Celebrating 45 Years of Commitment

At our recent Derbyshire AGM, the Midlands team and attendees celebrated the retirement of long-standing member David Legh, marking the end of an extraordinary 45 years of service to the CLA in Derbyshire and beyond.

David’s contribution to the organisation has been extensive and influential. He joined the Derbyshire Branch Committee in 1981 and went on to serve as Chairman of Derbyshire Branch from 1991 to 1994, later becoming President in 2003, a role he held through to 2026.

His commitment also extended nationally, including service on the Agriculture and Land Use Committee from 1987 to 1991, membership of Council from 1989 to 2005 and work as part of the ‘Focus on Woodlands’ Working Party in 1993.

David says that the pinnacle of his CLA career was serving as Chair of the national Tax Committee from 1993 to 1997, following in the footsteps of his cousin. During this period, he was a member of the Executive, reflecting the high regard in which he was held across the organisation.

Reflecting on his association with the CLA, David said “I look back over my 45 year involvement with the CLA with affection and pride, not for me but for the organisation.

“The CLA has always remained true to its purpose and resolute in its aim. To serve landowners and represent their interests without fear or favour. It achieves this with sound informed advice to its members, effective lobbying to Government and agenda setting policies promoting our cause.

“I have enjoyed it immensely and hope that I have been able to make a small contribution.”