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AGM
THE 179th Annual General Meeting chaired by Club Chairman Keith Redpath was conducted in the Club on 6 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 178th AGM were approved and the Report and Audited Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2020 adopted. Covid meant the Club had experienced an unprecedented year, with enforced closures causing a big financial hit. Government furlough, business rate holidays and VAT reductions, together with tough cost controls, meant the accounts were not as bad as initially predicted. The focus now was to make up lost ground.
Election of Club Chairman and Vice-Chairman
Proposing the election of John Lee OBE DL as 2022 Chairman, Marcomms Sub-Committee Chairman John Hardman said John has lived and farmed at Shobrooke, near Crediton, Devon all his life and is involved in a number of agricultural, rural and agribusiness organisations at all levels, including; president of Devon Communities Together, patron of the Devon and Cornwall Police Cadets, a patron of Local Heroes, vice chairman of the South West Lakes Trust, board chairman of Devon County Agricultural Association, and of course a serving committee member of the Farmers Club, chairman of Rural Youth Trust and a trustee of NFYFC, where he first met John over 20 years ago.
Seconding the proposal Ian Bell commended John’s pragmatism, good business sense and drive to get things done. The proposal was approved unanimously.
Proposing the election of Meurig Raymond CBE DL as 2022 Vice-Chairman Anthony Snell said Meurig’s outstanding service to farming made him an ideal candidate. He farms 3500 acres of potatoes, combinable crops, dairy, beef and store lambs in a family partnership in Pembrokeshire and is best known for his long career serving the NFU, culminating in his 2014-2018 Presidency.
He has been a council member of the Oxford Farming Conference and a board member of the Home-Grown Cereals Authority. He has an Honorary Fellowship at the Royal Agricultural University and an Honorary Doctorate from Harper Adams University.
Seconding the proposal Club Trustee Tim Bennett commended Meurig’s ability, loyalty to farming and unparalleled networking skills. The proposal was approved unanimously.
Honorary Treasurer
Mr Redpath thanked Richard Maunder for all his work during his five-year term as Honorary Treasurer. Proposing the election of Chris Riddle as Honorary Treasurer for 2022 Meurig Raymond
AGM elects Devon Chairman for 2022
2022 Chairman John Lee (centre), Vice-Chairman Meurig Raymond (right) and Honorary Treasurer Chris Riddle
said he was well known for his huge success as Secretary of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Society since 1989. He is Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club, has Chaired RABI and is a Trustee of RASC. His charm, diplomacy, warmth, diligence and organisational skills suited him very well to the role.
The proposal was seconded by Allan Stevenson and approved unanimously.
Auditors
The Chairman and Committee recommended haysmacintyre continue in office, which was agreed unanimously.
