Royalty joins the Addington Fund for a farm tour

HRH The Countess of Wessex at the Smerrill Dairy Unit, Gloucestershire

Farming charity, the Addington Fund welcomed HRH The Countess of Wessex to the Smerrill Dairy Unit on the Bathurst Estate last Tuesday 31st January.

Kindly hosted by The Earl and Countess Bathurst, the day consisted of a tour around the dairy unit followed by a lunch and a tour of the campus. The Countess of Wessex’s visit highlighted the importance of the dairy industry within agriculture, and the difficulties the whole industry is currently facing.

Professor Peter McCaffery, Vice-Chancellor of the Royal Agricultural University, said: “The Royal Agricultural University is an ardent advocate of the vital work of the Addington Fund to help and support farming families and rural communities. In 2019, we were pleased to be able to collaborate with Addington on a report looking into the impact of access to housing for retiring farmers and, in 2022, Addington was chosen by our students as one of the charities they would support during their annual RAG Week.

“We work closely with the Bathurst Estate. Indeed, we regularly take our agricultural students to the Smerrill Dairy Unit so they can see the practicalities of the lecture theatre in real life. This event will help to raise awareness of the challenges facing the agricultural industry, and those involved with it, as well as the difficulties facing potential young entrants to the industry. The Addington Fund plays a pivotal role in the world of farmers and farming and we are delighted to be able to support them by helping to host this visit.” (continued after picture…)

Professor Peter McCaffery, Vice-Chancellor of the Royal Agricultural University.

Bill Young, CEO of the Addington Fund, said: “The Royal Agricultural University is an incredible and very reputable university with a strong core value for world agriculture and they educate at the highest of standards. The students are vital and we must always remember to invest in them, teach them and guide them in the right direction; after all, they are the future of farming and without them and their enthusiasm for agriculture, the industry will crumble. This is one of the reasons why Addington is keen to support young entrants.

“Sadly, we know that the agricultural industry can be brutal to those who suddenly fall into hardship, this is why it is so important to raise awareness of our charity, not only to let people know we are here to help when times get tough but to also encourage more support for what we do to help those who suddenly needs us. We are very pleased with how the farm visit went and we were delighted The Countess was able to join us.”

The Addington Fund is grateful to The Earl and Countess Bathurst and the staff of the Smerrill Dairy Unit, The Royal Agricultural University and HRH The Countess of Wessex for their support hosting and attending such a positive event.

Images by Abby Cohen Photography