latterly, “The Farmers Club Summer Series” events, which are proving rather popular.
Club reopening runs to plan MY last contribution to the Journal was in the Spring edition, which was posted out to members on the declaration of lockdown due to the Covid19 pandemic, writes Club Secretary & Chief Executive Andrei Spence. In that article I reported on 2020’s first Committee meetings under Chairman Allan Stevenson, as well as welcoming new Committee members, a Monday Evening Lecture from Christine Tacon, and a host of events including visits to Cirque du Soleil, the Oxford Farming Conference, the NFU conference, the Tutankhamun exhibition and a change in the leadership of the Under 30s section, where Eleanor Kay and Alice Hind took over as Chair and Vice Chair. Who, then, could have predicted the global shock that just about closed down the entire world socially, economically and placed a blanket restriction on 04 • The Farmers Club Harvest 2020
exercising individual freedoms we take so much for granted. Club reopened As I hope many of you will have been made aware through my newsletters during lockdown, the Club closed to members on Friday 20th March, 36 hours before the official Government announcement of closure, and we re-opened on Monday 13th July – just shy of 4 months! During that time, most of our events had to be cancelled and those we had planned for later in the year and involving sizeable gatherings were also cancelled (eg Harvest Festival/House of Lords Lunch etc). Most disappointingly our summer agricultural show season was decimated. But we have plans for next year. Rigorous planning That last point about making plans is particularly relevant, because the team
Chairman’s year As many will know, the Trustees and Committee are very pleased 2020 Club Chairman Allan Stevenson will be able to carry forward a few items from his programme into next year, and will be helping out in an expanded summer show programme, and also thank Keith Redpath (our 2021 Chairman) for his understanding in these unique times. So, bringing to a close probably the strangest Club news section I have had to write during my tenure, it is with renewed vigour and excitement that my Team and I are back at the Club, determined and looking forward to making up lost ground for members. A semblance of normality As I look onto the Terrace basking in bright sunlight, with Chef Paul back in his kitchen cooking very high quality food, Jelle making preparations in the Restaurant, Chase behind the Bar, and the Reception team and back office administration staff all ready to welcome members, it really does feel strange – but also rather reassuring that some semblance of normality (with a few modifications) is returning. We really look forward to seeing you all back in the near future – we will be doing all we can to ensure your enjoyment and safety in equal measure along with a programme of events to match.
Club News • Andrei Spence
Club Calendar Diary Dates
See e-newsletters and Club website for details of Club events
Summer 2021 Show plans The eight summer agricultural shows we had intended to visit this year all went by the board due to Covid19. But we are already planning for those we might visit next year, with a very clear aim of visiting more than this year’s planned eight, in an effort to catch up on the Club’s important programme of outreach, encompassing the whole of the UK.
Financial impact
The most obvious impact of the enforced closing of the Club has been economic. The Club has not generated a single penny of income from 20th March until 13th July. The only inflow of cash has been through the Government’s Job Retention Scheme, the value and benefit of which has been undeniable. However, the result has been the cancellation of CAPEX projects for at least two years (fortunately we have only one more section of bedrooms to refurbish in this cycle) and the cancellation of other initiatives that would have tied into our new IT system – but we will get back to these when able. The Trustees and Committee have been unstintingly supportive of the measures we have had to take in order to mitigate the immediate impact on cash flow within the Club and the enduring plans we have to recover what we have lost. However, this will be a long and slow process, there are no quick fixes, and can only be achieved with the support of members visiting the Club and using it. In the context of a world now living with Covid19, and I say this with due regard to personal circumstances and responsibilities, the Club’s recovery will be entirely and directly proportional to its membership using the Club. We really look forward to welcoming you back as soon as you are able.
Club events It has been especially pleasing to see that members have responded very positively to “The Farmers Club Summer Series” and we have had good uptake for the limited number of places available. We are planning a number of other, smaller than usual events for later in the year, and Anita and I are keeping alert to other possibilities as other events/attractions etc come on stream. I am also negotiating a trip to the Netherlands, to visit some of their cutting edge facilities and technology, towards the end of the year, dependant on the situation then. Thus, after a lively start to the year, we are looking to reinvigorate the programme as much as we can for the remainder and support the Chairman whose year has been affected in a way that no other Chairman has since pre-war years.
Member queries answered
During the closure, it was my aim that any member query would be answered within 24 hours, and I think in almost all cases, we managed to achieve this. This together with regular newsletters and website updates, has hopefully provided a steady stream of information for members about what was happening with their Club. As a result, I have received very many emails and letters from members who appreciated the way in which we have kept the Club going over the last few months and preparing to start up again now, for which my thanks on behalf of the team.
Entrance lobby complete Work in the entrance/lobby area of No. 3 Whitehall Court has been completed – restoring the area to its Victorian era splendour.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 05
Virginia Masser • Club Re-opening
The Farmers Club is fully open After an unprecedented period of closure, due to the Covid19 lockdown, your homefrom-home Club is fully open once again. Virginia Masser welcomes you back
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Club Re-opening • Virginia Masser FRIDAY 20th March was a strange, bizarre and emotional day. No-one on the team could ever have dreamt that we would have to temporarily close the Club, least of all due to a worldwide pandemic.
to come through the doors. Financially, the Club has suffered dramatically and the Club is just not home from home without all of you.
We locked things away, tidied up, cleaned, shut equipment down, turned off all the lights and locked the doors. Some took laptops and paperwork home with them. The worst part was not knowing when we would be returning – there was no end date.
Many of you wrote to us during lockdown to say you were desperately in need of a break away from home, were missing the Club breakfast and food in general, wanted to meet with friends and family, and since then we have been able to venture out (in line with any current Government Guidelines of course) a little more.
Club preparation Maintenance checks on the Club took place during lockdown and nearing what we thought might be light at the end of the long Covid19 tunnel some small groups of the team visited the Club to carry out necessary preparation tasks. During this time visiting the empty Club was a sad, dark and lonely experience – its life and soul momentarily paused.
Attractions open So why not come to the Club for a couple of days. There are many London attractions that have now re-opened, including museums and galleries, to name but a few, and the Club has run some small Club events as part of The Farmers Club Summer Series. The Restaurant has been welcoming members back who’ve missed our Simply Cooked, Seasonal Quality British Food.
However, after what seemed like an endless 15 weeks, we had a reopening date and planned the start of “Set up Week” on 6th July when a small team were on site getting the Club ready. It was a great feeling to open all the windows and let the fresh air in, turn on all the lights, unlock all the cupboards, wipe away the dust and bring the Club back to life, including the replanting of the Terrace and a final touch of beautiful freshly cut flowers.
To catch up with friends and family for those missed celebrations, or for those quite simply fed up with clunky ZOOM and TEAMS meetings, book a Conference & Banqueting room for a face to face interactive, productive meeting.
On Monday, 13th of July, we declared the Club open! Life and soul Occupancy was slow to start and whilst the smaller team that returned were delighted to be back, the full life and soul of the Club needed you
• Book Bedroom reservations on 0207 930 3557 option 2 or email reservations@thefarmersclub.com • Book Restaurant reservations on 0207 930 3557 option 3 or email restaurant@thefarmersclub.com • Book Function rooms for a family get together or catch-up with colleagues by calling Liza on 0207 925 7100 or email functions@thefarmersclub.com Ladies and gentlemen, your home from home awaits…
“Many London attractions have now re-opened, including museums and galleries, and the Club has run some small Club events as part of The Farmers Club Summer Series.” “The Restaurant has been welcoming members back who’ve missed our Simply Cooked, Seasonal Quality British Food.”
FUNCTION ROOMS... in a world emerging from Covid19 In lockdown the world shifted, we had to do things differently, and technology was a saving grace to communicate with friends, family and colleagues. As we emerge from Covid19 some newly found processes have of course to be continued. However, many of you are fed up with clunky TEAMS and ZOOM meetings where you can only see the faces of the attendees, you can’t judge all important body language, you can hear the dog, the kettle, the screaming baby, you are constantly looking at a computer screen and the signal continually drops out…! When Project CREST was designed and then completed back in 2016 it included the creation and upgrade of the Function facilities in the Club and the accompanying technology. The Farmers Suite can be split into the Cumber and the Hudson rooms by pulling across the dividing London Wall, which has a 60 decibel sound-proof rating. The suite also provides the following technology and facilities:
• BOSE sound system • 3 table-top radio microphones • Laptops and audio visual can link to sound system and 3 screens around room • iPhone connectivity to sound system for play/display on 3 screens • Wi-Fi Booster • Pull-down white blinds on window at back of Hudson and window in Cumber – for black-out and presentations • Telephone points • Cat 6 cabling • 30 Amp power for largest presentations and many laptops • Camera for video conference calls The Committee and Forty Rooms are also available to hire, and laptops can be linked to the screens in each room. So, whatever your requirements, the team are on hand to assist you and ensure the smooth running of your Function.
To book your Function Room for your next meeting, or indeed to hold family celebrations, call our Conference & Banqueting Sales Manager, Liza on 0207 925 7100 or email: functions@ thefarmersclub.com www.thefarmersclub.com • 07
Charles Abel • Coronavirus Crisis
Covid19
response
THANK YOU NHS Smart ways to show support for NHS, care staff and frontline workers included rainbow stacks of silage bales, messages ploughed and mown into fields, and this message sprayed onto a farmer’s airfield near York by a Trimble-controlled Horsch sprayer.
Coronavirus dealt a hammer blow to human health and businesses alike. Charles Abel captures just some of the key moments as farming fought to respond to the new world order. See also p18
HELP AT HAND Anxiety, isolation, financial worries – the Farming Help partnership created by the Addington Fund, Farming Community Network, R.A.B.I, RSABI and Forage Aid, supported by The Prince’s Countryside Fund, was here to help. Its helpline (03000 111 999), open 7am-11pm every day, has been fielding calls ranging from practical support to help applying for Coronavirus loan scheme and delayed VAT. NFU Mutual Charitable Trust gave £739,000 to aid charities.
AG BILL PROGRESSED Intense lobbying failed to win crucial amendments in the new Agriculture Bill’s Commons reading – the first legislation to be digitally progressed by UK Parliament. It gives no protection for UK farmers against imports produced to lower standards of animal welfare, plant health and environmental protection. Intnl Trade Secretary Liz Truss’s Trade & Agriculture Commission offers hope. But no-deal EU-exit could mean high WTO tariff exports to EU.
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DIVERSIFICATION SHOCK Lockdown dealt farm diversifications a heavy hit, a Knight Frank survey showing 80% of rural businesses expected a profit slump. Some responded by giving locally produced foods to NHS and key worker teams, including here in Northern Ireland, where Glenarm Castle partnered with local food producers to donate homegrown fruit and vegetables, Shorthorn beef, organic smoked salmon, eggs and bread – the best of British fresh food.
#FEEDTHENATION Months of negligible demand from caterers and restaurants hit supply chains, although beef and lamb prices subsequently rose. Farmers and farming organisations pulled out all the stops to keep the nation fed, including the Royal Agricultural University producing over 2000 meals for the Feeding the 5,000 project run by The Long Table in Gloucestershire.
Coronavirus Crisis • Charles Abel
EU AID BOOST EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski urged member states to support Poland’s call for a 10% boost to EU farming subsidies, to help member states continue environmental and climate actions despite Covid19. A 7% rise was agreed. UK government said it would not delay its transition period to reduced subsidies. No level playing field here then!
FOOD CHAIN CRISIS Farmers faced losses as supply chains faltered, especially in the food service sector. As demand crashed millions of litres of milk and thousands of tonnes of fresh produce went to waste. But opportunities were seized too. Graham’s The Family Dairy extended doorstep deliveries of milk, eggs, cream and butter, with the most vulnerable prioritised. In mid-May Dairy UK co-funded a £1m #MilkYourMoments campaign to encourage people to share their special moments of personal connection through their love of milk and dairy products in challenging times.
BOXING CLEVER TECH SOLUTIONS Supply chain failures saw empty supermarket shelves despite a crash in demand from caterers. Tech solutions, like FruPro, sought to plug gaps, helping Reynolds Catering Supplies and food marketing firm WT Hill divert 180 tonnes of fresh produce to independent retailers and wholesalers, for example – enough for half a million people for two days. On-line became the norm for meetings, advice and assurance scheme auditing too.
Box schemes rocketed – connecting producers with the public like never before. From local fresh deliveries to frozen packs by courier, the public loved direct sourcing. Demand more than doubled, far out-stripping capacity. The Meat Box Company in Devon was typical – switching from restaurant supplies to delivering frozen self-butchered Red Tractor meats nationally, and repeatedly selling out.
SOCIAL MEDIA Farming’s image soared as #FeedTheNation trended and social media posts reassured a locked-down public that farmers would do all they could to keep food and drink on tables. This video, self-filmed by 23 farming families across Scotland, had 70,200 views on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in its first 18 hours.
SHOWTIME DEVASTATED Virtually every farming show was cancelled, with severe financial implications. But on-line ventures emerged, including www. OnlineAgShow.co.uk. Developed by Innovation for Agriculture it drew nearly 50,000 visitors to its on-line Main Arena, Livestock, Dog and Equestrian Rings, Beer Tent, and 225+ stands. Live judging of 800+ entries via Cloud-Lines-Shows gave best-in-show to Holstein Dairy cow Racewood Windbrook Ambrosia.
LAND ARMY Lockdown labour issues were a major concern, with Defra, the NFU and even Prince Charles encouraging furloughed staff to be a modern day ‘land army’ and ‘pick for Britain’ on fruit and veg farms. Many applied, but few arrived. Meanwhile, Government pushed ahead with its points and income plan to control migration. www.thefarmersclub.com • 09
Charles Abel • A good read
Go tech, or go extinct Food-tech finance guru Paul Cautrecasas
PUNDITS pontificating on the appliance of science to food and farming are ten-a-penny. So how is Paul Cuatrecasas, author of this new book, any different? Chatting with him via Zoom he reckons Covid19 will profoundly affect the global food industry, and technology can help. Advances in drones, autonomous deliveries, in-store analytics, autonomous warehousing, artificial intelligence and robotics will all improve resilience. Most would agree.
“Tech, not capital, is the new lever for creating value.” GO TECH, OR GO EXTINCT: Hardback £19.99, Paperback £10.40, Kindle £5.79
CRACKING READS Which books are captivating you this summer? Share your cracking reads with fellow members – Email: editor@ thefarmers club.com
He then turns to food tech, including lab-meat, insect- and plant-based food, dairy substitutes, synthetic biology, vertical farming and urban agriculture. All threaten traditional farming – especially as production costs and retail prices start undercutting conventional foods, he says. But with just three years’ experience in food, and over 30 years in corporate finance, what really counts is how Paul thinks food businesses can exploit tech disruption. If you want to stretch your thinking about tech’s role in food, this book is for you. “Go Tech, or Go Extinct: How Acquiring Tech Disruptors Is the Key to Survival and Growth for Established Companies” distils current thinking into powerful insights, and some very pithy phrases. Admittedly, Paul’s passion for helping traditional businesses strategically engage with disruptive technologies dominates. As founder and CEO of London-based Aquaa Partners he has facilitated over 45 tech-based mergers and acquisitions, each worth between $1million and $1.5 billion. He shares his views on why firms are failing to innovate and why technology companies represent
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the “new secret formula for non-tech corporate incumbents to delight their customers and leave their competition in the dust”. Gushing! He goes on “you’ll identify and seize smart ideas on how to invest and acquire to radically improve your positioning.” Or, more prosaically, you’ll be inspired to rethink your approach to tech-food. The book works at two levels. Factually, it briefly examines tech disruption. Plant-based Beyond Meat’s 47-fold value growth after IPO ($8bn value now), Impossible Foods’ plant-protein burger for Burger King, and Memphis Meats’ goal to have lab-grown meats, including fish, in supermarkets and restaurants by 2022 all suggest the trend is not going away. Inspirationally, the book then considers how to embrace food-tech. That may mean hedging, as Cargill has done by buying into Memphis Meats, or engaging, maybe producing protein/oil-rich substrates for farm-based lab-food facilities. The book then considers just how to strategically embrace tech: • Act like a start-up, even if you are in the oldest industry in the world • Acquire technology to bend your business culture to the future • Tech, not capital, is the new lever for creating value • Decide fast, invest in imagination, collaborate to innovate • Customers want you to innovate for them It’s sure to whet your appetite for food-tech. As Paul says, the future is tech, embrace it… or go extinct!
AGM Report • Charles Abel
THE 178th Annual General Meeting chaired by Club Chairman Allan Stevenson was conducted on-line in July. The following is a summary of the Minutes, full copies of which can be obtained by email from the Secretary. Minutes, Club Accounts and Annual Report The Minutes of the 177th AGM were approved and the Report and Audited Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2019 were adopted. Key costs related to asbestos removal, refurbishments after a major water leak and the IT upgrade, noted Mr Stevenson. Statements relating to Covid19 were included on the auditor’s advice. Election of Club Chairman and Vice-Chairman Proposing the election of Keith Redpath as 2021 Chairman, Marcomms Sub-committee chairman Karen Mercer said Keith farms near Kelso, having rationalised a very diverse business into 1,000 acres of arable on contract, a grain storage business and pedigree Limousins.
AGM elects Scottish Chairman for 2021
Keith had been involved in the government and farming response to BSE in the 1990s, Foot and Mouth in 2001 and the National Beef Association and SQBLA/QMS. He set up a bull semen collection centre for global distribution and is a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies. At the Club he has chaired the Membership Sub-Committee. His business acumen, farming experience, contacts and gentlemanly persona made him an excellent choice as Club Chairman. Seconding the proposal, Vice President Barclay Forrest OBE said Keith was an outstanding personality in business and socially, never frightened to stand up for the good cause he is representing. He is married to The Rev Grace Redpath, Associate Priest in Kelso Episcopal Church, who will be a wonderful strength as Chairman’s Wife. They have three married daughters. The proposal was approved. Proposing the election of John Lee OBE DL as 2021 Vice-Chairman Membership SubCommittee Chairman Ian Bell OBE said John has lived and farmed at Shobrooke, near Crediton all his life, and was Chairman of The National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs before leading the European Young Farmer movement. He has been involved with many organisations, including Devon County Agricultural Association and Devon County Show, Westpoint Centre, Bicton College, FACE, Mole Avon Trading, and Mid-Devon Show. Serving as a Ministerial EU CAP adviser, John chaired the Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel and DEFRA’s Sustainable Food & Farming Strategy. He is a Member of Exeter Cathedral Council, has served as High Sheriff of Devon and is Deputy Lieutenant of Devon.
2021 Chairman Keith Redpath (left) and Vice-Chairman John Lee
Seconding the proposal John Hardman commended John’s pragmatism, good business sense, interpersonal skills and dry humour. The proposal was approved. Honorary Treasurer Nick Helme proposed the re-election of Richard Maunder as 2021 Honorary Treasurer, which was seconded by Andrew Brown JP, and approved. Auditors The Chairman and Committee recommended haysmacintyre continue in office, which was agreed.
“Keith has a passion for supporting the development of young people in agriculture through LANTRA and CARAS in Scotland.”
Vote of Thanks Bob Partridge proposed a motion: “For a vote of thanks to the Team of the Farmers Club who have worked hard during extraordinary times, together with a vote of confidence that their efforts will help return the Club to function as normally as possible, as soon as possible”. The motion was welcomed. www.thefarmersclub.com • 11
Stephen Skinner • Whitehall Court
Entrance & Lobby Refurbishment Arriving at the Farmers Club visitors are now welcomed by a marvellous entrance and lobby area. Stephen Skinner explains this significant renovation project
The ramp and steps in their position before the work commenced – but this was not the original position of the steps.
With the steps and ramp removed, along with many tonnes of rubble too, the marble steps in their original position are exposed and, incredibly, a fine terrazzo floor.
“ROME wasn’t built in a day” may be a medieval French phrase yet it is strangely apt in the case of the Entrance & Lobby Project. Time it certainly took from inception but the result has been worth waiting for. The refurbishment of the Entrance and Lobby of No 3 Whitehall Court had been scheduled for the building’s major works programme in 2002, but not until ten years later did the project get underway in earnest. Architects were appointed, and after extensive research into the original design and the many alterations that had occurred since 1883, a plan emerged to reinstate original detail where possible, to provide sympathetic updating and to enhance access.
“After extensive research into the original design, and the many alterations that had occurred since 1883, a plan emerged.”
Even after the designs had been approved by local planners and by groups dedicated to preserving Britain’s architectural heritage, the final details continued to evolve. Changes in configuration of the porters’ lodge, design of the terrazzo flooring and changes in quantities of marble and other stone meant years were added to the project. London landmark Through it all, the ambition to reinstate the character of the entrance and lobby of an important London landmark was never lost. The architecture and engineering of Whitehall Court represent one of the most significant design achievements of Victorian London. As one of the first steel and concrete buildings in the country,
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After Superior Stone had weaved their magic, the full splendour of the long-hidden terrazzo is brought to life.
and as one of the tallest mixed-use structures of its day, it is protected by its Grade II* listing as an important historic site. Yet, while the exterior facades and roof line have made an uninterrupted contribution to the image of London along the Thames for 137 years, the lobby and entrance had been much altered since the original construction, and often not for the better. Long-delayed maintenance and patchwork repairs had tarnished the character of the interior. Unveiling it all Rotating doors had been added in the 1970s. Carpet had covered the intricate terrazzo flooring. Skylights and windows had been blanked out. Heavy traffic had damaged faux marble details and heavy smoking had stained the white Carrara marble ceiling a dirty brown. Marble steps and panels and alabaster cornices were damaged or missing. Poor lighting contributed to a dirty, dingy appearance. Symbolic of the state of maintenance and repair was a “temporary” wooden ramp for users of wheelchairs, baby carriages and wheeled luggage. It had been in place for more than a decade. In 2016 as I was leaving The Farmers Club, I was invited to serve as Project Co-ordinator for the refurbishment because I knew many of the people involved, I knew the building well and had just seen Project CREST through to conclusion (well, nearly anyway). This part-time role brought enlightenment and frustration in equal measure.
Whitehall Court • Stephen Skinner After a couple of false starts, and the withdrawal of our architects just as work was about to start, work finally began on 29th April 2019.
The result, with a lift hidden into the stairs for people who need assisted access. But this is just one part of the work carried out.
The right experts The late withdrawal of the original architects gave rise to our very great good fortune to bring on-board Mr Clive England of Thomas Ford and Partners. Clive’s experience of working with historically significant buildings, along with his leadership, brought the project back together. Additionally, we were fortunate to have Grangewood as our principal contractors (ably led on site by Neil Jordan), along with Superior Stone who carried out all the stonework to the highest of standards. Superior Stone’s Andy Thomas proved particularly adept at sourcing stone and alabaster, although unfortunately not from the same quarries as the original stone used in the 1880s. Andy bought in marble, onyx and alabaster from Spain, Belgium, France, Iran, Mexico and Italy. Interestingly the original alabaster was quarried in Yorkshire but these quarries are now extinct. Fortunately, the Portland Stone for the entrance ramp from the pavement was sourced in the UK.
Numerous layers of old magnolia paint are stripped back to reveal original marble panels. Steel columns supporting the building within the Lobby stripped of their faux marble.
Light levels The electrical and lighting issues proved particularly challenging. The planning permission did not allow for any new holes to be made in the marble walls or ceiling. Prolec, our electricians, and Sutton Vane Associates, the lighting consultants, have delivered a scheme that raises light levels to meet contemporary requirements while remaining in character of the original design for a late Victorian gas-lit public space.
CLUB IS OPEN Book bedrooms, restaurant, meetings and functions at your Club now. www. thefarmersclub.com e-mail: reservations@ thefarmersclub.com restaurant@ thefarmersclub.com functions@ thefarmersclub.com 020 7930 3557
“The ambition to reinstate the character of the entrance and lobby of an important London landmark was never lost.”
To get a real sense of the finished article you should of course visit 3 Whitehall Court. In the meantime, the photographs give a sense of the changes that have taken place during the refurbishment. Columns being dressed with lining and then 8mm marble veneer in the Lobby.
Stephen Skinner Project Co-ordinator & Ex-CEO & Club Secretary of The Farmers Club The Terrazzo finished and polished… a masterpiece of restoration, returning the entrance and lobby to the original splendour envisioned by its Victorian creators.
New area of terrazzo flooring being created in the Lobby where only a cement floor existed previously, covering a lightwell.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 13
Work-based learning techniques in Canada make more use of flip-learning before group work and link it to final results, FCCT bursary beneficiary Peter Reed found
Back to college IN CANADA Peter Reed used a Farmers Club Charitable Trust Agricultural Educator Award to investigate agricultural business management training in Canada James Madge farming operation was typical – high output equipment with plenty of technology.
John Deere workshop
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Peter Reed, Apprenticeship Assessor and Programme Manager, L4 Agricultural Business Management Apprenticeship (ABM) programme Bicton and Duchy (Stoke Climsland) campuses (part of Cornwall College Group) www.cornwall.ac.uk peter.reed@bicton.ac.uk
14 • The Farmers Club Harvest 2020
“It was refreshing to learn the depth of delivery of our ABM programme was on par with Canada.”
I WANTED to see how Canada delivers and assesses agricultural management courses via work-based learning, so was pleased to visit colleges in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan last summer courtesy of an FCCT Educator Award. By attending lessons and observing apprentice assessments I was able to understand how we could enhance our Agricultural Business Management programme. My study highlighted the importance of employer engagement and the value of students doing home-learning to prepare for teaching sessions. Global farming is entering a huge period of change, making it an exciting time for new entrants, and apprenticeship programmes are changing too, from frameworks to standards. The L4 standard has not yet been written and I am involved in ensuring what is delivered will train and equip the next generation of farm managers/ leaders and enhance their global market awareness, whilst meeting employer and market requirements, and providing a great learning experience. Apprenticeship students At Duchy and Bicton ABM apprenticeship students attend one day a week, from September to March, for two years. These mainly group
Charitable Trust • Charles Abel discussions are delivered by industry experts, making it current and relevant. Work is set after each session to relate teachings to the workplace, with subsequent reporting back to the group. This all links to the criteria within the City & Guilds Apprenticeship.
system, which uses sensors to detect livestock feed and water intake, soil moisture, pH and nutrients, so students can incorporate data into precision farming. Parkland College was using GPS driverless tractors. Such aspects could be incorporated into our programme.
Fleming College in Ontario (www. flemingcollege.ca) faces similar issues to us around low numbers entering the industry, and relies on foreign students, mainly from India, to ensure programmes run. Teaching is two days a week, by college staff only, with no industry leader input. Although lessons comprise on-farm scenarios, they are not linked back to the place of work.
Employers are not a huge part of the course design. All three colleges were interested to hear how we involve industry. I believe you need to adapt the teaching to meet the needs of employers, not the other way around. This met some resistance from one college.
Flip learning Online learning featured in most, if not all, programmes. This was mainly ‘flip-learning’, where students do online work before the week’s lessons, to get the basic facts/terminology in place. Online tests on Moodle (education portal) confirm understanding, with marks linked to final grading as pass, merit or distinction. Olds College in Alberta (www.oldscollege.ca) has a growing apprenticeship programme, and again has Moodle embedded within the teaching, with flip learning marks affecting final grades. At Parkland College in Saskatchewan (www. parklandcollege.sk.ca) the programme runs as a one week block per half term, as students may need to travel three hours to attend. Moodle tasks counted for up to 15% of final marks. Encouraging findings It was refreshing to learn the depth of delivery of our ABM programme was on par with Canada, with similar qualification criteria. But there was less focus on the relevance of the teaching to today’s agricultural world. I saw and heard a few examples of relating college lessons to their place of work, but it was not part of their criteria and required minimal evidence.
Onsite assessors used iPad with video and professional discussions as evidence, very similar to our practises. Employers complete feedback reports monthly, commenting on behaviours, skills and areas of improvement. But I would say we assess a student’s understanding of how learning links to their place of work in more depth, actually putting into practice what they have learnt. Flip challenge The distance learning aspect could easily be put into our programme. But I feel our students are different. Education in Canada embeds flip learning and completing online tests prior to attending lessons as the norm. Here it is not, which could make it challenging to embed at a later stage of the learning journey. As our programme is currently credited as pass or fail in the framework, the challenge arises of how we ensure students complete tests prior to college lessons. With new standards coming, with pass, merit and distinction, this may be rectified, making it easier to add pressure to complete such tests/tasks prior to lessons if we can link marks to their end results.
NEW FCCT TRUSTEE
On-line flipped learning involved students reading statements, watching videos and answering questions, ready for stretching and challenge when attending college. Not doing flip learning before lessons could mean a programme fail. Assessment on farm was minimal, mainly due to remoteness. I feel we can link our programme to the student’s place of work in more depth, which I feel gives more value. There was a strong focus on local markets and buying local, and the importance of marketing, with global market pricing and trends included, plus the impact of global warming and carbon footprint. Technology key Technology was important. Olds College was working with industry to trial its AgSmartolds.ca
For more details about the FCCT Educator Awards, which have funded over £670,000 of study tours over the past four decades, see: www.tfcct.co.uk Closing date for 2021 awards early Feb 2021. The FCCT, whilst strongly linked to the Farmers Club, is a stand-alone charity, founded in 1981 by Club members Trevor Muddiman, Sir David Naish, Sir John Eastwood and Robin LeighPemberton. It relies upon the generous support of Club members and the wider industry. Find out more at: www. tfcct.co.uk and Twitter: @TheFCCT and from FCCT Ambassador Lisa Turner e-mail: ambassador@tfcct. co.uk
FARM VISITS I visited a number of farms and John Deere dealerships to appreciate the technology used and what is required in the workplace. In Saskatchewan James Madge, near Hanna, farms 12,000 acres of arable and 18,000 acres of grassland, with a 1300 suckler herd and finishing 4000 Angus beef cattle in winter. My students will benefit directly as James kindly agreed to a video link to our class so students can see and ask direct questions about his great business model.
Newly appointed FCCT Trustee James Squier is a consultant surveyor with Bidwells, Cambridge. He gained a degree in Agriculture at Wye and subsequently took on the tenancy of a dairy farm in Essex before changing career to become a chartered surveyor. He has acted for a wide range of clients dealing with large infrastructure and development related schemes, throughout the UK.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 15
Charles Abel • Rural Youth
Rural youth focus
Keeping rural youth positive through the pandemic and beyond is vital. Club members consider some of the latest initiatives
Dear Editor, I WAS very interested to read your Spring Journal piece about a new Rural Youth Project, having myself been involved in rural youth development in one way or another for about 40 years. I was for many years from 1980 onwards in the non-executive management of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (England & Wales) and was their President in 2000. I see the YFCs with their local, national and international involvements as an essential and natural well established organisation throughout the UK for bringing farming and non-farming rural young people together and motivating them in the ways of the countryside. Peter Jackson, Farmers Club Honorary Vice President
Rural youth projects In 1991, in conjunction with the NFYFC, I was one of the co-sponsors and the appeal director and a trustee of the Rural Youth Trust (now chaired by Farmers Club Committee member John Lee), whose task is to back good rural youth projects. On the back of my YFC experience and the strength of the Farmers Club Under 30s section, when I became Chairman of the Club in 1996 my first priority was to organise the Club’s highly
16 • The Farmers Club Harvest 2020
successful Rural Youth Conference at Moreton Morrell College in Warwickshire, which was attended by 120 young people. The Duke of Westminster flew in overnight from the US to give us an inspirational keynote address. Amongst other active achievers leading discussions were Julian Sayers (ex-NFYFC chairman), Jimmy McLean (RBS sponsors), John Lee (also ex-NFYFC Chairman and first English President of the Council of European Young Agriculturalists) and James Cross (Farmers Club Under 30s). Major contributions All of these have subsequently made and continue to make major contributions to rural life, as well as within the Farmers Club. The conference was fully reported in the Spring and Royal Show 1996 issues of the Club Journal (Nos 141 & 142) and is well worth a read on the whole subject of rural youth development. Of particular interest to me personally, through my long Shetland connection, is the case study of Jakob Eunson. I have known Jakob’s father, Ronnie, for very many years – a highly respected farmer with a major input into native breed Shetland sheep wool as well as native cattle – and have enjoyed hearing of Jakob’s growing and considerable recent successes.
Rural Youth • Charles Abel
RURAL YOUTH PROJECT UPDATE Coronavirus meant the Rural Youth Project had to adapt its activities. But the energy behind the initiative is undimmed. “We are supporting young people with online webinars and gatherings, a mental health workshop in collaboration with RSABI and Support in Mind Scotland, and sharing weekly updates from young people talking about how Covid19 is affecting them (see below),” explains Jane Craigie, RYP co-founder, Farmers Club member and a participant in the Windsor Leadership Programme thanks to the Farmers Club Charitable Trust. “We also plan to have a series of six-plus webinar events on skills training – leadership, social & commercial enterprise, training mentors, matching mentors to mentees and some
others. Later this year we will resume our plans and host a delayed Ideas Festival (probably November) and a series of Big Ideas’ Workshops – hopefully in September. We hope to make it a ‘roving’ journey, where we take 30 young people from the Borders to the Outer Hebrides to learn from inspiring rural businesses that are thinking and doing differently. “We will continue our podcasts and are feeding our insights into fortnightly calls with the Scottish Government. Later this year, provided Covid19 doesn’t stop us, we will also be teaming up with the Institute of Agricultural Management to run an Ideas Workshop linked to the IAgrM annual conference in November. “A member of the steering committee is also keen to re-run the RYP survey in Wales and the project has started talking to some of the National Parks about how RYP can support them in their youth work in the rural and remote parts of the National Park network.”
RURAL YOUTH TRUST
Shetland example But in Shetland there is another quite outstanding young farming success. Two young ladies barely out of their teens suddenly took on the successful management of the quite considerable Budge family farm some four or five years ago when their father was tragically killed in an on-farm accident. Amy and Kirsty have overcome all the problems so well that two years ago they were chosen as the national BBC Countryfile Programme Farming Personality of the Year. What a wonderful second example of young people in Shetland showing just what they can achieve, whatever the challenges. The lesson of all this is that, working together, all who care about the rural scene can and must show young people, their parents, their teachers, and the media just what interesting, challenging 21st century jobs there are waiting for them in rural areas. Then the young will come and they will achieve.
Best wishes,
Peter Jackson CBE Bury St Edmunds Suffolk
“Young people are our nation’s greatest asset and voluntary youth organisations, whatever their particular style, play an essential part in the vital areas of self-development and leadership training. With a friendly word, a helping hand and a good example to follow, young people can and will shape their own destiny and that of others less fortunate,” explains RYT Chairman John Lee OBE, newly elected Vice Chairman of the Farmers Club for 2021, who is based in Devon. The Rural Youth Trust supports youth organisations in rural areas of England and Wales with membership aged between 11 and 26 years and primarily focuses on the motivation and training of young people, developing their personalities and individual capacity to play their full part as caring and active members of their rural communities. Further details and a grant application form can be obtained from www.ruralyouthtrust.co.uk
COUNTRY COVIDEOS HELP RURAL YOUNG CONNECT Covering topics from social isolation to the effect on farming enterprises, the RYP video diary – “Country Covid-eos” – connected rural young people during lockdown. A new ‘Covideo’ each Monday created a series with young people from Scotland, England, Wales and further afield, including Australia, sharing how Coronavirus is impacting them and their community. “We’ve launched ‘Country Covid-eo’ to communicate what is happening to young people in rural areas and how the issues that they already face – such as loneliness and poor connectivity – are being compounded due to isolation,” commented RYP Director, Rebecca Dawes. #CountryCovideo / @ruralyouthproject / @RYP2018
www.thefarmersclub.com • 17
Charles Abel • Covid-19 & Longwool Sheep
Farming Figures
Photo: MJ Peakman
X
A look at… some farming issues that emerged during Covid19… told through some key statistics
2.4 times
Rise in share price of US plant-based meat substitute firm Beyond Meat since 18th March
28%
Share of public more positive about UK farming after first 5 weeks of lockdown
£77.3bn/year
Value of food service (out-of-home) sales pre-Covid19, matching in-home food
20%
self-sufficient Pre-Covid19 food self-sufficiency estimates vary from 61% to HSBC’s 20% - depending how UK-processed imports are measured
£44,000+
NHS funds raised by 91yr-old Welsh farmer Rhythwyn Evans with 91 laps of his home
Two-thirds
Proportion of farmers who voted for AHDB levy to remain statutory
1-year delay
Basic Payment Scheme cuts of 5-25% will start Dec 2021, unless agricultural transition period from EU is extended, says NFU
£175/t wheat
Early April feed wheat peak as Covid19 prompted worldwide stockpiling
$20/barrel
20yr low oil price April 22nd ($60 Jan 2020)
£18.5bn
Value of rural tourism in a typical year, employing 600,000 people Sources: NFU/Censuswide, AHDB, FW, FG, JustGiving, Defra, NFU, marketwatch.com, CLA
18 • The Farmers Club Harvest 2020
Rare Sheep A NEW five year conservation programme aims to reverse the decline of native Longwool sheep breeds. Six of the nine native UK Longwool sheep breeds are ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at risk’ according to The Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s 2020 Watchlist. While Greyface Dartmoors and Border Leicesters have grown in number, other breeds such as Lincoln Longwool and Leicester Longwool have declined. Just 251 Lincoln Longwool breeding females were registered in 2019. As well as being visually striking, with their iconic long, shaggy fleeces, long fringes and pricked ears, Longwool sheep grazing encourages biodiversity and their tasty meat and natural wool offer good commercial opportunities, says RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price. A new conservation programme will see RBST work with breed societies to increase diversity within each breed, while the Love a Longwool campaign is promoting
their use for fibre, meat and conservation grazing. Devon farmers Flora Searson and Lewis Steer run over 600 Greyface Dartmoor, Whiteface Dartmoor and Devon and Cornwall Longwool as The Dartmoor Shepherd. “Our three Longwool breeds know better than anyone how to make a living from the landscape, converting grass into meat and wool,” says Flora. “Our customers appreciate eating locally sourced, high welfare, tasty meat and our sheepskins have a quality you just can’t find with modern breeds.” Around 30,000 herds and flocks of native breeds contribute over £700 million to local UK economies, including the nine Longwool breeds: Border Leicester, Cotswold, Devon & Cornwall Longwool, Greyface Dartmoor, Leicester Longwool, Lincoln Longwool, Teeswater, Wensleydale and Whiteface Dartmoor. More at www.rbst.org.uk and www. thedartmoorshepherd.co.uk
Head Chef & Director of Food • Paul Hogben
Light at the end of the tunnel...
WE had the wettest Autumn and Winter on record for England, Wales and Ireland and the second wettest in Scotland, with February being the UK’s wettest since records began in 1862. Some counties, including Lancashire and Yorkshire, recorded more than three times the average rainfall. The implications for the farming community were going to be felt later in the year with autumn/ winter sown crops and cereals drowning in the vast lakes that formed and machinery unable to operate. There was a significant downturn in winter crop planting, forcing many farms to plant much more spring cropping, or even leave land fallow. In addition livestock had to be kept inside using up valuable winter feeds. After all that, came the driest spring we have seen in the UK for a long time, posing problems at the other end of the scale. Climate models predict more unpredictable weather patterns in the future, begging the question: “What are we doing to our planet?” To top it all, the world was and is still subjected to the Covid19 pandemic and what a devastating affect it has had on everyone. During that surreal time some of my team worked on projects at home and cycling became the activity of choice, some
cycling many miles to keep up fitness levels and their mental health. As the planes stopped flying and the noise from vehicles reduced, out on my walks through the countryside all l had to listen to was the wonderful sound of our wildlife and the varieties of tits, blackbirds, goldfinches, sparrows, yellow wagtails, woodpeckers, and buzzards that were nesting very close by. All providing the sound backdrop to the sight of young lambs and Red Hereford calves totally unaware of what is going on around them and the oilseed rape, pea and cornflower fields. All rather different to the normal buzz and bustle of London during my normal working day. As a result of this extraordinary year, new Spring menus that l would have put in place featuring asparagus, pheasant eggs and the first English cherries and strawberries have unfortunately passed us by. However, as this Journal hits your doorstep the Club has re-opened and is serving a delicious Summer menu, with specials appearing! Looking forward to welcoming you all back to the Club and the fortunes of farming taking a positive turn.
“Climate models predict more unpredictable weather patterns in the future, begging the question: ‘What are we doing to our planet?’”
Chef
www.thefarmersclub.com • 19
Eleanor Kay, Chairman; Alice Hind, Vice Chairman; Anita Kaur, Secretary • Under 30s
Chairman’s Jottings
It has been a strange few months for the Under 30s, as expected we’ve seen almost all our planned events cancelled and have brought in several online drinks events. We still hope to hold our usual November Dining evening and will be hosting some smaller dinners during August, September and October. Having not yet picked a menu or organised a seating plan it will be nice to finally do that as Chairman. On a personal level switching from office working to being home based has certainly been an experience. Fortunately, I’ve still been able to engage with the UK and Scottish Agriculture Bills from a distance and it was great to see the public getting behind the NFU food standards campaign. As I write harvest has begun or is due to start throughout the UK, it’s a hectic time for farmers and with the roads getting busier as lockdown lifts and more people continuing to access the countryside, possibly for the first time, it’s important we all stay safe. The Under 30s members have been busy adapting to their new normal and its been great to hear about how some have adapted to selling direct to consumers or partnering up with other local producers to supply their local communities. Or the trials and tribulations of sourcing local labour for picking. The pandemic has shown that we can adapt to change quite quickly and the demand on supply chain seems to have opened the consumers eye to domestic self-sufficiency. Time will tell how permanent this behavioural change will be. Since lockdown began the Under 30s have held two virtual drinks events with more planned and we hope to be able to organise some virtual farm walks. In a reminder that Covid-19 is still present we unfortunately had to postpone our online Cocktail Making Master class due to our mixologist needing to isolate for two weeks. So, the write up for that event will be in the next Journal. Please visit our “The Farmers Club U30s” Facebook page to keep up to date. I look forward to seeing you all at our virtual events and soon back in the Club.
Contact Eleanor for more information: Eleanor Kay Edinburgh Under 30s Chairman 2020/21 07964 909108 eleanorkay@live.co.uk
20 • The Farmers Club Harvest 2020
Under 30s Virtual Drinks and Meetings THE Under 30s have quickly pivoted to online events having hosted two drinks events in the “virtual” Club bar since lockdown began and with plans for more. The first event occurred on what would have been our Spring Dining Evening where we had hoped to hear from Christopher Price of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. We are looking forward to welcoming him to the Club later in the year instead. Members were invited to join the committee for an informal get together and a chance to catch up. We held an impromptu agricultural quiz, ably hosted by Jeremy Hawkins and Alice Whitlow, in which many of us were put to shame by immediate past-chairman Scott Hayles who demonstrated his eclectic, or possible eccentric, knowledge range. The attendance for such an unusual event was brilliant, but we quickly learnt how tricky it can be to have flowing conversation on Zoom. Nevertheless, it was an evening filled with laughter and set the wheels in motion for further events. The Under 30s Committee, much like Main Club, has also switched to online meetings. We have held two, almost, full attendance committee meetings to discuss the plans for future events at the Club and online. We have lots of plans already and are very excited to be able to return to Club as soon as larger groups can meet. We have also begun discussions on the next Jill Willows Scholarship. As many of you will know the RASC biannual conference was cancelled which left the U30s without new scholars for 2020. We will continue to work on an interim Scholarship for 2021 before the 2022 RASC conference.
In early July we usually have our annual Cocktails on the Terrace event, this instead became an informal online drinks party. The Zoom call was well attended with people dipping in and out as the evening went on. Smaller but changing groups allowed us to have a fantastic mix of conversation and it was great to catch up with members who had relocated to the family farm for lockdown. Early arrivals were treated to an unplanned farm walk with Ben Barton and his stunning Aberdeen Angus cattle. It has been fantastic to keep in touch with members through Zoom, WhatsApp, Houseparty and other channels. However, the committee and Chairman are desperate to get back to arranging dinners and farm walk weekends. We’re very excited to launch our Autumn Dining Series thanks to inspiration from the Club’s Summer Series Events. We hope you’re keen to return as well! Eleanor Kay Under 30s Chairman Alice Hind Pre-Prep Teacher at Parkgate House School Under 30s Vice-Chairman
Under 30s • Eleanor Kay, Chairman; Alice Hind, Vice Chairman; Anita Kaur, Secretary
Cocktail Making Masterclass THE Under 30s annual summer cocktail evening is the highlight of our calendar, perfect weather for socialising on the Terrace and an ideal time for many to get some preharvest socialising in before the many hours sat in a cab. With Covid-19 restrictions in place the Committee was resigned to making our 2021 cocktail evening even better to make up for the cancellation. That was, until we realised there was an online option. With so many of us attending webinars for work we decided to
see how we could turn the cocktail evening into an educational event. An expert mixologist named Boris was found and after many conversations we had settled on three cocktails that should appeal to all over the age of 18; Espresso Martini, Gin Sour and a contemporary Hugo cocktail. The Espresso Martini, a favourite of many Under 30s, was a must but we wanted to make the master class even more special. To add a further U30s spin we decided to feature the
newly launched St Maur elderflower liqueur, produced by U30s members Lord and Lady Yarmouth. Unfortunately, shortly before the event was due to be held our mixologist was instructed to selfisolate for two weeks. We have therefore postponed the event until August 7th. A detailed write up of the event will feature in the next Journal. If you would like to discover more about St Maur please visit www.drinkstmaur.com.
Introducing the Under 30s Summer & Autumn Dining Series The Committee is very excited to introduce our Summer and Autumn Dining Series. These events will be limited to 20 people each, to adhere to social distancing rules. As such we will be holding a dinner every 2-3 weeks with a selection of speakers. These dinners will be different to our usual, so no group drinks in the Bar beforehand. But we hope having a smaller group will enable people to have a good catch up and generate conversation around the table. Speakers will be confirmed ahead of each event and we look forward to seeing members back at the Club.
Summer and Autumn Dining Series August 14th and 28th September 11th and 25th October 16th and 30th Dinner only: Members £45 - Guests £65 Dinner, Bed & Breakfast: Members £95 - Guests £125 Contact Anita Kaur (administrator@thefarmersclub.com) to book Bookings Open: Friday 31st July
www.thefarmersclub.com • 21
BCPC/Farmers Club • Technical Seminar
Club Information 020 7930 3557 • www.thefarmersclub.com @thefarmersclub The Farmers Club Page
Office Holders
Patron – Her Majesty The Queen HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS Sir Mark Hudson, Peter Jackson CBE, Roddy Loder-Symonds, John Parker, Norman Shaw CBE THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB 2020 VICE PRESIDENTS Barclay Forrest OBE, Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE, Paul Heygate PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Allan Stevenson TRUSTEES Jimmy McLean, Mrs Nicki Quayle, Julian Sayers (Chairman), Tim Bennett VICE-CHAIRMAN Keith Redpath HONORARY TREASURER Richard Maunder IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Nick Helme CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SECRETARY Andrei Spence CLUB CHAPLAIN The Reverend Dr Sam Wells COMMITTEE Elected 2016: Nick Helme, Peter Jinman OBE Elected 2017 to serve from 2018 to 2020 inclusive: Ian Bell OBE, Matt Dempsey and Revd Cannon Gerald Osborne Elected 2018 to serve from 2019 to 2021 inclusive: Fiona Fell, Meurig Raymond CBE DL, John Hardman, Andrew Brown JP (re-elected) Elected 2019 to serve from 2020 to 2022 inclusive: Sue Bullock, Sarah Cowlrick, Kevin Beaty (re-elected), John Lee OBE DL (re-elected), Karen Mercer (re-elected), Christopher Riddle (re-elected) Co-opted: Eleanor Kay (Chairman Under 30s), Alice Hind (Vice Chairman Under 30s) THE FARMERS CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES Stephen Fletcher (Chairman), Vic Croxson DL, Meryl Ward MBE, Des Lambert OBE, Nick Green, James Squier, The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Club (ex officio). Patron Mrs Stella Muddiman
NEXT ISSUE The Autumn issue of the Farmers Club Journal, due with members in early October, will include reports on Club activities, including August events in London, plus lessons in rewilding from a Farmers Club Charitable Trust study.
22 • The Farmers Club Harvest 2020
Climate change: The challenges and opportunities for farmers, food production and the environment Tuesday 22 Sept 2020, The Farmers Club, London Climate change is set to remodel UK agriculture and the countryside. Most growers have experienced the implications first-hand – particularly the financial cost and concerns – after one of our wettest autumns and winters, followed by a spring and early summer drought. Evidence of the long-standing change comes from recent Met Office statistics showing the past decade holds eight hightemperature records and just one low-temperature record. The change affects farmers, consumers and the wider UK economy. This technical seminar, the fourth organised by The Farmers Club and the British Crop Production Council, puts climate change in perspective for UK farmers and the environment they protect. Our specialist panel of speakers will explain some of the challenges and, more importantly, detail the opportunities for UK agriculture. The seminar will be held in the Farmers Suite of the Club. Dress for gentlemen is lounge suit. Price £40. Numbers will be restricted in line with social distancing guidelines. Registration is first come, first served. To book contact Club Administrator Anita Kaur on 020 7930 3751 e-mail: administrator@ thefarmersclub.com Proceedings will be recorded and made available on-line.
SEMINAR PROGRAMME 10.30 - 11.00am Registration and coffee 11.00am Charman’s introduction: Stephen Howe, British Crop Production Council 11.10am Reaching net zero agricultural emissions by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the UK target: Dr Ceris Jones, NFU Climate Change Adviser 11.45am Climate change: The impact for UK crops and cropping patterns: Prof Steven Penfield, Group leader, Genes in the Environment, John Innes Centre 12.30 - 1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm Reducing fertiliser’s carbon footprint to benefit crops and the environment Mark Tucker, Business Development Manager and Head of Agronomy, Yara UK 2.05pm Reaping the rewards of climate change for the UK fruit sector Ross Newham, Operations Director, NIAB EMR 2.40 - 3.00pm Discussion 3.00pm Tea
Club Information • The Farmers Club Deaths It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: Captain L Chelton Somerset Mrs A Espie Aberdeenshire Mr H Fell Lincolnshire Mr J Fowler Devon Mr I Gibson Devon Mr P Higgins Middlesex Mr E Hill Cumberland Sir John Houghton Merioneth Mr C Langdon Sussex Mr J Postlethwaite Hampshire Mr V Powell Hampshire Mr J Robb Wiltshire Mrs J Vaisey Kent Professor H Williams France Mr S Wise Suffolk New Members The following were elected: UK Members Mr J Adams Mr M Allen Mrs L Arthey Mr S Bates Mr W Beeson Mr R Binnersley Mrs J Binnington Mr P Blackman Mr F Clark Mrs S Don Mrs E Elles Mr R Ford Mr W Gill Mr N Gorst Professor D Griffin Mr M Hearnden Mr E Houghton Mr P Knights Mr A Pemberton Mr C Roads Mr M Ryan Ms C Saunders Mr J Statham Rt Revd M Tanner Mr M Wakefield Mr D Yates
Lincolnshire London Suffolk Devon Norfolk Herefordshire Sussex Warwickshire Perthshire Shropshire Fife Shropshire Inverness-Shire Herefordshire Kent Buckinghamshire Cheshire Surrey Lancashire Worcestershire Northamptonshire County Antrim Yorkshire Northumberland London Derbyshire
Under 30s Members Mr R Addison Miss K Arthey Miss E Arthey Mr W Arthey Mr M Barnett Miss T Berridge Mr O Blackman Miss K Chennells Mr P Closier Miss B Davidson-Jackson Miss R Gladwin Mr T Gladwin Mr W Gladwin Mr A Hansen
Cambridgeshire Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk Northumberland Northamptonshire Warwickshire Lincolnshire Dorset Shropshire Cambridgeshire London Cambridgeshire Overseas
Miss M Hope Mr P Knox Mr J Landers Mr J Loftus Mr J O’Halloran Mr T O’Halloran Mr W Page Mr L Roberts Mr J Scott Miss O Scott Mr Z Truscott Miss H Waddilove Mr H Whattoff Miss E Willett Miss L Willett
Buckinghamshire Cambridgeshire Berkshire Hertfordshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Dumbartonshire Devon London Suffolk Gloucestershire Oxfordshire Cambridgeshire Oxfordshire Oxfordshire
Associate - Whitehall Court Mr M Alguel Mr C McEnroy Mr F McEnroy
London London London
LIFE MEMBERSHIP There is still time to get Life Membership at 2020 rates. Any discounts you are entitled to on annual fees can be transferred to Life Membership rates. Payback period can be as little as 6 years. Contact Membership Secretary Mark Fairbairn (0207 925 7102) membership@thefarmers club.com
SUMMER DRESS CODE UNTIL 31 AUGUST • 1st - 31st August inclusive, the dress code throughout the entirety of the Club is smart casual for all.
DRESS CODE FROM 1 SEPTEMBER • Smart casual dress is permitted every morning, Monday to Sunday inclusive until 10am. (This includes smart denim jeans and trainers). Thereafter, gentlemen should wear formal jackets and ties in all public areas of the Club. Ladies should be dressed in accordance with this. • Smart casual dress is allowed from 6pm on Friday and throughout the weekend until 10am on Monday morning. • Children should conform to the above guidelines as best they can. • Members are responsible for ensuring their guests abide by the dress code. • Reception has an emergency stock of jackets and ties if required.
Club Contacts THE FARMERS CLUB
Serving the farming industry for 178 years 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL
Chairman 2020: Allan Stevenson
Chief Executive and Secretary: Andrei Spence
Club Number 020 7930 3557 Reception reception@thefarmersclub.com Bedroom Reservations reservations@thefarmersclub.com Restaurant Reservations Option 3 restaurant@thefarmersclub.com Conference & Banqueting Sales Manager Liza Keoshgerian direct line: 020 7925 7100 functions@thefarmersclub.com Administrator & Under 30s Secretary Anita Kaur direct line 020 7930 3751 administrator@thefarmersclub.com General Manager Virginia Masser direct line 020 7930 3751 generalmanager@thefarmersclub.com Head Chef & Director of Food Paul Hogben direct line: 020 7925 7103 chef@thefarmersclub.com Financial Controller Zarreena Neeson direct line: 020 7925 7101 financialcontroller@thefarmersclub.com Membership Mark Fairbairn direct line: 020 7925 7102 membership@thefarmersclub.com PA to Secretary Claire White direct line: 020 7930 3751 generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com Bedrooms ext: 3+ [two digit room number] eg. ext 301 for Room1 Whitehall Court Porters 020 7930 3160 Fax 020 7839 7864 Website: www.thefarmersclub.com @thefarmersclub The Farmers Club Page THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Editor and Advertisement Manager: Charles Abel 07795 420692 E-mail: editor@thefarmersclub.com Designed and produced by: Ingenious, www.ingeniousdesign.co.uk No film or film processing chemicals were used. Printed on Lumi Silk which is ISO 14001 certified manufacturer. FSC® Mix Credit. Elemental chlorine free (ECF) fibre sourced from well managed forests
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Your Club is open Warm welcome for visitors to newly re-opened Club
The Club re-opened at 11am on Monday 13th July with members able to enjoy its home-fromhome ambiance, food and drink in the Lounge, Restaurant, Terrace, Function Rooms, and Bedrooms. Visitors clearly wanted to be at the Club, to support it in these uncertain and unpredictable times.
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Please come and enjoy your Club and support the British farmers and producers who supply our Restaurant. We need full bedrooms and a busy Club as quickly as possible. Allan Stevenson, 2020 Club Chairman (Chairman’s Comments, p3)
SAFE & EASY TRAVEL Travelling to the Club from Berwick-on-Tweed in mid-July was easy, notes Mr Redpath: “ I was so glad to see how clean and well managed everything was at the station, the staff there were very helpful and keen to help. On boarding the train, the carriage was immaculate, I have never been on a train where everything was so clean. Arriving at Kings Cross I walked out of a clean, quiet station and hailed a taxi. It was also immaculate, and the journey was much quicker than normal.”
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I was so impressed with the changes that have been made at The Farmers Club to ensure our safety. I felt extremely safe from when I left home throughout the three days in London, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Keith Redpath, newly elected 2021 Club Chairman (AGM report, p11)
Any apprehension was misplaced as I witnessed the highest biosecurity standards our team had put in place. This did not detract from the warm and friendly welcome to which we are accustomed or indeed the delicious menu on offer. Well done to the Club team on getting the Club back to where it is. I was very impressed with all I saw. As an aside the No 3 entrance is also much improved! John Lee, newly elected 2021 Vice-Chairman (p11)
CLUB PRICE CUTS From 15th July 2020 to 12th January 2021 only Bedrooms, food and non-alcoholic drinks in the Club will cost you less due to the VAT cut from 20% to 5%. Make the most of this great price reduction.
NEW YEARS EVE Please be advised that we cannot provide any information regarding this event at this time, based on current Covid19 Government Guidelines. We will update you as soon as we are able.
