4 minute read
Chairman’s Comments
PRODUCING my first Chairman’s Comments gives me a wonderful opportunity to reflect on just how much we have all benefited from your Committee and Executive working so hard to get the Club open and delivering all we have come to love and expect, despite almost two years of disruption.
The Omicron variant has not helped confidence, but those who have visited the Club will have seen all the measures our team have put in place to make any visit or stay as safe and as enjoyable as it has ever been, while the necessary measures are as unobtrusive as possible. It has been such a pleasure to see life return to Whitehall Court and I very much hope that will continue as we adjust to the “new normal”.
Coping with Covid has been a challenge – here in the South-West the Devon County Show was the UK’s first county show to restart last year. It was not easy. We had to mitigate the Covid risk, but we managed to, and people came out and supported us, making it a very successful year indeed.
I believe our Club has been doing much the same. Throughout the pandemic it is clear that the Club’s greatest strength has been its dedicated and loyal Club team, which has done such a wonderful job of maintaining the forward momentum at 3 Whitehall Court.
Member services
But staffing is also a big challenge. Finding new staff so we can deliver the services members need is not easy. Yet, despite all the pressures, there has been no dip in standards, in the kitchen or anywhere. You can still expect the same high quality service and welcome when you visit.
The challenge we now face is to rebuild the balance sheet, so we can continue investing in the Club and work towards the renewal of the lease on our premises in 2086. It’s not far away when you consider the money we need to raise.
Events calendar
In 2021 past Chairman, Keith Redpath, organised an impressive range of trips and visits, despite the limitations of Covid. I am currently working closely with the Executive Team to develop a predominantly UK-focused programme for 2022.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
I am keen for my Club year to reflect the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Her Majesty is our Club patron and it is right that we reflect her unique and significant service to the country. The Royal Family’s interest in agriculture has been extremely strong, which links very well with the Club’s service, at its own level, to the country and farming.
Our countryside is certainly going through big changes, adapting to the shift from a European agricultural policy to a home-grown one. We all know the greater emphasis on rewards for delivering public benefits, including net zero agriculture by 2040. To reflect this I hope our Club Tour to Devon in late June / early July will include visits to the Met Office in Exeter to hear about the science of climate change, a large estate pioneering new ways of farming, a food producer that supplies the Club, and the Devon County Show afterwards, for those who wish to stay on.
Young farmers
Throughout my career I have been involved with the industry’s young people, especially through the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs. Young people are clearly the future of our industry. We need to invest in them, in their optimism and enthusiasm. They are future leaders and are likely to be the ones who grasp new technologies to develop agriculture and work towards net zero.
Within the Club we are now looking at the merits of raising the cut off age for members in our junior section. It is proposed that the section becomes the Under 35s, which has a lot of support. The potential benefits of sustaining the interest of junior members as they develop their careers cannot be over-stated. This is now on trial.
Sitting in the middle of the most vibrant city in the world, and yet feeling like you are almost in the middle of the countryside when you cross its threshold, our Club is a truly unique institution. The comradeship and friendliness of members means you will never feel alone whilst here.
We are open for business, with high quality service, and hopefully a programme that is attractive to those actively involved in agriculture, their family members and the support industries. The importance of getting away from the farm and the business, to think and to relax, has never been more important. I look forward to meeting you in the Club and at events across the country.
