A group of Alumni enjoyed a fascinating visit to this charismatic estate in early October. Courteenhall is a traditional estate with modern values and we learned all about these values when taken around by Dr Johnny Wake DL, who is Managing Partner of this, his ancestral family home. Regenerative farming is at the heart of plans for the way forward and to ensure the future of this magnificent estate.
OBE Congratulations
Many congratulations to Liz Green OBE DL, Honorary Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Farmers, who last month was honoured to receive her Membership to the Order of the British Empire from His Majesty The King at an investiture at Windsor Castle.
Liz received her OBE for ‘voluntary services’ in The King’s New Year’s Honours list and was accompanied by her family and mother, Baroness Hazel Byford DBE DL, Master of the Farmers’ Company for 2013/14.
Nuffield Scholar 2024 publishes report
Jamie Stokes has published his Nuffield Scholarship report entitled: “Doing More with Less – Learning from the small to teach the big”. Jamie’s Scholarship was sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Farmers with Savills.
The Objective of Jamie’s Study Tour was to look at what can be learned from small-scale business and producers, including but not limited to, urban agriculture, from the perspective of a UK high efficiency large-scale arable farmer.
Jamie, who farms in Cambridgeshire, will be presenting his report at the Nuffield Farming Conference to be held in Aberdeen in November.
Jamie’s full report can be downloaded here:
Jamie Stokes – Nuffield Report – FINAL.pdf
Surrey Docks Farm Celebrates 50 Years
On July 17th we celebrated a wonderful 50 years of Surrey Docks Farm. Our livery company first became involved back in 1992, when we donated 2 Gloucester Old Spot pigs, an ark for their accommodation and a supply of feed. That tradition has continued to this day, with a recent donation of calves and piglets, with more calves to come this year.
Big Curry Lunch
The Master Richard Crane, along with Immediate Past Master Guy Brogden attended the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch on 10th April. Also attending were Major Mike Crofts of the Westminster Dragoons and Livery Liaison Officer Giles Turton; Major Crofts is holding the new book by Lt General Sir Simon Mayall
April Foolery
The Master and Wardens were joined by 75 guests, including those from our friends and co-hall owners The Fletchers, at our relaxed Bin End Dinner where guests “help the Clerk out” by drinking left over wines from the past year. The relaxed and informal format included a chocolate in the Loving Cup whilst a raucous rendition of The Farmer’s Boy was sung, traditional wetting behind the ears from rosewater in the Rose Bowl, and even a spider in our napkins. A fun evening’s celebration.
City Food and Drink Lecture 2025
On 11th March the Master was joined by our current Jubilee Scholars Megan Hall, Beth Williams, Harry Towers and Samuel Sharp for this well established annual event which is an important reminder of the links between the City of London and UK agri-food and drink industry. The audience of over 500 Liverymen and guests appreciated an informative speech from keynote speaker John Shropshire MBE, Chairman of G’s group. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, (PM 2002) once again presented the closing address and at the buffet supper afterwards spent time chatting with attendees, including our Jubilee Scholars.
A Flippin’ Good Day
The Master and Senior Warden were joined by Gemma Hooper, Manager of Surrey Docks Farm and Liveryman Cathy Robinson for the annual Lord Mayor’s Pancake Races on March 4th. These fun races take place in the Guildhall Yard, which was blessed with glorious sunshine and large crowds. The Master led his race until he had to stop and retrieve his chef’s hat, without which he would have incurred penalties. This great event raises money for the Lord Mayor’s Charity and although light hearted it is always competitive.
Military Affiliations
We were delighted that three Commanding Officers of our Military Affiliations were our guests at this year’s recent Banquet – Group Captain Dutch Holland from RAF Waddington, Major Mike Crofts from the Westminster Dragoons and Wing Commander Tarandeep Bhachoo from the Middlesex Wing Air Cadets. “We are delighted to be linked to the Worshipful Company of Farmers and to attend such a thoroughly enjoyable evening” said W/C Bhachoo.
Also present were four Westminster Dragoons and eight Air Cadets who are pictured here providing a Carpet Guard HRH The Princess Royal and for guests on their arrival.
Another course success
Another successful completion of our highly regarded course, The Challenge of Rural Leadership (2025), marks 29 years of helping develop our candidates’ personalities and business acumen as well as broaden self-confidence and communication skills. Our candidates positively glowed with accolades about the course and cannot recommend it highly enough. Comments include “if you’ve ever had any doubts about this course, put them aside and send in an application – you won’t regret it”