New farming representative is looking forward

LANCASHIRE’S new NFU county chairman, Albert Webster, will be fighting for brighter prospects for Lancashire farmers.

Albert Webster, 61, lives in Aughton, Ormskirk with his wife Anne. He took over the helm of Lancashire NFU during the county inauguration which was held at The Crofters Hotel in Garstang.

Albert, who retired in 2002, had farmed at Holly Fold Farm in Bickerstaffe, West Lancashire since 1975 having taking over the tenancy from his father. He grew sugar beet, potatoes and cereals. He also kept some sheep and cattle.

He first took NFU office as chairman of the local group of branches in the mid 1980’s. Albert then moved on to chair the Lancashire Arable Committee for four years and has been a chairman of the Alscott Sugar Beet Liaison Committee and Lancashire Management Committee. He has also been a local assessor for the NFU Mutual for 12 years.

Outside NFU work, Albert is a valuable member of Bickerstaffe Parish Council and a trustee of a number of local charities as well as representative on the Council of the Royal Lancs Agricultural Society.

Commenting on his forthcoming year as county chairman, Albert said: “It is a great honour to be chairman of Lancashire NFU.

“I am very concerned about how the changes to Common Agricultural Policy will affect Lancashire farmers and will do my best to support my members through these uncertain times.

He added: “The legacy I leave as county chairman will be left to young farmers. Therefore I will work closely with young farmers to find out what they require for a prosperous future.”