WCF Newsletter Summer 2006

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Silver Corn Dolly Lord Mayor’s Show Diary 2006 The Worshipful Company of Farmers PAST MASTER (2000-01) Richard Brooks joined ON 11 NOVEMBER the Company will again be join- Wednesday 16 August the Farmers Company as an Apprentice in March ing the Modern Livery Companies’ Float for the Lord Visit to Surry Docks Farm 1956 and was Clothed in 1962. He celebrated his Mayor’s Show. Any Liverymen wishing to take part in this interesting and very enjoyable day are invited fiftieth anniversary as a member by presenting the to notify the Clerk. Three places are available to join Friday 29 September July 2006 Company, via current Master Lord Plumb, with his The Master. Election of Lord Mayor and Lunch in Hall Newsletter own hand-made corn dolly, which he had specially The procession usually assembles at London silvered. Wall at 10am, follows a two mile route and finishes Tuesday 3 October about 3pm. There is a break near the Aldwych for a Installation Service and Lunch in Butchers Hall Richard - of Melton Constable, free picnic lunch and drinks. Norfolk - learned how to make The Grand Firework Display in the early evening Wednesday 8 November corn dollies as a child and is also well worthwhile watching. Joint visit to the Magic Circle found a West Country silver- smith who was able to spray Saturday 11 November Master hosts a stream of on the molten metal in a Talking turkey! Lord Mayor’s Show and Lunch in Hall vacuum to prevent the straw The Master paid a visit to the Berkshire farm of Tuesday 5 December catching fire. Junior Warden Tom Copas, famed for its production superb Company events of Copas Traditional Turkeys. Needless to say, a “I’m very proud Livery Lunch in Hall great deal of their time together was spent talking THE MASTER, Lord Plumb, has had a busy year to date, held at the Hall in late March, organised jointly by of the silvered corn turkey! Tuesday 19 December hosting and attending a stream of superbly successful the Company and The Farmers Club, and with dolly and hope it will Carols followed by Refreshments in Hall events and functions on behalf of the Worshipful HRH The Princess Royal as keynote speaker. hang in the Livery Hall Company of Farmers. Alas, space here does not allow detailed cabinet,” he said. “It’s The visit to Surrey Docks Farm on Wednesday Most memorable of these Company occasions have reports about the events and the talks given. As probably the only silvered 16 August will start at 11am and be followed by been, undoubtedly, in order of occurrence, the Annual Lord Plumb says: “It’s up to Liverymen, where at Banquet at the Skinners’ Hall in February, addressed by all possible, to attend these functions and see and corn dolly in the world at the lunch costing about £5 a head. moment… but not for long, as I’ve Lord Rix (former actor Brian Rix); the Agricultural hear for themselves”. been asked to make two more after Email Tim Calcutt at [email protected] for Dinner at the Farmers Fletchers Hall in April, with Henry Lord Rix - as one would expect from an actor Fell as guest speaker; the Ladies Court Dinner at the who brought such humour to stage and screen - this year’s harvest.” details of how to get to the farm by road or by river. House of Lords in May, for an enthralling talk by Black gave an hilarious account, much dotted with Rod, Lt Gen Sir Michael Willcocks; and the Livery amusing stories and anecdotes, of his early life in 7 March 2006: Lunch at the Hall in June, addressed by former Prime Yorkshire, his wartime service in the RAF, and Obituaries Liverymen and Freemen Minister The Rt Hon Sir John Major. how he later became and spent his “first career” Denis Parton The following were clothed as Liverymen at Court Proposed by G P Carson Lord Plumb also hosted the second very successful as an actor, principally in the much-loved meetings on the dates shown: It is with sadness and regret we announce the Seconded by J D Courtney Fresh Start Seminar - Responding to the Challenge - Whitehall Farces. He then went on, in serious death of the following: Stuart John Burgess vein, to describe his second, ongoing, 6 December 2005 Proposed by I A Stockley career in aid of the mentally disabled as Liveryman Geoffrey Howard Edmunds of Mill Seconded by Lord Carter Secretary General and Chairman of Baroness Hazel Byford DBE Mencap. Farmhouse, Stamford, Lincolnshire. Died 14 The Lord Stafford DL 6 June 2006: Henry Fell spoke passionately about September 2005. Clothed 14 June 1965. Peter Cook Anne Kelaart the changing face of farming, where, today, Proposed by J A Sayers 7 March 2006 ”nothing is fair and there is no such thing Freeman David Laurie Ritchie of Hall Farm, Seconded by R S N Carne as a level playing field… and nor will there Ludham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Died 18 Christopher John French James Charles Tyrer Forsyth be”. Farmers, he added, instead of Lord Rix gave an hilarious account of his career as an actor and, Proposed by T H Wheatley-Hubbard December 2005. Admitted 2 October 2001. 6 June 2006 whingeing about this, should fight it, by more seriously, his work with the charity Mencap. Michael Charles Marris Anyan Seconded by R S N Carne exposing such things as the hypocrisy of Freeman Edward James Hann of Melbourne, David John Hargreaves Bolton David John Bright Anne Cuthbertson Chamberlain food miles, the risks of importing disease, Australia. The Company has become aware that he Proposed by J D Courtney Olive Clarke Seconded by C M Rayner the implications of climate change, suscep- died in the 1990s. Admitted 17 October 1973. John Lloyd Evans tibility to terrorist attack and, the biggest The late Ian Duncan Robertson MacNicol danger of all to global food security, the Denis Parton The Master with Sir John Major and Company Clerk David King. Liveryman Sir Richard Cooper Bt of Lower Farm, The following were made Freemen by Servitude by the accelerating shortage of fresh water. “We John Kenneth Reynolds Assent of the Court: Chedington, Beaminster, Dorset. Died 5 March must make the national case for food security,” he said, going on to explain how indi- 2006. Clothed 15 December 1976. Charles Phillip Harcourt Antrobus The following were made Freemen by Redemption at viduals and the industry generally should Court meetings on the dates shown: Liveryman Philip George Wrixon of The Green George Frederick Fell go about this. Farm, Norton Canon, Hereford. Died 7 March 2006. 6 December 2005: Sir John Major criticised the growing use of ‘spin’ - “a polite term for deception” Clothed 10 September 1979. David Benjamin Gibbons Proposed by P H Gibbons Apprentices - in politics, gave his views on what he saw Past Master The Earl of Lonsdale of Askham Seconded by J H Cossins The following were bound Apprentice at a Court meeting as the dangers of an elected House of on the date shown: Lords, and concluded by stressing the need Hall, Penrith, Cumbria. Died 23 May 2006. Clothed Alexander Fleming Pinkerton for “joined-up, commonsense politics”. 6 June 2006 19 September 1958. Proposed by R R C Bloomfield All in all, it has been a year of Company Seconded by P R Faulkner events which, as well as providing much Liveryman Ian Duncan Robertson MacNicol of Edward William Allen bound to Assistant Michael friendship and enjoyment, have given a Henry Fell called on farmers to stop whingeing and, instead, make Edward Scott Dart the Stody Estate, Melton Constable, Norfolk. Died John Smith Wilson Lord Plumb chats with HRH The Princess Royal and his Chaplain, great deal of food for thought. the case for National Food Security. 11 June 2006. Clothed 6 June 2006. Proposed by G P Carson Thomas Christopher Copas bound to Junior Warden the Rt Rev John Oliver. Seconded by W E Wilson Thomas Arthur Copas

Published by The Worshipful Company of Farmers • Red Copse End, Red Copse Lane, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5ER Clerk: David King Tel: 01865 321580 Email: [email protected] • Editor: Don Gomery Tel: 01892 611618 Email: [email protected] 13282_WCF 21/7/06 09:12 Page 3

Unfortunately there is not space to mention more A wonderful game called ‘Chicken Boy’ taught us a motivation behind this area of the course is to train Meeting the challenge of a future in farming details of the wide range of lectures we attended. The memorable lesson… Do not panic! the attendees on how to get their positive messages subjects ranged from gene technology to organic Music as a metaphor found us attending a choir about agriculture across to the public. We all agreed LAST NOVEMBER 17 people arrived at the Passage men and women producing computers in a global philosophy, from animal welfare to agricultural bio- practice in the beautiful Buckfast Abbey. We watched that this aspect of the course was excellent and was a House Hotel, Newton Abbott, Devon, to start a 13-day market. We had to make production and marketing fuels and from leadership in the army to generational the leadership that a conductor gives to musicians and leadership challenge in itself, as for most of us it was residential 'Challenge of Rural Leadership Course'. We decisions using the information the computer gave us. leadership. the teamwork necessary in a successful choir. a new experience. were 14 from the UK, one German and two Australians; Miscalculating investment decisions, in some cases, We also visited Lloyd Maunder, an abattoir, butcher Later we stayed for Complin. We sat in dark Thanks must go to Richard Soffe of Duchy eleven men and six women. led to encounters with the loan shark. and supplier of meat to the supermarkets which has stillness for ten minutes waiting for the service to College for his excellent organisation and for the The course took place on two levels: The visit of Wilfred Emmanuel Jones (The Black recently seen its lamb de-listed by a major begin and then listened to the soothing chants of the warm manner in which the course was conducted. • Development of our personal qualities to improve Farmer) was one of the most memorable. He came to supermarket, with which they have dealt since 1898. Monks. This experience reminded us of the benefits of Thank you also to the Worshipful Company of our leadership abilities. show his ‘out of the box’ business thinking, using However they have continued to move forward and quietness for contemplation and thinking - vital Farmers for sponsoring the course and to Liveryman • Exposure to proven leaders who enthusiastically phrases such as "push the envelope" to encourage us to have just bought the Dewhurst chain of butchers. ingredients of leadership. Michael Dart who was overseeing it for the last time, conveyed their messages to inspire us and show us the stretch our thinking, too. There were some valuable lessons to be learned here. At the core of the course is the development of having been involved since the course was started 10 way. After a successful career in television and marketing, An aspect of the course, from which we all abilities for dealing with the media. We visited the years earlier. Our main case study was of Alvis Brothers Ltd, a large he bought a small farm in Devon and has launched his particularly benefited and enjoyed, was the inclusion of Western Morning News to meet the Farming Editor and We had a memorable time, gained in confidence dairy farm and cheese maker just south of Bristol, who own brand of sausages and sauces under the name that some time spent exploring our creative sides. We Deputy Editor, and were shown how to construct a and our leadership skills were greatly enhanced. supply 50% of the UK's organic cheese. We immersed his neighbours gave him, The Black Farmer. Major became familiar with de Bono's coloured hats thinking press release in preparation for writing one of our own Most importantly, we made some really good ourselves totally in coming up with recommendations for There was a two-day computer simulation, to help our lessons from this visit were the importance of a quality strategy and learned how to brainstorm in a structured later in the week. friendships which will, I am sure, last a lifetime. the company’s Lye Cross brand of cheese and presented strategic decision making skills. We worked together product, sticking to what you are personally good at and way. Later we encountered drama as a means of Our press release formed the basis for our them to John Alvis and Nick Green. in small teams and became international business the use of publicity in building a brand. building up team bonding and to make us think. practise radio and television interviews. The Sarah Keene A patch of countryside in the heart of London Learning what needs doing All 15 assembled at 11am for coffee, to meet Small wonder that the Worshipful Company of members of staff and listen to a briefing about the Farmers should choose to support such a and how to go out and do it unit and its work by Farm Coordinator Rob Few. worthwhile project. And how gratifying that the They then toured the farm to witness first-hand Master was able to tell the visiting group that the THE FIFTY-SIXTH Wye course in Agricultural as well as participants from the land agency and the rural ‘snapshot’ it offers the people of Company had just budgeted to put an extra £500 Business Management took place successfully banking professions. Rotherhithe and beyond, as well as the into the coffers for this admirable City Farm. during late January and early February this year. As Rob Kelly, a producer of super-fine wools employment opportunities it provides for local As visiting Liveryman and Nuffield Director John usual, the participants assembled on the Sunday from northern New South Wales, provided the people with restricted learning difficulties. Stones said: “Everyone should pay a visit to this evening and immediately started networking. antipodean input. It was an excellent mix and This Inner City Docklands farm - a registered farm. It’s quite incredible.” There was an exceptionally wide mix of provided an extremely valuable set of charity - is of only 2.2 Thames-side acres, but businesses represented on the course this year, experiences and skills with which to work. offers the people of Southwark a unique chance demonstrating the way agriculture is changing Certain topics, particular to the times, to learn about food production and be actively these days. The geographical spread ranged from emerge during each course. There was still involved in the work on the farm. the Scottish Borders, Northumberland and the considerable debate as to the likely impact of the It carries a small number of milking goats, Lakes, through Lincolnshire, East Anglia and Kent move to the Single Farm Payment. But in the sheep, cows, pigs, poultry, bees and donkeys, across to Worcester and the Welsh borders, and background there was acceptance of the political A SMALL group of Liverymen - including the as well as having green areas such as orchard, took in all types of farming. risk to the maintenance of payments after 2013. Master, Lord Plumb - plus guests, joined herb, vegetable and willow gardens. Everything is There were participants who were specialists in Commodity producers were interested in representatives of Edenbridge and Oxted Show farmed organically. managing particular production processes for a how to gain scale economies by joining together. Society in mid March for a morning tour of Surrey In addition, the site has many art works made by number of farming enterprises, rather than as The specialist crop producers looked to gain Docks Farm, Rotherhithe, organised by Liveryman schools and trainees with learning difficulties. A farmers on their own. There were also advisers to market power in a similar way. A new feature of Tim Calcutt. classroom and on-site teacher support the National the dairy sector and the environmental interest. this year’s course related to governance issues Curriculum for visiting schools, leading to the unit There was a specialist cheese-maker from Sussex in farmer-controlled businesses. being recognised as one of the most innovative This year the case studies city farm education projects in England. threw up interesting questions about the degree The Master (left) and Livery Linkman Tim Calcutt (centre) headed a to which it was possible or visit to Surrey Docks Farm, Rotherhithe (below) in mid March. desirable to specialise in products whose costs of entry may be low, and the necessity for long-term thinking when it came to the development of farm sites for non-agricultural services. As always, I have received lots of kind emails which As is often the case, many I will refrain from quoting here. The main message participants were concerned seems to be that the course provides participants with problems of the succession with the tools to find out what needs to be done, and in farming businesses. But the also the confidence to go out and do it. Again, as wide range of backgrounds of always, the participants were full of suggestions as the participants meant that there to how the course could be kept up to date. was usually someone who had suggestions to make relating to Paul Webster Lord Plumb hosted the final dinner at the end of the Wye course, as well as almost any new venture that was Course Director presenting prizes that included a signed box of House of Lords’ whisky. proposed. 13282_WCF 21/7/06 09:12 Page 3