Eleanor Kay, Chairman; Alice Hind, Vice Chairman • Under 30s
Chairman’s Jottings THE delay in lifting Covid restrictions was especially frustrating as the tickets for our first dinner of 2021 were just about to go live. Nevertheless, our plans can be easily moved to August 20th, so mark your calendars. Booking will open in late July and the Under 30s Committee are very excited to welcome members back. We hope to fit several dinners in before the end of 2021. I’m really enjoying being back in the office and getting to know my new colleagues. My diary is also beginning to fill up with visits outside of the office – I was especially pleased to go to the Cereals Event in Lincolnshire. My first big trip out of the office was to Cornwall for the G7, an incredible experience. If I had time to fit in several farm walks this year I would certainly add Cornwall to my list. Sadly, I don’t, but I hope it will not be too long before an Under 30s trip to Cornwall is planned. I have really enjoyed being back at the Club in recent weeks for dinner and drinks with friends. Being able to catch up in such beautiful surroundings is fantastic. The food continues to be amazing and the staff are so welcoming. I look forward to seeing more members as events return to the Club. Henley Regatta is on my list – I really hope I can get a ticket and that other Under 30s also apply. It is always an incredible event.
Against all odds! LOCKDOWNS, Tier Systems and gathering restrictions have all had devastating effects on the sports and events industry. For country pursuits enthusiasts our biggest frustration was the premature end to the hunting and shooting seasons, curtailing our long awaited winter social activities. For me Easter 2020 was supposed to be my first fixture as Honorary Secretary of The Kimblewick Hunt Easter Point to Point, one of the country’s largest amateur horseracing meetings, held at Kimble Racecourse in Buckinghamshire. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic it was cancelled, alongside many others throughout the country. Fortunately, for horseracing fans, Point to Points were able to proceed in the 2020/21 season, albeit with a few Covid-19 twists… So, after a bad start to the year, we were thrilled to start making preparations for Easter 2021. An Easter at Kimble usually hosts 10,000 spectators, trade stands and
Contact Eleanor for more information: Eleanor Kay UK Agricultural Specialist, London Under 30s Chairman 2020/21 07964 909108 • eleanorkay@live.co.uk
20 • The Farmers Club Summer/Harvest 2021
other attractions, so it was a learning curve organising the Point to Point behind closed doors and in-line with Covid-19 regulations. No paying spectators were permitted, proving a challenge as ticket sales are usually the fixture’s main source of income. As well as attendees being required to wear face coverings at all times, strict procedures were put into place to ensure social distancing. But the day had a remarkable atmosphere despite only officials, jockeys and trainers being in attendance – and the racing was live-streamed, which brought in a new income source. We received 95 entries – a record number in recent years for the fixture. Preparations have already begun for Easter 2022 and all my fingers are crossed for some normality as I resume my role as Secretary Millie Etheridge Under 30s member
