The woman who can ease Greater Manchester farmers’ pain

An ability to reduce the pains and discomforts that farming can create. That's what the new NFU senior group secretary at Ramsbottom will be able to do for her lucky farmers.

Although she won't be able to protect their stock from Bluetongue disease or necessarily prevent the introduction of electronic identification for sheep all on her own, she might be able to help them deal with the stress by giving them a Swedish massage!

Liz Ward, 52, is the new NFU senior group secretary at Ramsbottom and is a habitual learner. She has recently been successful in obtaining qualifications in Swedish massage, anatomy and physiology as well as an A* GCSE in Spanish – a language in which she is now becoming fluent. The next huge learning curve she is going to throw herself into involves farming – and she'll need help.

Since starting work back in 1978, Liz's entire career has centred on commercial insurance working for companies such as AXA, Royal Sun Alliance and Norwich Union. She joined the NFU Mutual in April as a sales consultant before applying for the group secretary position at Ramsbottom.

"I love to learn new things so the idea of learning about farming and the rural community as a whole is something I'm going into with great gusto," said Liz.

"Having years of experience in the commercial world has given me a wealth of knowledge that hopefully I can swap with members for their expertise in farming."

A lover of walking and outdoor pursuits, Liz lives with her husband in Prestwich, Manchester.

Liz added: "I have spent my whole life concentrating my efforts on other parts of the UK so working for Ramsbottom will be like coming back to home soil for me. I am really looking forward to working alongside fellow NFU group secretary Gill Madden. We'll be operating an open door policy at the office so please feel free to drop in and see us anytime.We'll also attempt to visit as many farms in the area as possible in the coming months."