Jam packed activities for Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture
Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture has elected former fruit grower Peter Ward as President for 2018.
Mr Ward produced soft fruit for supermarkets for 20 years but now is now semi retired arable farming at Middle Farm Sheriffhales. He was elected to office at the annual meeting of the chamber at Tern Hill Hotel taking over from Roger Parry.
Retired dairy farmer John Hudson of Halfway House near Shrewsbury was elected vice president and John Sumner was re-elected secretary and Tom Downes treasurer. The organisation, the sole remaining Chamber of Agriculture in England has 316 members who enjoy a range of farm visits and activities throughout the year.
A £500 travel bursary was awarded to young farmer Rbecca Davies of Lawley, and last year's recipient James Latter gave a talk on his visit to New Zealand.
Donations were awarded to Shropshire Rural Support Group (£1,500) and Midlands Air Ambulance (£1,000) and RABI (£1000)
Ann Roberts chairman of Shropshire RABI said the branch had raised more than £41,000 but had spent £61,000 on helping farmers in need. The annual chairman's lunch fund raiser will take place at Park Hall, Oswestry on April 29, tickets £25.
Graham Mills, a volunteer with Midlands Air Ambulance said the organisation can't function without donations and has made thousands of live saving missions eacha t a cost of £3,000. It's recently acquired £7 million helicopter is larger and can carry more equipment .
The 2018 programme of event will include a visit to see No-till farming at Soulton Hall Farm, Wem on May 29; glamping and hospitality at Salop Leisure, Shrewsbury on June 21; cheese making at Aplebys Hawskstone on June 21; Hands-free Hectare at Harper Adams University on July 4; Shropshire Petals, Newport on August 1; David Austin Roses on September 6 and a visit to Carmartneshire Chamber of Agriculture on October 4.
