The Three Counties Agricultural Society has announced the launch of a bursary in memory of former Society president Joe Henson MBE.
The Joe Henson Bursary will see grants of up to £3,000 donated to two students of the three counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire studying agriculture or related subjects.
Ken Nottage, CEO of Three Counties, said: “We were deeply saddened by the news of Joe’s passing.
“Joe was a highly regarded member of the Three Counties Agricultural Society and it was his vision and passion for Rare Breeds that sees us champion them as a core part of our Royal Three Counties Show today.
“In tribute of Joe’s fantastic work, we are thrilled to be launching a bursary in his memory. The Joe Henson Bursary will support those within the three counties venturing into further education in agriculture or related subjects.
“This is something both Joe and the Three Counties are deeply passionate about and forms just one part of our efforts to future proof the opportunities within the agricultural industries.”
Joe was President of the Three Counties Agricultural Society and it was through his vision that ‘Rare Breed Sunday’ has become a feature of the Royal Three Counties Show.
Joe Henson was instrumental in the foundation of the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) of which he became Founder Chairman in 1973.
The Joe Henson Bursary will support up to three years of study, with up to £1,000 provided each year to two students.
This tribute seeks to encourage those within the three counties to explore the diverse careers available the industry.
The Henson legacy continues at the Three Counties with Joe’s son Adam Henson, star of BBC Countryfile, a keen ambassador for many of the Three Counties Shows.
Adam said: “The family are absolutely delighted with the bursary and believe that Joe would have been so thrilled. It is an amazing tribute, besides being something with which Joe would have been so proud to be associated.”
