Tributes paid after Shropshire cheese firm boss dies
Tributes were today paid to the director of Shropshire-firm Belton Cheese who passed away after a long-career in the agricultural industry.
John Beckett recently retired as chairman of the award-winning cheese producer in Whitchurch.
Away from the family business Mr Beckett was a champion for the dairy industry. He was a past president of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), chairman of Cheshire County Landowners Association and in 1977 became the Chairman of NWF Group for 11 years.
In 2012, Mr Beckett was presented with the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers' Princess Royal Award for his outstanding services to the industry.
He also established the MBA Agrifarm Charitable Fund, administered by The Worshipful Company of Farmers, which would enable enterprising farmers to study for an MBA alongside executives from other sectors at the Cranfield School of Management.
Mr Beckett was also past chairman of the 300 Cow Club, Farmhouse Cheesemakers Ltd, Goodwins Cheese Ltd and the MK Richmond Ltd John Deere dealership.
A service of thanksgiving is to be held at St. Alkmunds's Church, Whitchurch, midday on Friday, March 18.
