From a community volunteer to a nature-friendly family farm, CLA celebrates rural heroes at South of England Show awards
CLA returns to biggest show in the region - rain fails to dampen spirits
Excellence in rural Sussex has been celebrated at the CLA’s annual awards presented at the South of England Show.
The CLA, which represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses, was delighted to return to Ardingly with a marquee on the main ring once again this year.
On the first day of the show, the CLA hosted an awards presentation and drinks reception to recognise the amazing achievements of individuals, communities and businesses in rural Sussex.
William Coleman, chair of Chailey Commons Society and treasurer/membership secretary of Friends of Markstakes Common, picked up the President’s Cup. It is awarded in association with Action in Rural Sussex to an individual who has made a significant contribution to rural life in the county.
Mr Coleman was nominated for his long-standing conservation volunteering in Sussex, and for the contribution he has made to helping a wider community understand and enjoy the county’s landscape.
The Woodpecker trophy was awarded to R N Sprackling Ltd, whose family farm occupies the majority of Thorney Island on the Hampshire/West Sussex border, as nominated by the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG). The Sprackling family was praised for putting the environment at the heart of its farming business.
The Sussex Young Farmer of the Year award was given to Flo Frizzell, who was awarded the CLA Rose Bowl on behalf of Sussex Young Farmers’ Club. Flo has only been a member of Young Farmers for 18 months and has had a significant impact at club and county levels in that time.
CLA South East Regional Director Tim Bamford said: “It is incredibly important to celebrate the achievements and the service of champions within Sussex’s rural community.
“The recipients of these awards are all deserving of recognition for their commitment and leadership in furthering Sussex agriculture, conservation and communities. The CLA would like to congratulate them all for their contributions and for making such a real difference.”
Before the presentations, CLA Vice President Eliza Ecclestone gave a talk on the organisation’s recent projects and successes, and thanked the CLA’s show partners Warners Solicitors and Batcheller Monkhouse for their support.
Earlier in the day the Duke of Norfolk was the keynote speaker at a fully booked breakfast event. The CLA marquee also hosted several MPs to discuss rural issues, while the team conducted media interviews and caught up with members from across the region.
