Spring2008

A host of exciting things to do in

London Events over the next few weeks include: Now running: Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Adelphi Theatre Strand Tel: 0870 895 5598 Now running: The Lion King Lyceum Theatre Tel: 0870 243 9000 Now running: The Lord of the Rings Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Tel: 0870 890 6002 Still running: The Mousetrap St Martin’s Theatre West Street Tel: 020 7836 1443

Ongoing: Tate Modern Bankside, Holland Street Tel: 020 7887 8000 Still running: Mamma Mia! Prince of Wales Theatre Tel: 0870 850 0393 Ongoing: New Sculpture Galleries Victoria and Albert Museum Tel: 020 7942 2000 Always open: (except Christmas Day): London Zoo Meet the Animals Tel: 020 7722 3333 Open daily, 9.30am - 8pm: London Eye South Bank Tel: 0870 500 0600

While in the Capital why not stay, dine and relax at YOUR Club Remember, you can now book to stay on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights up to six months in advance To book to stay or dine at the Club call reception on

020 7930 3557 (Please note Club closure dates on page 23)

Dinner is now available from 6pm Monday to Friday

London food markets committed to buying British farm produce inside…

Application form for: • Hampton Court Flower Show (10 July) Flyer for Club Dinners at: • Royal Ulster Show (13 May) • Royal Bath & West Show (28 May) • Cheshire Show (16 June) • Royal Highland Show (18 June)

For further events go to www.visitlondon.com More details about The Farmers Club at www.thefarmersclub.com

Please note your individual Club membership number, printed on your Journal envelope. You will need it to access the members’ section of the Club website at www.thefarmersclub.com

25

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS • Julian Sayers

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS • Julian Sayers

THE FARMERS CLUB Over 160 years of service to farming

Prospects look good for some sectors but no question yet of farming boom

3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL

contents

Patron – Her Majesty The Queen

2 Chairman’s Comments Julian Sayers writes about prospects for farming, the NFU Centenary Conference, the retirement of Reg Haydon and Grieve Carson, and looks forward to forthcoming events.

4 Chairman Change at TFA Reg Haydon, retiring after 13 years as TFA National Chairman, lists seven tasks still to be done, while his successor, Greg Bliss, introduces himself.

We must avoid a situation whereby the number of producers falls to the point at which the infrastructure supporting that sector starts to disappear as well. At that point there may be no way back.

6 London Supermarkets Club Committee member Teresa Wickham looks at three new giant entrants into the London food market and their implications for UK farmers.

8 Farmers Weekly Awards FW Group Projects Manager Debbie Beaton encourages members to publicise all that’s good about farming by entering the 2008 Farmers Weekly Awards.

10 Equine Biomechanics Brenda Smith of Plumpton College used a Farmers Club Charitable Trust bursary to visit Michigan State University to study the biomechanics of the horse.

12 St David’s Day Dinner Don Gomery reports on the Club’s St David’s Day Dinner at Whitehall Court, where the guest speaker was Sir Meuric Rees, RWAS President for 22 years.

14 Year of Food and Farming Corrina Gibbs explains what Club members can do to help the Year of Food and Farming achieve its objective of educating children about the countryside.

15 Memorable Years Grieve Carson, who retires on 28 March, writes an appreciation on behalf of himself and his wife Anne for their 13 memorable years since he became Club Secretary.

16 Planning for the Future Under 30 member and land agent Roy Cox discusses why farmers seriously need to study industry structures in order to ensure long-term stability.

17 Chef’s Corner 18 Under 30s 20 Whitehall Court Ramblings 22 Information and Diary Dates 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.

2

NFU Centenary

IN MY previous Chairman’s Comments, which were written before the end of last year, I referred to the changing fortunes within the agricultural industry. Since then we have seen further improvements in the arable and dairy sectors, together with an increase in the price being paid, at long last, for beef and, to a lesser extent, lamb.

However, costs are rising across the board at a significant rate for the inputs, feed supplies, fuel and overheads, which cannot be avoided by today’s farm businesses.

These increases, together with the forward selling of crops from last year’s harvest, poor yields due to the weather conditions and existing contracts for other commodities, mean the headline figures which some are quoting, as though the industry is already enjoying a boom time, need to be treated with a note of caution.

Having said that, the prospects for many producers are looking better, albeit the rewards may not be reaped in full until later this year. There are, however, two sectors where there has been little or no sign of a much needed improvement… namely, for pigs and poultry.

With the exception of certain markets which in the case of free-range poultry is expanding as a result of television programmes - mainstream production remains loss making. The figures being quoted for the pig industry from a number of sources indicate losses of up to £26 per pig produced, which, according to BPEX, equates to £6 every second, or more than £3.5 million a week.

This cannot continue if we are to retain these all important parts of our industry.

These issues, together with TB and bluetongue, were discussed in full at the NFU’s Centenary Conference, which I was privileged to attend. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the past 100 years and all that farmers have achieved, but the main thrust was the future of our industry.

What was most noticeable on the political front was the approach adopted by today’s politicians, compared with the messages they were giving out just a short time ago.

The Prime Minister, Hilary Benn and David Cameron all focussed on the issue of food security.

The Secretary of State said that farmers could look forward to a secure future “as we will need you to feed us and to feed the world”. He also recognised that farmers manage 80% of the UK’s land surface and, as a result, we “must value the productive capacity of our land and our farmers”.

This sounds like we are back to a world of food production and not park-keeping, so far as our political leaders are concerned!

Gordon Brown could not have been more complimentary about farmers and the NFU in particular, which he described as “a great British national institution” that was “held in respect, admiration and, indeed, awe by politicians of all parties”.

Congratulations to Peter Kendall and his team on an excellent conference and the centenary celebrations. Let’s hope there will be even more to celebrate by the end of 2008.

Reg Haydon I was delighted when Reg Haydon accepted the invitation to be guest of honour at my first Committee Dinner, as this provided an opportunity for the Club to mark his outstanding contribution to the farming community as Chairman of the Tenant

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

Farmers Association for the past 13 years, before stepping down on 13 March.

Reg rose through the ranks of the agricultural industry, having started out as a farm employee in North Wales to become the person responsible for representing this all-important sector of the industry, which accounts for farming approximately one third of our total land area. Speaking to the assembled company, he reflected on the changing fortunes of the tenant farmer and the need to ensure there are opportunities for young entrepreneurs to enter the world of agriculture by renting rather than purchasing farms (see his article on pages 4 - 5 of this Journal).

On the subject of this year’s Committee, I would like to thank Richard Holland for continuing as Chairman of the Membership Sub Committee, and Teresa Wickham and Stewart Houston for agreeing to chair the Journal and House Sub Committees, respectively. As always, they will welcome ideas and comments from members.

Grieve Carson By the time you read this copy of the Journal we will have said goodbye to Grieve Carson after 13 years of loyal service to the Club. You will find an article later in the publication (see page 15) to mark this significant point in our history.

We owe him a great debt of gratitude for all that he has achieved. He leaves the Club in a strong position, be it our staff, the facilities at Whitehall Court, the finances, or the extensive annual programme of events.

I am sure you would all want to join me in wishing Grieve and Anne a long and very happy retirement.

Thank you to all those who have contributed to Grieve’s Testimonial Fund.

A cheque will be presented to him at the farewell dinner to be held with members of the Club Committee, during which, I am sure, those present will reflect on the way in which the Club has developed while Grieve has been at the helm… or, should I say, on the flight deck!

Club Sub Committee Chairmen Teresa Wickham is the new Chairman of the Club Journal and Communications Sub Committee, taking over from John Reynolds on his election as Club Vice Chairman. Stewart Houston (left) takes over from Nicky Quayle as Chairman of the House Sub Committee, while Richard Holland continues as Membership sub Committee Chairman.

In the meantime, our new Secretary, Air Commodore Stephen Skinner, has been working hard both prior to and following his appointment. This has involved not only learning the ropes at the Club but also visiting various parts of the country to gain an insight into the farming industry, thanks to the warm hospitality of a number of members.

Stephen is looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next few months, both in the Club and as we travel together up and down the country attending shows and other events.

London Marathon This year’s London Marathon will see both the Chairman and the new Secretary taking part… with it remaining to be seen who will cross the finish line first! I am raising money for three charities, including the RABI, in addition to keeping fit during my chairmanship. Providing the weather is not as hot as it was last year, I hope to break the 4 hours 30 minutes barrier.

Any member wishing to sponsor my endeavour can do so by sending a cheque to the Club, payable to ‘RABI’, together

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

with a note of your address, including the postcode, for Gift Aid purposes if you are a UK taxpayer. Stephen Skinner is running in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Delightful dinner The first official Club event of the year, namely the St David’s Day dinner (see report on pages 12-13), was a great success.

We enjoyed an excellent meal, provided by Don Irwin and his team, with a menu to reflect the occasion.

We were joined by Sir Meuric Rees as our guest speaker. He is one of the best known farmers from Wales, having made very significant contributions to the industry via a wide range of organisations over many years. We were then entertained, for the remainder of the evening, by the Bois y Wlad Choir from Harverfordwest.

I look forward to meeting those members who are coming to the St George’s Day lunch on 23 April, and welcoming others to Bowood Estate and two Wiltshire farms at the beginning of May. These events are going to be well supported by members and their guests, which is very pleasing, as always.

3

TENANT FARMERS ASSOCIATION • Reg Haydon and Greg Bliss

TENANT FARMERS ASSOCIATION • Reg Haydon and Greg Bliss

Reg Haydon retired in mid March after 13 years as National Chairman of the Tenant Farmers Association. Here, he gives Club members a brief summary of the major happenings during his time in office, as well as his views on what still needs to be done, under the guidance of his successor, Greg Bliss, who introduces himself alongside.

Seven challenges to landlords as I step down from the TFA operation. It was on this basis that the TFA was able to argue successfully for the re-establishment of the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG) to scrutinise the operation of the new legislation and to confirm, after some debate, much needed adjustments to statute which allowed the pendulum to swing back towards a more balanced position between landlord and tenant.

The changes to tenancy legislation instigated by TRIG have now been in place since the autumn of 2006. However, it is clear that more needs to be done.

Reg Haydon, retiring National Chairman of the Tenant Farmers Association

WHEN I took over as National Chairman of the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) in the middle of 1995, the Agricultural Tenancies Act, which received Royal Assent that year, was all but done and dusted.

I knew at the time that the introduction of this legislation would create a major seachange in landlord/tenant relationships, moving, as we were, from a largely statutory code to a framework which relied predominantly on freedom of contract.

Devotees of the 1995 Act were keen to express the potential benefits of freedom of contract and predicted a new era of greater flexibility within tenancy agreements, a better basis to include farm diversification and a more even balance in the landlord/tenant relationship.

As an Association which has, as its founding principles, both the duty to represent the interests of the tenant farmer and the landlord/tenant system in agriculture, this should have been very much music to our ears.

However, it was not long after I became TFA Chairman that it became clear to me that the pendulum, which may have been positioned too far in favour of the tenant farmer under the old legislation, had very 4

much swung to the considerable disadvantage of the tenant farmer under the new legislation.

In the main, Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs) under the 1995 Agricultural Tenancies Act are of short duration, with restrictive terms as to diversification, and make use of standard contractual terms with little thought for the individual relationship between the landlord and tenant concerned.

Thirteen years on from the introduction of the 1995 Act, and as I stand down as the TFA’s National Chairman, the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers records the average length of term for an FBT as three years and nine months.

I admit that when you look at FBTs which include a house and buildings, the average increases to nearly nine and a half years.

However, it must be remembered that this takes no account of the use of break clauses by landlords, which effectively reduce the length of term over which the tenant can expect to hold the tenancy to the date of the first break clause.

When the 1995 Act was going through Parliament, the Government made a commitment to the TFA that it would review the legislation after five years of

Some of this may require further changes in legislation but much can be done by the implementation of good practice. It is, in this respect, that I set out below seven challenges for the landlord community.

First, I would challenge landlords to consider moving away from the use of standard agreements to the development of bespoke agreements that properly reflect the individual relationship between the landlord and tenant. In a rapidly changing environment, it is important that both landlords and tenants have flexible, tailored agreements to meet the needs of both parties.

Second, I would ask landlords to take a more open-handed approach when it comes to tenant’s improvements. When a tenant chooses to invest in fixed equipment which will be left, at the end of the tenancy, for the benefit of the landlord and future tenants, I would like to see landlords being more willing to treat these investments as tenant’s improvements.

In that way, outgoing tenants can obtain compensation for the increase in the value of the holding which they have created through their investment.

Third, I would like to see landlords taking a more positive approach to succession. It seems to me that landlords have been taught by their agents to look upon succession negatively, whereas it can be a significant advantage.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

Landlords interested in the long-term management of their holdings should be instigating discussions with their tenants about succession planning, rather than waiting to respond to their tenants’ applications for succession.

Fourth, I am aware that land and buildings can have many different uses, and that landlords may be keen to gain commercial advantage from using land or buildings for non-agricultural purposes. I would like to see an increase in the amount of joint ventures between landlords and tenants, rather than the standard use of Notices to Quit by landlords in order to get rid of the tenant to enable the landlord to run the new venture themselves or with a third party.

Fifth, there is now the opportunity for landlords to expand existing tenanted holdings let under the 1986 Agricultural Holdings Act by adding in more land, buildings or fixed equipment. This provides an easy and secure way of improving the economic viability of existing holdings, while also gaining the landlord important tax advantages.

I would like to see more use being made of these provisions by landlords.

Sixth, I have noted over my 13 years in the role of TFA National Chairman the tendency for landlords (and particularly institutional landlords) to allow outside agents to provide their land agency advice and support. It is important when doing this that the agents employed share the ethos of the landlord.

Last, I would encourage landlords in the private sector to get alongside their local County Council Smallholding Estates to provide a better link between the private and public sectors. County Farms are intended to be a stepping stone, but in recent years I have seen the gap between County Farms and the private sector widen to the extent that the stepping stone process is not working.

I would urge landlords in the private sector to look at how they might close that gap.

It has been a privilege to be National Chairman of the TFA for nearly half its life.

Much has been achieved, but much still has yet to be achieved, and I wish the Association, under the Chairmanship of its new National Chairman, Greg Bliss, the very best for the future.

• Reg Haydon farms 950 acres in two family partnerships: a 700-acre dairy, beef and arable holding near Arundel, West Sussex, and a 250-acre hill unit in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Greg Bliss, incoming TFA National Chairman

Taking over the mantle of TFA National Chairman UNQUESTIONABLY, and by any measure, Reg has been an excellent National Chairman of the TFA. His passion and commitment to the organisation, and the tenanted sector in general, has been second to none.

Not only is he well known within the wider industry, he is also greatly appreciated, respected and even loved. His well deserved OBE is testament to the widespread recognition of his hard work, often above and beyond the call of duty.

There is no doubt that I step into the Chairmanship of a strong and vibrant organisation.

Over the 13 years of Reg’s Chairmanship, the TFA has gone from strength to strength. It is now well placed to advise its growing membership and to be an influence for good in Whitehall, Westminster and in Europe.

I will seek to build on these strengths to ensure that the Association is meeting the demands that its discerning members place upon it.

The agenda of issues that I will face as TFA National Chairman is already full. This year, obviously, rent reviews are going to be a key concern.

In recent years there has been a dearth of rent reviews, with rents remaining fairly static. This followed a period of high activity in the late 1990s and the early years of this century which saw farm rents fall

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

up to two or three times from their peak levels of 1996.

It is no surprise, then, with the upturn in some farm gate prices, that landlords’ agents have been advising their clients that it would be timely to issue rent review notices.

The list of other issues to be tackled includes changes in the area and rules relating to Nitrate Vulnerable Zones; the continuing scourge of bovine TB; cost and responsibility sharing for animal diseases; the CAP Health Check; climate change adaptation and mitigation; food security; agri-environment policy; taxation; planning; retirement; affordable housing; and the future of County Council Smallholdings, to name but a few.

These are all areas where the TFA continues to play a major role on behalf of its members and the landlord/tenant system in general.

The Farmers Club is very much the TFA’s London home and the venue for meetings of our National Executive Committee.

I look forward, therefore, to many visits to the Club over the next three years in my role as TFA National Chairman.

• Greg Bliss farms 470 ha on the edge of the Fens east of Peterborough. He is a third generation tenant of the Crown Estate and now also the Great Fen Project.

The farm is a mixed arable enterprise with considerable root cropping and a small flock of sheep.

5

LONDON FOOD MARKET • Teresa Wickham

LONDON FOOD MARKET • Teresa Wickham

Consumers are becoming more affluent, wanting more details of traceability and interested in buying local or regional British food. Club Committee member Teresa Wickham looks at three new entrants into the London food market and their implications for UK producers.

New London food markets offer scope for sales of local and regional produce An unusual aspect is the self-service containers, from which customers can mix and match their own muesli, taking their pick of different nuts and cereals… a sort of Woolworth’s-type ‘pick-and-mix’.

Other aspects of the store include salads, hot food bars, soup bins, a variety of menu options for lunches - including Italian and other world flavours - and a sweet shop with a tempting display of hand-made chocolates.

Above and front cover: The John Lewis Oxford Street food hall

LAST YEAR London saw a transformation of Piccadilly-based Fortnum & Mason’s food hall, a food hall opened under John Lewis in Oxford Street for the first time, and the entry of US Whole Food Markets into the UK in Kensington High Street.

Will these stores provide new market opportunities for UK suppliers and act as a show case for the Best of British Foods?

By background, Whole Food Markets was founded in 1980 as one small store in Austin, Texas. From there it has become one of the fastest growing chains within the US and claims to be the world’s leading retailer of natural and organic foods.

Its mission statement underpins its support of local farmers and a commitment to fresh and seasonal produce. Only produce that has travelled less than a day from farm to store can be labelled as ‘locally grown’.

The company’s new 80,000 sq ft store, on the site of the former Barkers department store in Kensington High Street, is now one of the largest food retailers in central London.

Great emphasis is placed on working with smaller-scale British producers.

Its acquisition of the UK-based Fresh and Wild chain (now submerged into Whole Foods) gave it a decent foothold in the organic food supply chain. It also has to compete with all the UK major food retailers, who have 6

upped their focus on organic and natural over the past two years.

The difference in Whole Foods compared with most UK food stores is its emphasis on display and merchandising. The company has broken the mould of traditional retail store layouts with more emphasis on tempting piles of fresh produce.

Eggs are sold in large piles where customers can choose their own selection… a sort of ‘pick and mix’, but not cheap.

Meat is sold off a ‘fresh’ counter. Whole Foods has developed its own five-step Animal Welfare Rating programme for cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry, and has leaflets and customer information available at point of sale.

In addition to this, it sells around 400 types of cheese in a specially dedicated room and 21 varieties of tomatoes. The emphasis is on ‘fresh’, with packaged fruit salads prepared daily in-store.

Despite its commitment to sourcing from the UK, when I visited the store in February it had no English apples and the fruit was from Chile and Morocco. Hardly local!

In the bakery, which is the first thing that greets you, more than 35 varieties of bread were available, all baked in-store.

Clothes and bodycare products mingle on the lower floor, while the first floor offers the choice of a variety of eateries including a tapas bar, a pub-styled bar, a champagne & oyster bar and a sushi bar, providing a wide variety of choice for different tastes.

The whole style is natural and fresh, but it is certainly not over endowed with British or local UK produce. So, if the company follows its mission statement, there is possibly room for more UK producers to supply Whole Foods.

The sheer size and space is a challenge, even in an affluent area such as Kensington High Street, so it will be interesting to see where the company sites its next UK store and whether local producers can take advantage of a market opportunity in those locations.

Complete makeover While Fortnum & Mason has had a food hall with a worldwide reputation for years, it has undergone a complete makeover and, at the end of last year, opened a new fresh food hall and wine bar. The focus for the new lower ground floor is on ‘fresh’ with particular emphasis on seasonal British produce.

For the first time, Fortnum’s has a butcher’s counter with hanging fresh meats, a fish counter stocked daily from the Cornish coast, and a fresh foods take-away counter, in addition to flowers, fruit and veg and a food service desk. Fortnum’s still maintains its reputation for quality and its cheese counter (as opposed to room) has more than 130 varieties. A wine bar has also been opened for the first time.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

The ground floor continues to offer the range of foodstuff on which the company has built its reputation… preserves, chocolates, baked goods, tea and coffee.

Many of these products are produced in small quantities and are exclusive to Fortnum & Mason.

“We are passionate about the protection, promotion and future of British farming,” says Heather Jenkins, Director, Waitrose Meat Buying. “Our well developed supply model and trusting and collaborative relationships ensure we are able to provide a fair return for the farmers who supply us.

According to Trading Director Simon Burdess: “We try to focus on what is good about English food.

“We take major steps to support our suppliers and British agriculture as a whole… for example, by introducing structured payments to beef farmers, setting a standard for the industry in the wake of foot-and-mouth last year.

“Most of what we supply is from the UK. Where we sell an imported product we try to match it with a UK one… for example, Suffolk Salami.

“Very often farmers write in direct to us and we are always open to approaches.

“We look for four things from our suppliers: quality; provenance (we have a good relationship with growers and farmers); English eccentricity and quirkiness; and exclusivity.”

Local commitment John Lewis has, for the first time, opened a 17,000 sq ft food hall in the basement of its Oxford Street store. Run by Waitrose, this has a walk-in cheese store and sells everything from dressed lobsters, cuts of free range Berkshire pork, meal options and handmade chocolates.

"Bridging the gap between consumer and farmer is the first step toward ensuring that British produce can command consistently sustainable prices. It is for this reason that we encourage farmers to visit our shops and help our customers understand the time and expertise that goes into producing a quality product."

Graham Cassie, Senior Buyer, Local and Regional Sourcing, adds that when the company launched its Local and Regional Sourcing Initiative in 2001, it did so with a firm belief that customers wanted easy access to the best food from their region…

real food, produced using traditional methods and great local ingredients.

“This is what we have always looked for in producers wishing to supply to the initiative,” he added.

"We now stock more than 1,200 local and regional products in our stores. We are always looking to extend this further, working with the Regional Food Groups, and also meeting some of Britain's best food and drink companies through our annual Waitrose Small Producers Awards.

“This year we're widening our search to reward the finest food and drink talent, joining forces with Country Living magazine to launch the Made in Britain Awards.”

All of these food halls provide a wonderful opportunity for showcasing British produce. While they are not in the low-cost range of food, their commitment to food quality and regional sourcing provides opportunities for those producers looking to deal direct and add value to their produce.

The fish counter has more than 30 different types of fresh fish. The meat counter offers fully traceable rare and premium breeds, including free-range pork, dry-aged Aberdeen Angus beef, hand-carved Iberico ham and caramelised bone-in Polish beer ham.

In accordance with a Waitrose commitment to local sourcing, there is a range of London suppliers including Flower Station, Gail’s Bakery, Exeter Street Bakery, Pirlane and Fullers beers.

This store aims to attract local residents and also workers who can do food shopping in their lunch hour or on the way home.

Whole Food Markets’ cheese room www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

Fortnum & Mason’s new fresh food hall and wine bar 7

FARMERS WEEKLY AWARDS • Debbie Beaton

FARMERS WEEKLY AWARDS • Debbie Beaton

Club member and FW Projects Manager Debbie Beaton encourages Journal readers to put farming in the spotlight for all the right reasons by entering the prestigious Farmers Weekly Awards, now in their third year.

Your opportunity to publicise all that’s good about farming FARMING is consistently in the national headlines, but for all the wrong reasons.

Publicity always seems to be about the problems the industry is facing, such as bluetongue, foot-and-mouth and avian flu, to name but three.

It would be tempting simply to close the gate on anything outside the normal day-today activities of farming. But that attitude, as we know to our cost, simply allows others outside the industry to build preconceptions and ill-informed judgements on farming practices and behaviour.

John Geldard, 2007 Farmer of the Year and Local Food Farmer of the Year:

“We need to recognise and celebrate excellence in our industry to convince politicians - and the public - to take us seriously.”

Garry Gray, 2007 Beef Farmer of the Year (pictured, right, with business partner Barry Brooks):

“Being awarded Beef Farmer of the Year is a huge honour for us and one that recognises all the hard work that goes in to running a profitable beef enterprise without relying on subsidies. We work closely with everyone in the supply chain and value all those involved as partners, so it’s recognition for those as well.”

It has never been more important to communicate and celebrate the central role that farmers play in today’s society than it is now. There is a huge wave of consumer interest in where food comes from and how it is produced.

commitment that farmers are making in meeting the needs of consumers, the countryside and their local community.

Now it’s up to you! We need farmers to come forward and tell us their achievements. There is a category for all farming businesses… from sheep to beef, dairy to arable, poultry to countryside, contractor to young.

What are we looking for? Farmers who can simply demonstrate that they are running an efficient, profitable business, know their market, protect their natural resources and have a strong vision and plan for the future.

By now you are still wondering whether this is for you. Am I good enough?

If your business is efficient farming, the 2008 Farmers Weekly Awards are for you.

Why should anyone value your business unless you tell them what you do, and why it is important to society?

It’s time to stand up and be proud of your achievements.

• Go to www.farmersweeklyawards.co.uk to enter online or download an entry form.

Alternatively, ring Pam Wilkinson for an entry form on 020 8652 2181

2008 AWARD CLASSES • Arable Farmer of the Year, sponsored by GrowHow • Arable Adviser of the Year, sponsored by Crops • Beef Farmer of the Year, sponsored by McDonalds • Contractor of the Year, sponsored by Michelin Exelagri • Countryside Farmer of the Year, sponsored by the Environment Agency • Dairy Farmer of the Year, sponsored by the Milk Development Council • Diversification Farmer of the Year, sponsored by James Miles-Hobbs • Farm Manager of the Year, sponsored by Claas • Livestock Adviser of the Year, sponsored by Silotite • Local Food Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Farmshop.uk.com • Pig Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Waitrose • Poultry Farmer of the Year, sponsored by EB Equipment • Sheep Farmer of the Year • Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Massey Ferguson • Farming Champion of the Year, sponsored by the NFU

It’s crucial that we capture this enthusiasm and communicate the enormous achievements that so many farming businesses are making in connecting with what the consumer wants.

And the role that farmers play is not simply about producing high quality food. It is also about protecting the country’s natural resources of soil and water, as well as nurturing wildlife habitats and landscape for all to enjoy.

As individuals – and as an industry – we are still reluctant to tell others about our achievements. Yet only by demonstrating its value to society can farming be taken seriously by the general public.

Tony Burgess, 2006 Poultry Farmer of the Year:

David MacTaggart, 2006 Sheep Farmer of the Year:

“I encourage anyone to enter the Awards because the long term value of winning this award is so hugely beneficial to you and your business.”

“Capitalising on winning Sheep Farmer of the Year was, and still is, high on our agenda. Winning is a huge reward for the years of hard work and innovation that we’ve put in to the farm.”

8

Recognising the achievements, and celebrating their achievements, was – and is – the single biggest objective in launching the Farmers Weekly Awards three years ago. They have received huge industry support from organisations such as the NFU, Environment Agency, Milk Development Council and Defra, as well as influential suppliers and advisers in the trade.

All these bodies and companies recognise how crucial it is to give the general public evidence of the innovation and

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

9

BIOMECHANICS OF THE HORSE • Brenda Smith

BIOMECHANICS OF THE HORSE • Brenda Smith

Brenda Smith lectures on equine studies and sports performance at Plumpton College, University of Brighton, which includes teaching the biomechanical analysis of the equine athlete to second and third year students. She used a Farmers Club Charitable Trust bursary to study the biomechanics of the horse at Michigan Sate University. Here is a précis of her report.

Using biomechanics to determine the best way of teaching equine students

The horse was ridden during the data collection. However, there were no reflective markers on the rider and, consequently, the rider does not appear on any of the data sets as the cameras only collected data from the reflective markers.

The data collected was then tracked frameby-frame to build the digitised image of the horse. This process is very time consuming but, once completed, the dots on the screen (the data collected from the reflective markers) become a moving image of a horse, although only a ‘stick horse’ as seen in Figure 1.

At this stage it is recognisable as a horse and is the first step in the animation process.

From this point, the model horse is transformed to make an animal with segments, making it look more life-like with the use of further computer software. This can then go to the animation department at the university, who can put a ‘skin’ on the horse, making it a computerised horse of the 21st Century!

The horse in its segmented form can be seen in Figure 2. This is the image that will be used for the DVD, as it is easy to discern the various movements at this stage.

Brenda Smith

BIOMECHANICS is a modern discipline within sport and exercise science, which has branched out from mechanics, engineering, physics and mathematics.

Biomechanical analysis is the maths behind the movement, examining how the horse moves and the forces that act on it during movement. Kinematic analysis examines the movement without the forces and kinetics involves the forces that act on the horse in movement.

Unbeknown to many people associated with equine sport, the biomechanical principles are used in most situations, while the terms used to describe these principles are unknown.

Scientific biomechanical analysis is produced with the use of various pieces of equipment, measuring anything from stride length, making comparisons within the horse for lameness evaluation, to the measurement of the weight of the rider’s hand on the reins with the use of strain gauges.

This type of analysis within the equine world is still in its infancy, with much research being ground breaking for the horse and rider combination. With the 10

Figure 1: digitised image of the horse and marker set

collection of data within all aspects of equestrianism, the sport can move forward with knowledge that has grown as a result of the research.

Specialist centre As a result of the generosity of The Farmers Club Charitable Trust, I had the opportunity to travel to the USA to further my studies of the biomechanics of the horse and rider under the guidance of Dr Hilary Clayton, head of the McPhail Equine Performance Centre at Michigan State University (MSU).

I received an invitation to travel to Michigan as a visiting scholar, to work at the McPhail Centre for the duration of my six-week stay. This involved working with the staff to examine the kinetics and kinematics of the horse and the effects of the rider on the performance of the horse.

This specialist centre is world renowned for the work done in this field.

On arrival at MSU, I was given a project that involved making a 3D animation model of the horse in various gaits and movements for an educational DVD. This was the first part of a much larger study in

progress with the Department of Veterinary Studies and the Information Technology Department at MSU. This study is designed to look at the preferred learning styles of university students. The students participating on the study will be registered on the Animal Science degree but not necessarily specialising in Equine Science.

The study is designed to see if the use of the 3D motion analysis DVD enhances the learning of the students compared with normally-used teaching methods. This will take place during the academic year 2007-2008.

Half of the students will be given the DVD with voice-over as their learning material and the other half will use the tried and tested methods of books and handouts.

The results will follow during the next academic year.

In order to produce the DVD, eight digital cameras were used along with motion analysis software. The horse was marked with eighty-four reflective markers at strategic points all over its body and then filmed in a controlled area in various gaits and movements.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

mounting the horse from the ground.

I collected data examining the distribution of weight of the rider, with and without various saddle pads generally used for riding. This data will be kept for comparison when further research is done within this field.

The use of strain gauges located between the rein and the bit is very new, and while at MSU I had the opportunity to be involved with the collection of data. This will form part of a big study looking at the pressure that the horse has on the reins during motion with no rider, and the reins fixed directly from the bit to the saddle.

The data collected was cleaned and examined using ‘mat lab’, a specialised software programme.

This trip has enhanced my knowledge of biomechanics and biomechanical principals, and has also created the opportunity for collaborative research between MSU and Plumpton College, University of Brighton.

The aim of this project is to measure the weight of the reins and the rein tension in the rider’s hands of approximately 100 randomly selected students aged 18-25 years. Each student will ride the simulator

horse in halt, walk, trot (two speeds) and canter (two speeds).

The simulator has been selected for use in this as a constant throughout all riders.

Strain gauges (rein sensors) will be attached to the reins and the bit of the simulator horse.

The aim of this project is to produce data that can be used as a base line of information of the rider’s hand movements and weight in all gaits.

There is only limited research available utilising this equipment and no studies involving the use of the simulator horse. All previous research has been conducted with small numbers of riders. This research will take place at Plumpton College during February 2008 and the data will be examined at MSU. Having this opportunity has enhanced my knowledge and will definitely benefit the students that I teach, enabling them to take part in a current research project.

• Brenda Smith can be contacted at Plumpton College, University of Brighton, by emailing stubenis@hotmail.com or by telephoning 01825 890772

The colours were discussed and elected to help see the horse’s two sides clearly.

Four views of this horse will be used for the study.

I recorded the voice-over to be used for the final 3D DVD and the video footage of the horse in all gaits and from all views. The notation from the DVD was then formulated into reading material for the second half of the students.

I also wrote the test paper for the students that will be used with the 2D video footage.

This test will be set after the set learning period for all students. The results of the test will, hopefully, produce a clear answer of the most effective methods of teaching and learning.

Pressure pads During my visit, I also used other equipment at the centre. This included the digital saddle pressure pads that were used to evaluate the pressure of the rider on the horse’s back. The pad was placed under the saddle and any other padding normally used, to establish where and how much pressure is exerted onto the horses back while static and during motion.

Some primary research has been conducted with the use of this equipment, examining the pressure on the saddle while www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

Figure 2: segmented horse model used for the DVD 11

St David’s Day Dinner • Don Gomery

St David’s Day Dinner • Don Gomery

Farmers Club welcomes all the warmth of Wales beauty, of stability, of tranquillity in a hectic world.

“The resources successive governments have put into the countryside through the agricultural industry have been well invested. I can say that I have never seen the countryside looking better in my lifetime than it is at present. This is not nature going it alone… its diversity, its accessibility is man-made and manmaintained.

“It is an investment in our home economy that benefits everyone that uses the countryside, for work or for leisure.”

Friday 29th February 2008 ST. DAVID'S DAY DINNER Hosted by Julian and Sarah Sayers

Sir Meuric said that one aspect very relevant to that evening’s dinner was the devolution of power and responsibility from Westminster to Cardiff and Edinburgh.

Guest of Honour: Sir Meuric Rees CBE Laverbread, Bacon and Oatcakes With a Casserole of Cockles, Mussels and Leeks ~~~~~ Noisettes of Elwy Valley Lamb, Wild Mushrooms, Button Onions and Tarragon Fresh Seasonal Vegetables

The Bois y Wlad Singers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Bara Brith and Butter Pudding With a Welsh Whiskey Custard ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Coffee with Sweet Meats ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wines: Macon Villages “Florieres” 2006 Head Chef: Don Irwin Pinot Noir 2006 “Louis Latour House Manager: Chris Burden Port: Ramos Pinto “Collector” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ After dinner we will be entertained by the Bois y Wlad Singers

FOR a whole evening on the last day of February, The Farmers Club became more than a little bit of Wales, as 46 Club members and their guests - largely but not exclusively from the Principality - gathered to celebrate the Feast Day of Dewi Sant, the Patron Saint of Wales... albeit a few hours before the official date of 1 March.

A traditional Welsh meal, hosted by Club Chairman Julian Sayers and his wife Sarah, paved the way for an unforgettable evening ahead, And what a meal it was, with Club Head Chef Don Irwin and colleagues, combining with House Manager Chris Burden and his team, to serve laverbread, bacon and oatcakes, with a casserole of cockles, mussels and leeks; followed by noisettes of Elwy Valley lamb with all the trimmings; Bara Brith and butter pudding, with Welsh whisky custard; coffee and sweet meats; washed down with the best of (sorry) French wines and (naturally) Portuguese port.

All of this put everyone present in just the right mood to hear Julian Sayers introduce 12

the man many see as “the father of Welsh farming”, Sir Meuric Rees, a distinguished farmer and Club member most deservedly knighted in 2007 for his services to agriculture following 22 years as Chairman of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Council. And what a talk he gave, with just the right mix of history and humour.

Sir Meuric started by telling the diners that it was not the hats that one wore in public life that mattered, or the accolades gained, so much as the people one meets and with whom one works while wearing those hats that matter.

“The hats will disappear, but the respect and friendships made will endure into the future,” he added. “Life is enhanced by a good meal in congenial company, and this we have had this evening.

“For many of us it has been a time to celebrate centenaries… the Royal Welsh a couple of years ago, the CLA last year and the NFU this year.

“During the past 100 years - indeed, during mostly the past 60 years - we as an industry have been mechanised, electrified, computerised and bureaucratised in the name of progress and modernisation. This we must accept. The alternative to progress is stagnation, as we experienced in the 20s and 30s, but there will always be opportunities to exploit, in every generation.

“I believe the countryside to be the nation’s greatest heritage… a source of natural

“It is a situation we must accept and one that can work to everyone’s advantage,” he added. “But not at the expense of our British heritage.

“To me The Farmers Club, here in Whitehall, with its diverse membership but common denominator and its basic ethics, is part of that heritage.”

Devolution in Britain could be the way forward if we became more integrated into the EU, Sir Meuric believed.

“My own personal view is that if Britain had taken the leadership we had in Europe when the Common Market was set up after the War, it would now be the centre of government for Europe. I realise that not everyone shares this view.

Sir Meuric said he had read in the Journal that Countess Mar provided some history of Scotland’s Patron Saint at the Club’s St Andrew’s Day lunch, so he would do the same for St David. His youngest grandchild had come up with much of the information, via IT… something which came naturally to his grandson, while he, Sir Meuric, could barely understand it.

“Saint David - or Dewi Sant - lived in SouthWest Wales in the sixth century,” Sir Meuric said. “His history was passed on by oral tradition until the 11th century, when it was recorded in manuscript form, so, as with other patron saints, history and mythology are intermingled.

“He was a monk, an abbot and a bishop,” Sir Meuric said, “who spread Christianity among the Celtic tribes of western Britain, mainly in South Wales but also in SouthWest Britain and Brittany, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

“He and his followers led a very frugal, aesthetic life (they’ve changed quite a bit in Pembrokeshire now!). His father was Sant the son of Ceredig, and his mother was Non, daughter of a local chieftain. Legend has it that she was the niece of King Arthur.

He was born at Capel Non, near to the city of St Davids, where there is now a cathedral and where his remains are buried.

“One well-known event in Dewi’s life is said to have taken place at Llanddewi Brefi, where there was a synod to decide whether he was to be an archbishop. When he got

up to speak, the crowd could not see or hear him.

evacuated to Llandindam during the Second World War.

“Dewi laid a napkin on the ground and stood on it, and all the earth rose up and all could see and hear him. He was duly elected archbishop. The church in Llanddewi stands on a hill today and there is a statue inside to Dewi Sant.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Sir Meuric concluded, “I am proud of my roots, simple as they are. I am proud to be Welsh, but not in the sense of being better than any other nationality. I am proud of our culture, with its riches in literature and music. I am proud of our living language, which is the key to much of our culture.

“He lived for over 100 years and the message in his last sermon was: ‘Be joyful; keep your faith and your creed. Do little things that you have seen me do and have heard about, and walk the path our fathers have trod before us’. “‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain’ - take care of the little things - is a well-know quotation in Wales today and has been an inspiration to many.”

Sir Meuric said his brother-in-law, who is an historian, had told him that it was appropriate to be holding this celebration in London that night, as it was in London in 1715 that St David’s Day was first celebrated and became officially recognised.

A society known as the Celtic or Ancient Britons had come together with a sermon preached by the Rector of Dolgellau at a Service in St Paul’s, followed by a dinner attended mainly by the aristocracy and gentry and where collections were made for charity each year. This enabled the setting up of a Welsh school at Clerkenwell and a girls’ school at Ashford, which was still there and from where the girls were

“I am proud and uplifted when Wales win the Grand Slam. I am also proud - though perhaps not to the same extent - when England beat France!

“So it is with this spirit of patriotism, which is good for us all, and with the awareness of our cultural diversity, which contributes so much devotion to our great British heritage, that I invite you be upstanding for the toast…

“St David. Dewi Sant.”

All assembled stood and raised their glasses for a great Patron Saint, but combined also with thanks and respect for a superb talk by a great farmer and distinguished Club member.

And what more fitting end for a most enjoyable evening than to listen and join in with the Bois y Wlad Singers, as this fine male voice choir entertained with traditional Welsh ballads and hymns, as well as a selection of Irish and English songs? A perfect end to a delightful evening.

“There will be opportunities as we integrate with Europe, but I do feel that too much legislation is being imposed on us, with the excuse that it comes from Brussels and cannot be challenged.

“We all operate under the same statutory legislation, but the interpretation of that law varies greatly between the member states… and not always to our advantage.

Ireland and France are two examples of differing interpretation by their civil servants that is greatly to the advantage of their farmers.

“I think life is much fuller and enjoyable if one can help keep a balance between the materialistic and commercial aspect and the cultural and aesthetic one… and it is the cultural aspect we are nurturing here tonight.”

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

The audience at the St David’s Day dinner www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

Sir Meuric Rees 13

FOOD AND FARMING YEAR • Corrina Gibbs

MEMORABLE YEARS • Grieve Carson

Helping young people to understand the importance of food and farming

A sincere thank you for our happy and memorable years at the Club

“The scale of the challenge is immense,” he says. “We have a generation of children who are disconnected from food, farming and the countryside.

It is no surprise, therefore, that our staff turnover is minimal, and I am hugely grateful to all the team at Whitehall Court for the support they have given to Anne and me over the years. My absolute confidence in them has allowed me to travel the country and bring to the Agricultural Societies and Associations the support of The Farmers Club in the essential work they undertake in underpinning British agriculture, and, in turn, the rural economy.

SEVERAL months into the Year of Food and Farming and it is pleasing to report that thousands of farmers, food producers and other organisations are coming together to share activities and events, information and teaching materials with children and young people to inspire a greater interest in food, farming and the countryside.

Conceived by Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) and with the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) acting as the accountable body, the Year of Food and Farming is also Governmentendorsed, with support from Defra, the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), the Department of Health and the agricultural levy boards.

To date more than 1,600 organisations are involved in the Year. Industry partners include key food and farming organisations such as the National Farmers Union, the Country Land and Business Association, the Food and Drink Federation, the British Retail Consortium and the British Hospitality Association.

Educational partners include all the main teacher and subject associations, and Government agencies such as the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the School Food Trust, the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and Natural England. We even have the support of youth groups such as the Scouts and Girl Guiding UK.

children, to demonstrate the process from 'farm to plate'. National restaurant chain Toby Carvery is offering primary schools up and down the country a unique experience: the chance to attend Toby’s very own ‘Chef School’ to find out from where food comes.

Getting involved The Year of Food and Farming aims to provide children with direct experience by arranging visits to farming and food businesses, as well as giving them the chance to grow and cook their own food.

Last year alone, almost 680,000 pupils were involved in visits to 8,700 farms, but this academic year is the industry’s real opportunity to engage with even more young people. But it can only do this through individuals and organisations playing their part of a bigger whole.

Yorkshire farmer and Farmers Club member Tony Cooke is Programme Director of the Year of Food and Farming.

He sees the Year as a fantastic opportunity for farmers to help educate young people about food, farming and the countryside.

“We’re all responsible for addressing this, as we will all suffer the consequences should we fail. It’s simply not good enough to assume someone else will take action on your behalf.”

He suggests there are lots of simple ways to get involved in the Year, including:

• Offering to give talks to schools about your food or farming business • Supporting a school with a growing activity, by providing resources or giving hands-on advice • Providing a school with recipe kits and ingredients With all the gains to be had from reconnecting children to the countryside, the Year is now urging farmers, food producers and schools to register on its website www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk to give young people hands-on, memorable learning experiences that they’ll never forget.

• For more information call Programme Co-ordinator Corrina Gibbs on 024 7685 5086 or email corrina.gibbs@rase.org.uk

Major retailers are contributing to the Year by showing their support for various strands of activity based around the aspirations of the Year of Food and Farming. The Co-op is supporting the ‘visit a farm’ initiative, while Sainsbury's will be taking part in cooking activities within the national programme and extending its successful 'Active Kids' scheme to help school children understand the link between farming, countryside and the food that they eat.

Grieve and Anne Carson

ON MONDAY 1 June 1995 I arrived at The Farmers Club, having only the previous Friday taken early retirement from the RAF to become your Secretary. Knowing absolutely nothing about farming or the wider agricultural industry – and even less about running a major London club – it was a very nervous and somewhat overawed airman who arrived at 3 Whitehall Court that morning.

The staff were most welcoming and under their guidance and tolerance I was quickly made to feel at home in this very special place. Members were all kind and understanding, and I soon appreciated that farming is just like being in the military.

It is a seven-day-a-week job; you have to be totally committed, and it is essential to have the full backing and support of your family if you are to succeed.

Visits to some of the leading shows soon followed, and under the ever watchful eye of the then Club Chairman, Drew Sloan, I was soon thoroughly immersed in and enjoying my new lifestyle.

Waitrose is supporting the development of a careers campaign, and Morrisons is backing the Year with a Fresh Plate project, whereby schools will create a healthy food dish in-store. Leading caterer Sodexo is contributing by organising hands-on cookery workshops for more than 9,000 14

Our Club receptions and dinners at these shows have all been very popular, with successive Club Chairmen enjoying the opportunity of meeting the members.

Additionally, our many farm visits, as well as the social events we organise, have all been full; indeed, often over subscribed, and therefore necessitating ballots for places.

• Opening your farm or business to schools

This has continued to be the case.

Throughout, Anne and I have been encouraged and supported by tremendously able and enthusiastic Chairmen and Club Committees.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

In addition to trying to provide an oasis in London for Club members - a ‘home from home’ for some 6,000 folk and their families - I have been very committed to taking the Club to the country and meeting members on their home patch.

During my tenure we have added 10 bedrooms to the Club. All 52 have been refurbished and redecorated, as, with a busy annual maintenance programme, we try to keep the premises in good order.

New wine cellars, staff rooms and storage rooms have been purchased in the building and, in 2001, we completely renewed and upgraded the Club kitchens.

Staff numbers have doubled to meet the ever increasing use of the Club, and monthon-month we now experience occupancy rates in excess of 90%. Consequently, as a result of being so busy, the Club’s financial standing has never been better.

I sincerely hope that members feel their Club, based here in the heart of London, represents good value.

How has all this been achieved? Quite simply, with dedicated and loyal staff who are continuously inspired by the lead and commitment of successive Chairmen and Club Committees.

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

The overseas visits to China, New Zealand, France and Belgium have been great fun, as well as educational, and have, I hope, helped maintain and even raise the profile of the Club.

Finally, I could not finish this brief account without making a small reference to the golf fixtures now enjoyed by so many in the Club. The late Mr Maclean Hayward started these just as I came to the Club, and would be delighted to see how popular they have become for so very many members.

I wish you all continued success and low rounds.

I will leave The Farmers Club on 28 March with a heavy heart, but Anne and I take with us many fond memories and will be ever grateful to you all for the many kindnesses and friendships you have extended to us. You do have a very special Club here at 3 Whitehall Court and it has been a real privilege to work with and on behalf of you all.

I know Stephen Skinner will continue to take the Club forward and protect the unique atmosphere you have here. We wish him all the happiness that Anne and I have enjoyed.

It is our earnest hope that we will be allowed to visit the Club in the future and maintain our links with you all.

15

U30 TOPIC: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE • Roy Cox

CHEF’S CORNER • Don Irwin

Consider farming structures when planning for the future AGRICULTURE continues to undergo significant change, not least as a result of 10 years of suppressed farm gate prices… but, in more recent times, a dramatic change to the contrary. Reasons for change within agriculture are well documented, so I will not dwell on predicting world populations or Russian political circumstances.

I will, instead, provide a professional farm consultant’s view on recent higher agricultural margins with a view to the longterm. We regularly deal with farmers in all sectors of the industry, advising them on all aspects of agriculture, so have a good ‘helicopter view’ of the market.

Up corn…

World grain stocks are at their lowest since 1945, with just 65 days’ supply remaining, which is 11% lower than in 2006. Demand is outstripping supply on a global level for the sixth year in a row, and supply continues to decrease with the increased demand for fuel rather than food.

With demand outstripping supply, inevitably prices will increase, and this is the fortuitous situation we find ourselves in today. Bullish wheat prices of £145 and £135 per tonne for harvest 2008 and 2009, respectively, are likely to remain.

However, input prices are rising accordingly. Russian nitrogen remains in Russia, and with only limited UK production, ammonium nitrate fertiliser is set to reach £300/t, or almost twice its cost in 2006/07. Yet another example of input volatility saw phosphoric acid (TSP) treble from £200/t to £600/t in just four hours!

Following this year’s highly documented disease outbreaks, markets have finally begun to strengthen in recent weeks.

However, for many, farm-gate-finished beef prices must top £3.00 per kilo to generate profit.

Fresh milk price increases make the dairy sector look more attractive, albeit highly dependent upon regulatory changes.

Proposed Nitrate Vulnerable Zone regulations could require considerable capital investment and tighten the noose once again.

Contract farming The setting up of contract farming agreements needs careful consideration and planning. If prepared correctly, they can enable realistic and sustainable returns to both parties.

At Smiths Gore we continue to negotiate new and revised agreements, looking to maximise increased potential returns as well as include advice from the client’s taxation advisers.

Many landowners are shifting away from risk-averse agreements, protecting the single farm payment, towards a contractorincentivised first tranche of profit and a more equitable second tranche affectionately termed the ‘super profit’.

Finally, generation change need not be limited solely to the arable sector. Low grass rents, combined with existing low stock prices, make livestock expansion or restructuring far more opportune.

Initiatives such as Fresh Start are not going unnoticed in the industry, and with some upbeat forecasters predicting more prosperous years for livestock enterprises, now may be the time for an advised structural change.

Many in the industry argue that change has come too soon for the arable sector, with higher grain prices concealing inefficient fixed cost structures. Perhaps the livestock and dairy sectors will emerge all the stronger for their hardship.

Certainly farmers, whether landowner or tenant, must seriously consider farming structures to capitalise on what would appear to be a prosperous phase for agriculture and to ensure long-term stability.

Existing risk-averse agreements are likely to provide high returns for the contract farmer for next harvest share. Many parties will be considering an early restructure.

Rent reviews

Our research shows that the average cost of wheat production has risen significantly to more than £100 per tonne over the past two years. Even so, healthier arable returns are set to remain for the near future.

With many landowners serving notice to arable tenants within the last year, rent reviews have become an increasingly hot topic. There is clear upward pressure on arable rents, and increases in livestock and dairy rents also possible.

…down horn

Succession planning

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, one cannot be so positive with regard to the state of the livestock sector. Rising feed costs, caused by inflated grain prices, have significantly increased inputs, without the necessary wholesale rise in finished price.

Succession planning is often not fully discussed in many businesses, but it must be considered seriously in order to ensure the sustainability of a rural business.

Taking into consideration predicted cash surpluses within the arable sector, now could be the ideal time for change.

16

Frequently, having enough cash to allow an injection for the incoming generation and a comfortable retirement for the outgoing generation is a key issue. With increased returns over the next five years potentially capable of supporting two generations within a farming business, now is a critical time to consider redirecting cash surpluses into a realistic restructuring programme.

Compulsive TV viewing for townies about the countryside and farming I DO NOT watch much television, more through lack of time than anything against this form of the media. But I have seen a couple of episodes of the programme called “Kill it, cook it and eat it”, screened recently.

They showed, among other things, the life and death of free-range piglets, and I thought it was sensitively filmed, given the emotions that always accompany scenes in an abattoir.

A broad section of the public was invited to watch, with predictable outcome. The vegetarians remained fiercely vegetarians, while the carnivores saw nothing that was going to change their eating habits.

The programmes, I felt, were educational and should be compulsory viewing for children and adults who are strictly ‘townies’ and have no idea of the countryside and farming.

One of the contributors to the series was Andrew Sharp, who supplies The Farmers Club with Herdwick mutton and Cumbrian veal. He tells me that British veal is making a comeback and I, for one, am pleased. We have featured it on our menus and it always gets favourable comments.

Following on from this, I recently discovered a report from Defra which indicated that between 1995 and 2005 self sufficiency in British foods dropped from 87% to 70%. For instance, 76% of apples consumed in the UK are from overseas, which has resulted in more than 60% of our apple orchards having to be destroyed in the past 30 years.

This is a dreadful state of affairs. But, be assured, The Farmers Club will always source from Britain.

Quality competition

• Roy Cox grew up on the family farm in Oxfordshire, and now works in Smiths Gore’s farm management team, based in Winchester and covering the South of England. He can be contacted by emailing roy.cox@smithsgore.co.uk or calling 01962 857400.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

At the time of writing, the main Catering Trade Exhibition is taking place at the Excel Centre in London. One of the largest trade exhibitions in the world, it takes place every other year.

My particular favourite part of this is the live theatre, where I have been a judge for many years. To see chefs produce high standards of food under competition time

constraints is fascinating and rewarding.

I love to see the younger element stretching themselves to achieve.

But enthusiastic lecturers make all the difference to their charges, as this event proves.

Thankfully, I think the future of our cookery, particularly at the quality end of the spectrum, is in safe hands.

Amid the doom and gloom of the national economy, The Farmers Club appears to be in good heart, and we in the kitchen continually strive for consistency in our work. I am conscious that we do not get things right all of the time, but on a daily basis we strive to do just that. Constructive criticism will always be welcome.

A competition involving catering colleges called Le Toque D’or is also run, and is compulsive viewing. Never mind celebrity chefs, this is a quality competition that should be on mainstream television.

Colleges in this country, in my experience, either tend to be very good or very poor.

Cumberland Sauce At the Club we serve this sauce with our home-made pate and I have been asked by a member for the recipe.

Here it is.

• 1 shallot • 1 orange • 1 lemon • Cup of redcurrant jelly • Glass of port • 3 pinches dried mustard • 2 pinches powdered ginger • 1 pinch cayenne pepper Chop shallot finely and scald for five minutes. Drain. Add the juice of the orange and lemon while reserving the zest. Finely cut the zest into strips. In a saucepan melt the redcurrant jelly and add all the ingredients. Cook for five minutes and allow to cool.

Worcestershire Sauce It struck me recently that one of the staples to be found in a domestic and commercial kitchen is Worcester Sauce. We had it at home when I was a child (it really peps up a shepherd’s pie mix), but I have always used it sparingly during my career. As a consequence, I decided to do some research, which may be of some interest.

The recipe is said (by Lea and Perrin Ltd) to have been brought to Britain from India

by Marcus, Lord Sandys, in 1835. He commissioned a Worcester pharmacy, owned by John Lea and William Perrins, to make it up. The mixture was considered to be inedible and the jars were put to one side and forgotten about.

A year or so later, the sauce was tasted again and discovered to have matured with a beneficial effect on flavour. The company bought the recipe from Lord Sandys and the sauce was first manufactured and sold in 1837. The rest, as they say, is history.

Not strictly classical, but you could add a couple of shakes of Worcestershire Sauce at this point!

Happy eating…

Cookery quote…

“It is disgusting to note the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects and the amount of money that goes out of the country in consequence. Everybody is using coffee. If possible, this must be prevented. My people must drink beer.”

Frederick the Great

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

17

U30s • Lizzie Benson, Chairman; Luke Patterson, Vice-Chairman; MaryAnne Salisbury, Secretary

Chairman’s Jottings…

It’s a great privilege to be elected U30 Chairman and I’m very much looking forward to the year ahead. I’m a farmer’s daughter from Oxfordshire, who was actively involved in Young Farmers before attending Durham University to study geography. After graduating I moved to London to pursue a career in accountancy, qualifying last year.

THE NEW MEMBERS Weekend and AGM in February heralded the start of the U30s’ calendar for 2007-08. New members to the Club were welcomed on the Friday evening, 1 February, which began proceedings for the weekend. The AGM, a trip to the theatre, South American cuisine and a flight on the London Eye completed our programme.

Gemma Partridge: As the daughter of an Essex pig farmer and member of The Farmers Club, I was encouraged to join the Under 30s three years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed my time since.

Despite not following in my father's footsteps I am keen to maintain my agricultural links and will encourage others in similar circumstances to do the same.

I’d like to thank our immediate past U30s’ Chairman, Philip Hoare, for all the hard work and enthusiasm he put into making last year such a success. Thank you also to Georgina Payne, Andy Loftus, James Badger, Charlotte Lewis and Rebecca Marshall, all of whom stand down from the Committee, for their contributions and support.

My Vice-Chairman is Luke Paterson, with whom I look forward to working over the coming year. I’d also like to welcome Patrick Durnford, Gemma Partridge and Tristram Van Lawick, who join the

Committee and bring with them a wide range of skills and talent.

U30s • Lizzie Benson, Chairman; Luke Patterson, Vice-Chairman; MaryAnne Salisbury, Secretary

Fun, food, a hit musical and spectacular views of London

The U30s have a busy year planned. In April, members have the opportunity to taste and learn about Champagne.

Following this, The Farmers Club is hosting an inter-club farm-producethemed dinner on Wednesday 16 April. If you live in London or happen to be in town on that day, I look forward to seeing you.

The Spring Farm Walk is in Norfolk from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June. It promises to be a fantastic weekend, taking in a visit to Peels Norfolk Black Turkeys, a tour of Duffields’ feed mill, and exploring the historic city of Norwich.

It will certainly be a popular and fun weekend, so make sure of your place by filling in and returning the application form circulated to U30s’ members.

Lizzie Benson

New U30s Committee members

Amy Bonnett, Lizzie Benson and Gemma Partridge

Tristram Van Lawick, Julin Sayers and Jill Willows

Night on the town

ON FRIDAY evening, 1 February, the U30s held their first event of 2008, welcoming new members to The Farmers Club with a drinks reception followed by a fabulous three-course dinner.

Philip Hoare handed over the chairmanship to Lizzie Benson and a new committee was elected for the coming year.

where the U30s had their own private pod.

The sun was shining brightly, enabling many amazing sights of historic London to be taken in, including spectacular bird’s eye views of The Farmers Club.

Members enjoyed the opportunity to chat with senior Club Chairman Julian Sayers and the newly appointed Chief Executive, Stephen Skinner. They both, along with Jill Willows (senior Club liaison), joined us later that evening in the nightclub Motion… and proved that they can still hit the dance floor.

Saturday started with a Farmers Club full English breakfast, followed by a tour of the Club for new members, kindly led by Julian. Next there was a brief AGM, where

After a buffet lunch, we gathered in anticipation for the afternoon’s entertainment… the hit musical We Will Rock You. For some, the rugby was more appealing, and, needless to say, the Welsh contingent couldn’t stop smiling for the remainder of the weekend.

That evening members were treated to South American cuisine at a restaurant a short walk across the river. For those with stamina, the night continued in Motion.

After a second cooked breakfast, members gathered for a flight on the London Eye,

As I approach the end of my university life and the world of work, I look forward to being an active member of the Under 30s’ committee and to meeting as many of you as possible at the diverse range of events that Lizzie has planned for us throughout the coming year.

Tristram Van Lawick: I work for Lodders Solicitors LLP in Stratford-upon-Avon and specialise in agriculture, as well as being a member of the Agricultural Law Association and Young Friends of the Countryside. My family farms in East Sussex, where I’m involved with the Sussex Producers Consortium.

In my spare time, I’m an ardent Welsh rugby supporter.

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This is where an excellent weekend finished, with thoughts already turning to our next event… a Champagne Tasting and Spring Dining Evening on 4 April.

Flight on the Eye

Future Events Patrick Durnford, Gemma Partridge and Tristram Van Lawick

Patrick Durnford: Although not from a particularly agricultural heritage, I have always been rurally orientated. I studied Land Management at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, before becoming a land agent on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset.

Wednesday 16 April British Produce Dinner at The Farmers Club

At home in Devon, my father keeps a small herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle, together with a few Wiltshire Horn sheep.

Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 June Spring Farm Walk Norfolk

I’m delighted to join the U30s’ Committee and look forward to assisting with the many enjoyable events scheduled for the coming year.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

Saturday 28 June Lingfield Park Race Day

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

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RAMBLINGS • Grieve Carson

RAMBLINGS • Grieve Carson

Climate change could lead to world-wide shortages of food THIS WAS the worrying warning from Government food and farming adviser Lord Haskins, when he gave the annual City Food Lecture in London in late January. The shortages would, he added, be exacerbated by excessive wastage of food products.

I was shocked to hear that, throughout the food chain, about half of the food produced on farms is wasted, while some 30 per cent of the food bought in shops is wasted in the home.

Despite his gloomy assumptions about the future, however - massive increases in world population, land and water shortages, declining productivity due to climate change, switches from food to energy crops, environmental regulations and taxes - there were ways in which the problems could be tackled and averted.

“It will be a tight call,” Lord Haskins said.

“But I believe that a combination of skilful, responsible, scientific innovation; well thought out taxes and incentives; sound, effective regulation; unprecedented international cooperation; and the inherent common sense of most human beings will avoid a disaster in food supplies. And if this can be done with food, it should be possible to avert the catastrophe threatened by climate change.”

I hope, for all of our sakes, that the world is listening and ready to heed.

Proud parents…

CONGRATULATIONS from us all at The Farmers Club to Rob Loder-Symonds on his recent achievement with fellow crew members of the boat La Mondiale in completing the fastest ever row across the Atlantic. They smashed the previous world record by more than two days, taking 33 days to complete the 2,983 mile voyage from Gran Canaria to Barbados.

During the voyage they achieved two other significant world records; they rowed more than 117 miles in one 24-hour period and more than 100 miles on nine consecutive days.

Club Vice President Roddy Loder-Symonds and his wife Caroline were in Barbados to welcome son Rob on his arrival.

Well done, Rob. No wonder our picture shows Mother and Father looking so very proud of your tremendous achievement.

… and grandparents ALSO filled with pride are Past Club Chairman Ken Young (1998) and his wife Joan. At their recent Golden Wedding Anniversary they were presented with a poem, entitled Poverty, written by their 12year old granddaughter, Hannah Salisbury, who is showing great prowess as a poet.

“We may be biased, but we think they are quite remarkable,” Ken said, as he showed me this and several other examples of Hannah’s work. I must say, I have to agree, as I’m sure you will, too, when you read these verses from Poverty:

Sgt Nick Humphreys retires after 18 years FOR THE past 18 years Sgt Nick Humphreys has welcomed members to the Club Pavilion at the Royal Show. Throughout, he has served the Club with great distinction; always cheerful and with a wonderful gift of remembering everyone, year-on-year, by name.

Nick has now decided to retire and we will all miss him hugely. Indeed, one can’t help wondering whether the Royal Show will ever be the same for The Farmers Club.

At Christmas I invited Nick and his wife, Jean, to the Club when, after lunch, I presented him with a set of Club cuff links and a framed photograph (as reproduced on this page) of him being presented to HRH The Countess of Wessex in the Pavilion at the 2007 show. The Countess had learned that 2007 was to be Nick’s last year and thanked him for his outstanding service to The Farmers Club.

Staff Christmas fund…

The debts eventually all mount up, There is nothing they can do To dig themselves out of the hole, So poverty wins through.

IT support Members will wish to know that the General Committee has approved the use of laptops in the Shaw Room and Cumber Room. They may only be used by individuals, however, and cannot be used for the basis of meetings in these rooms.

Club ladies honoured by HRH at Clarence House HRH The Prince of Wales praised Britain’s high-achieving businesswomen for the “huge impact” they have had on the country’s economy, at a reception in their honour at Clarence House on the first day of February.

More than 60 female directors, chief executives and senior managers attended the event, held to recognise the work of Opportunity Now, part of the Prince’s Business in the Community organisation,

set up in 1991 to further the cause of women in the workplace.

Among them, representing farming, I’m proud to say, were two eminent lady Club members… Journal Sub Committee Chairman Teresa Wickham and WFU Chairman Ionwen Lewis, who talked to HRH about the state of farming. Our picture shows Ionwen shaking hands with Prince Charles, with Teresa looking on.

Congratulations, ladies. You both very much deserved this honour, having worked so tirelessly on behalf of farming.

I’m often asked by members how this money is shared out. Quite simply, we operate what I hope you will agree is a fair system, whereby all the staff are treated alike and receive their bonus directly proportional to the hours they work.

Consequently, a full-time staff member doing a 38 hour week receives exactly twice that of a part-time member who does a 19 hour week. The fund is fully audited and all allocations are overseen and authorised by a past Chairman of the Club.

ITHE END of year Staff Christmas Party was again a hugely enjoyable and successful occasion. Then Chairman Tony Pexton and his wife Liz, plus a number of Club Committee members, joined Anne and me in serving the staff Christmas lunch.

Tony Pexton thanked them for all their hard work throughout 2007; going on to compliment Mike Wood and Mark Fairbairn for turning out as Biggles and Ginger!.

We are also investigating the possibility of having Wi-Fi circuits installed around the Club, so that members can operate their laptops in bedrooms.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

THE STAFF have asked me to pass on their grateful thanks for the monies collected by the Chairman and distributed for their Staff Christmas Bonus.

… and Christmas partyl

Users are also requested to put the laptop into ‘silence mode’. Reception will give you the code number required to access the Club’s Wi-Fi circuit.

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• The Royal Bath & West Show dinner on Wednesday 28 May

If you would like to attend any of these dinners, please complete and return the appropriate slips on the enclosed flier.

There is also a flier for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show on Thursday 10 July.

No education or school for them, So skills they don’t attain.

Because of lack of money and riches This all begins again.

Remember, you first read Hannah’s words in the Club Journal.

• The Royal Ulster Show dinner on Tuesday 13 May

• The Royal Highland Show dinner on Wednesday 18 June

People dying from corrupt command, That leads them all to war.

There is no money to repair the devastation And poverty is the core.

There are always people worse off than you, This we should keep in mind.

Poverty is very real, It’s found in all mankind.

TALKING of shows, members will have noted in the New Year Journal - Diary Dates, on page 23 - that the Club has a number of important show dinners coming up in the next few months:

• The Cheshire County Show dinner on Monday 16 June

Poverty, we can’t imagine it But for some it’s very real.

We take for granted money, food That others have to steal.

No crops or possessions for the poor, No place they can call home.

Nowhere to shelter when days are cold, These poor people have to roam.

Club dinners at shows

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

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Club Information & Diary Dates

THE FARMERS CLUB

The Secretariat 020 7930 3751

THE FARMERS CLUB Over 160 years of service to farming 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL

Patron – Her Majesty The Queen

Diary Dates 2008 These diary dates are reviewed for every Journal. Please read them on each occasion, as they are sometimes revised and additional dates included. Details of events circulated in the previous issues are available from the Secretariat at the telephone number shown above.

Club Information 020 7930 3751

VICE PRESIDENTS John N Harris OBE MC, Peter Jackson CBE Roddy Loder-Symonds, Sir David Naish DL John Parker THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB FOR 2008 PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Julian Sayers TRUSTEES Mark Hudson (Chairman), Barclay Forrest OBE Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE, Norman Shaw CBE

Further information is available on The Farmers Club Website: www.thefarmersclub.com To register for the Members’ Area enter your membership number as shown at the top of the address label on your Journal envelope.

There was an insert in the Autumn 2007 Journal providing full details of the Club facilities and other information for members to retain. Spare copies can be obtained by forwarding a s.a.e. to the Club Secretary.

Obituaries It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: A F Barker P F Clubb R Davey R S Everett M W Harrap Miss E M Honeyman Dr D F G Moreau R E I Turner

Yorkshire Jersey Cornwall Wiltshire Surrey Perthshire Germany Cheshire

Honours and Awards The Chairman and Members of the Club congratulate the following member whose name appeared in the Queen’s New Year Honours List and was omitted from the previous list in the New Year Journal:

MBE Mrs Anita George

Cornwall

New Members The following were elected on 12 December 2007: Ms R M Anderson P M Atherton H C Bourn D J H Bowyer J Cheal J Cochrane Mrs J M Downes A J Fallows T H Farr D M Frazer C J F Gill Dr J D Godfrey S M Goldie-Morrison R J Howarth C A Huntington-Whiteley G H Hutchinson Smith The Rt Revd Dr J Inge 22

London Kent Lincolnshire Hampshire Somerset Ayrshire Yorkshire Yorkshire Nottinghamshire Yorkshire Shropshire Sussex Suffolk Cheshire Devon Suffolk Cambridgeshire

The Rt Revd M Langrish Devon M W Loggin Northamptonshire D R Mann Suffolk R N Martin Buckinghamshire A M McCulla County Down F S Moreton Warwickshire E Moritz Hansen Lincolnshire Mrs A Morrell Lincolnshire Ms A Petersson Surrey W Powell Shropshire Mrs D Powles Leicestershire R A Pritchard Shropshire Miss V H Robinson Cheshire Mrs E C Rymer MBE JP DL Yorkshire C G M Shepherd Aberdeenshire R A H Shires Northamptonshire R D Staniforth Lincolnshire M G Weaver Sussex Mrs P A Webster Norfolk J Weir Brecknockshire W H Youngs Norfolk Overseas A Osborne-Gordon Under 30s Miss C Bacon Miss R L Bilson Miss A M Fell C C D Hildyard G E Hughes T J Hughes G J F Mackintosh Miss J Nixey M J Sawdon R M Seals P J Sharpley T R J Spilman J D Trant A D Woolliam

Spain Suffolk London Yorkshire Kent Worcestershire Worcestershire Hampshire London Kent Derbyshire Cambridgeshire Yorkshire Montgomeryshire Shropshire

Details of those accepting our offer of membership following the February election will be given in the next Journal.

• Ladies should be dressed conventionally.

Trousers are permitted but not casual slacks, jeans or trainer shoes.

• Weekends: smart casual but no jeans, t-shirts, rugby shirts or trainers.

• Children should conform with the above guidelines.

• Members must advise their guests of the dress regulations.

Mobile Phones, Briefcases, Laptops, Business Meetings Mobile phones, briefcases and laptops must not be used in the Public Rooms.

Business meetings must be conducted in a private room.

Members are requested to advise their guests of the following: • Gentlemen must wear formal jackets and ties. Polo-neck jerseys, jeans and trainer shoes are not acceptable. Between 1 June to end of September, Gentlemen will not have to wear jackets at breakfast.

Visit to Bowood Estate and Wiltshire Farms Wednesday 7 to Thursday 8 May Application form was in the New Year Journal Royal Ulster Show Dinner Tuesday 13 May Details in Ramblings - Tear off reply form in this journal

IT facilities There is an IT Room with a PC (Broadband connection) adjacent to the Secretariat and an email booth for laptop connection; both can be accessed via Reception. Laptops must not be used in the Lounge but are now permitted in the Shaw Room, adjacent to the bar. Their use is restricted to single users only and must not be used in conjunction with a meeting. Reception can provide a password if you need to gain wi-fi access.

Parking There is no parking in Whitehall Court and metered parking in the immediate area is extremely limited.

The nearest public car park, open 24 hours a day, is situated in Spring Gardens, off Cockspur Street, approximately 5 minutes walk from the Club. Telephone: 0800 243 348. The Congestion Charge payment is available at this car park.

Envelopes Sponsorship

Dress Code

L L U F

St. George’s Day Lunch in Painters’ Hall, London Wednesday 23 April 2008 Application form was in the New Year Journal

The Farmers Club would like to thank Monsanto for its kind sponsorship of the Journal envelopes. Monsanto is an agricultural company focused on applying innovation and technology to assist farmers around the world to be more successful. For information about the company, visit www.monsanto.co.uk.

Royal Bath and West Show Dinner Wednesday 28 May Details in Ramblings - Tear off reply form in this journal

VICE-CHAIRMAN John Reynolds

CLA Game Fair Reception, Blenheim Palace Saturday 26 July Details in Summer Ramblings

Royal Show Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 July Flyer with details in the Summer Journal Visit to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Thursday 10 July Application form in this Journal Royal Welsh Show Dinner Sunday 20 July Details in Summer Ramblings

Royal County of Berkshire Show Reception Saturday 20 September.

Details in Summer Ramblings Harvest Festival Service at St Martin-in-the-Fields followed

by Buffet Supper at the Club Tuesday 7 October at 5pm Preacher: The Rt. Rev’d. Stephen Venner, Bishop of Canterbury Details in Harvest Ramblings Annual General Meeting Wednesday 10 December at 12 noon in the Club

Elected 2003 Richard Holland (Chairman Membership SubCommittee), Julian Madeley Elected 2004 Ian Lindsay, Mrs Jill Willows Elected 2005 Charles Notcutt OBE, Mrs Nicki Quayle Elected 2006 Stewart Houston CBE (Chairman House SubCommittee), Meurig Raymond MBE Elected 2007 Tim Bennett, Mrs Anne Chamberlain, James Cross Richard Harrison, Campbell Tweed OBE Mrs Teresa Wickham (Chairman Journal & Communications Sub-Committee) Elected 2008 The Reverend Dr Gordon Gatward OBE Jimmy McLean, David Richardson OBE, John Wilson Co-opted Miss Lizzie Benson (Chairman Under 30s) Luke Paterson (Vice-Chairman Under 30s) THE FARMERS CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES John Kerr MBE JP DL (Chairman), James Cross Stephen Fletcher, Dr Tony Harris CBE Mrs Stella Muddiman JP, The Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman of the Club (ex officio) Chief Executive and Secretary Air Commodore Stephen Skinner Deputy Secretary Robert Buckolt Club Chaplain The Reverend Nicholas Holtam 020-7766 1121

CLUB CLOSURES 2008 5.00pm Thursday 20 March to 8.00am Tuesday 25 March 12 noon Sunday 4 May to 8.00am Tuesday 6 May 11.00pm Friday 23 May to 8.00am Tuesday 27 May

Secretariat 020-7930 3751 Accounts 020-7925 7101 Membership 020-7925 7102 Bedroom & Dining Room Reservations 020-7930 3557 Private Function & Meeting Room Reservations 020-7925 7100 Personal calls for members only 020-7930 4730 Fax 020-7839 7864

3.00pm Friday 8 August to 3.00pm Tuesday 26 August Monday 22 December – no afternoon tea, bar or dinner 3.00pm Tuesday 23 December to 3.00pm Monday 5 January 2009

• There is a Club jacket and a selection of ties at Reception which may be borrowed in an emergency.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008 • www.thefarmersclub.com

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Tony Pexton OBE COMMITTEE

Cheshire County Show Dinner Monday 16 June Details in Ramblings - Tear off reply form in this journal Royal Highland Show Dinner Wednesday 18 June Details in Ramblings - Tear off reply form in this journal

HONORARY TREASURER Paul Heygate

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Spring 2008

E-mails secretariat@thefarmersclub.com accounts@thefarmersclub.com membership@thefarmersclub.com functions@thefarmersclub.com meetings@thefarmersclub.com reception@thefarmersclub.com u30s@thefarmersclub.com Website www.thefarmersclub.com THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Editor and Advertisement Manager Don Gomery 01892 610628 Email: don.gomery@btinternet.com Printed by Pureprint Group , Brambleside, Bellbrook Park 23 Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1PL Tel: 01825 768811