Three members receive RNAA awards -
Three Stalham members were recognised at 2025 annual meeting of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association. Richard Hirst, of Ormesby, was awarded the Timothy Colman prize for his outstanding contribution to food, farming and the countryside. To his regret, his wife Katrina, was unable to be present at the Norfolk Events Centre because she had been severely injured by a horse. Retiring head steward of the education section, Louis Baugh, of Neatishead, was elected an honorary vice-president, and assistant head steward, Robin Baines, of Hoveton, was made a Fellow. The secretary, Michael Pollitt, proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring president, the Lady Dannatt, who spoke at the club’s annual dinner in March. He said that members of the Gurney family had served as presidents of the association since 1853, then again in 1910, and 1948. Lord Dannatt had the same role in 2008. Full story - available in minutes and reports on the left. Entry added: 17 Apr 2025 |
Outstanding contribution - A special award for an outstanding contribution over many years was made to Christopher Deane. The President's Cup, awarded from time to time, was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Lady Dannatt, and George Gay, the current president, to Mr Deane, who is also an honorary life vice-president. For the full list of prizes and awards for the 2024 season - go to Competitions or Cups and Trophy's. Entry added: 31 Mar 2025 |
Chairman's thanks - Jon Pye thanked speakers, members and especially the vice-chairman Jason Cantrill and the committee for support over the last
12 months. He said that there had been much interest in a proposed project to plan virus-resistant Dutch elm trees on members' farms across east Norfolk, thanks to the support of The Tree Council. - Full report, see Minutes and Reports.
Entry added: 31 Mar 2025 |
Thanks to Norfolk's farmers - Lady Dannatt, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and president of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, praised the county's farmers, scientists and researchers for continuing the drive to feed the nation. Full story, see Minutes and Reports. Entry added: 31 Mar 2025 |
Party spirit - A gallery of more than 125 photographs, including the award of prizes and trophies, captured the lively mood at the club's latest highly successful annual dinner at Salhouse Lodge. Simon Finlay took the photographs. See the Photo Gallery Annual Dinner 2025! Entry added: 31 Mar 2025 |
Annual farm walk diary date - By invitation of the Crown Point estate, members of Stalham Farmers' Club and east Norfolk branch of the National Farmers' Union will be visiting on Wednesday,, July .2. Themes likely to be highlighted may include the estate's mint and mustard growing as well as range of arable cropping. Further details to be announced in due course but the visit is expected to start, promptly at 6pm from Hill Farm, Kirby Bedon, near Norwich. A light supper, and refreshments will be provided as as last year's successful event at Blickling. Entry added: 19 Feb 2025 |
Annual dinner tickets - There has been tremendous demand for places at the club's annual dinner and prize presentation at Salhouse Lodge on Wednesday, March 26 when HM Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Lady Dannatt will be speaking. With a maximum of 120 places, there are just a handful, well three, left for last-minute applicants. Tickets cost £35, unchanged from last year. If you'd like to attend, please contact the secretary Michael Pollitt on 01603 486997. In the light of possible cancellations, a reserve list may be started. Entry added: 19 Feb 2025 |
Smart science - A fascinating briefing on using the latest techniques to detect crop and possibly animal diseases was the subject for the club's February meeting. Dr Darren Heavens, of the Earlham Institute on the Norwich Research Park, explained how five locations in Norfolk were harvesting samples from the air, which could then be analysed and potentially DNA matched to detect disease. Full report and also the AGM summary in meetings and reports (left). Entry added: 19 Feb 2025 |
DINNER INVITATION - AGM UPDATE – TREE OFFER - Applications for the club’s annual dinner on Wednesday, March 26 at Salhouse Lodge NR13 6HD are invited. Tickets will be £35 each – unchanged from last year. The guest speaker, the Lady Dannatt, who is the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk and also the retiring president of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, will present awards and trophies. See below for details. Entry added: 10 Feb 2025 |
HEALTHY FINANCES - On Wednesday, February 12, the club holds its annual meeting at Wroxham Barns NR12 8QU. The meeting will start about 7.30pm and then the speaker, Dr Darren Heavens, of the Earlham Institute, will brief members and guests about the exciting new research into detecting diseases in the air. All members are welcome to attend. Members will invited to re-elect the chairman, Jonathan Pye for his second year in office, and also confirm the appointment of Jason Cantrill as vice-chairman. A summary of the club’s accounts will be presented by the treasurer Michael Pollitt. In the year to December 31, the club made a modest loss of £328 after making donations of £1,150 to North Walsham YFC and also Holt Youth Project. Income rose sharply on the year as most are now paying the correct £20 subscription. The club has extremely healthy funds in reserves. To save time, the minutes of last February’s AGM can be read on line – see meeting reports. Entry added: 10 Feb 2025 |