New Chairman for South of England Agricultural Society
A new chairman has taken over the reins of the South of England Agricultural Society.
Brian Williams, from Staplefield, near Haywards Heath, was elected by the Society following its Annual General Meeting last week, held at the South of England Centre at Ardingly.
The appointment marks the culmination of a lifelong love of the countryside and horses for Mr Williams, a solicitor, who with his wife Jane, runs the family stud farm.
Mr Williams said: "I am very honoured to have been elected Chairman. David Allam will be a very hard act to follow, but I will do all I can to work for the benefit of the Society".
He takes over the leading role from outgoing chairman, David Allam, who was congratulated on his achievements and thanked for all his hard work and by members of the Society. Mr Allam, who was chairman for four years, was presented with a selection of gifts – including a fun caricature.
Viscount de L'Isle, a past President of the Society, was also made a Vice Patron at the meeting.
The AGM was an opportunity for members to hear more about the Society's educational role, helping to promote greater understanding of agriculture and country matters.
For nearly 30 years the Society has sponsored a Nuffield Farming Scholarship scheme, which enables farmers and others involved in the rural community to spend time researching particular subjects to help raise standards in the farming industry.
The latest Nuffield Scholar Mike Giffin, a farm management consultant and chairman of Surrey NFU, gave a lively and informative presentation to the meeting on his research. Mike, from Rusper, visited farms in Holland, Kosovo, Italy, China, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, looking at how regional and national branding of farm produce can improve returns for large farms.
The Society is taking a leading role this year in promoting local and regional produce as part of the national Year of Food and Farming. Other educational work includes the annual Connect with the Countryside Day where school children from across East and West Sussex enjoy an action packed day at the South of England Centre, learning about farming and the countryside.
