The South of England Agricultural Society has been fortunate in having wonderfully supportive Presidents over the years. None more so than those I had the pleasure of welcoming to the showground, during my tenure as chairman from 1999 – 2004.
Last week Westminster united in celebrating the life of Baroness Trumpington, and the press and media did her proud. This remarkable lady who was President of SEAS in 2000, led an extraordinary life; and one which supported all things agricultural and country sports, including hunting, shooting and fishing.
The 2000 South of England Show was remarkable, not just by the larger than life, and very enthusiastic presence of Lady Trumpington, but also for the unique sight of 15 packs of Fox Hounds in the main ring!
I can still recall the spectacle of our President wading into the centre of the ring surrounded by over 400 hundred hounds, all wanting her attention and almost smothering her. The absolute joy on her face was a delight to see.
That Christmas her card was that epic picture of our President standing alone in the centre of a sea of hounds.
Much has been written following her death at the grand age of 96, all celebrating her colourful and exceptionally full life. A Bletchley Park Codebreaker, former Land Girl, and the oldest ever female minister in the Lords. She was formidable, gracious and great fun.
Since getting to know her all those years ago, we kept in touch and her first question has always been, “how are things going at the Society”.
Amongst my many memories of the Baroness; I will always maintain that she was the only female I know who can tell a truly dirty story, and get away with it!! She will be sorely missed.
There is currently a recruitment drive to encourage youngsters aged 10 – 26, to join the Young Farmers. Everyone is welcome and no connection or involvement with agriculture is necessary. If you would like to join a bunch of enthusiastic, fun loving, hardworking, outdoor enthusiasts, why not join your local Young Farmers Club. Contact via:www.sussexyoungfarmers.org.uk
The real decision for parliament when the vote is held on December 11th, is ‘Who Governs Britain’? Alongside this momentous decision is whether MPs should be cajoled into voting for a ‘deal’ which is in effect illegal.
As Sir Bill Cash reminds us in his timely column in The Sunday Telegraph, the European issue has always been about sovereignty.
He also noted the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement, which she is doggedly attempting to drive through Parliament, is incompatible with the Withdrawal Act 2018.
This Act converts all EU law into British Law and makes the European Communities Act 1972 null and void from March 29, 2019. However, Mrs May’s agreement leaves in place a version of the 1972 Act, in effect rubbishing the 2018 Act of Parliament.
The Prime Minister has already breached the requirements under the Ministerial Code, having not sought the law officer’s advice “in good time”, before the Government is committed to critical decisions involving legal consideration.
Consequently MPs voting in favour of the PM’s deal will in effect, be breaking the law, and the deal is also inconsistent with the referendum vote.
Last week a minister said to a journalist, “The Prime Minister gets strength from absorbing humiliation.” This alone is concerning, but coupled together with the opinion of a leading expert Graphologist who has studied Mrs May’s hand writing, and concluded that without doubt she is a Masochist, I would think that MPs and the public should consider this deeply worrying.
I wonder if the those MPs who are wavering about whether to follow the Prime Minister through the lobby on Tuesday 11th December, really know what they are letting themselves in for.
Last week Westminster united in celebrating the life of Baroness Trumpington, and the press and media did her proud. This remarkable lady who was President of SEAS in 2000, led an extraordinary life; and one which supported all things agricultural and country sports, including hunting, shooting and fishing.
The 2000 South of England Show was remarkable, not just by the larger than life, and very enthusiastic presence of Lady Trumpington, but also for the unique sight of 15 packs of Fox Hounds in the main ring!
I can still recall the spectacle of our President wading into the centre of the ring surrounded by over 400 hundred hounds, all wanting her attention and almost smothering her. The absolute joy on her face was a delight to see.
That Christmas her card was that epic picture of our President standing alone in the centre of a sea of hounds.
Much has been written following her death at the grand age of 96, all celebrating her colourful and exceptionally full life. A Bletchley Park Codebreaker, former Land Girl, and the oldest ever female minister in the Lords. She was formidable, gracious and great fun.
Since getting to know her all those years ago, we kept in touch and her first question has always been, “how are things going at the Society”.
Amongst my many memories of the Baroness; I will always maintain that she was the only female I know who can tell a truly dirty story, and get away with it!! She will be sorely missed.
There is currently a recruitment drive to encourage youngsters aged 10 – 26, to join the Young Farmers. Everyone is welcome and no connection or involvement with agriculture is necessary. If you would like to join a bunch of enthusiastic, fun loving, hardworking, outdoor enthusiasts, why not join your local Young Farmers Club. Contact via:www.sussexyoungfarmers.org.uk
The real decision for parliament when the vote is held on December 11th, is ‘Who Governs Britain’? Alongside this momentous decision is whether MPs should be cajoled into voting for a ‘deal’ which is in effect illegal.
As Sir Bill Cash reminds us in his timely column in The Sunday Telegraph, the European issue has always been about sovereignty.
He also noted the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement, which she is doggedly attempting to drive through Parliament, is incompatible with the Withdrawal Act 2018.
This Act converts all EU law into British Law and makes the European Communities Act 1972 null and void from March 29, 2019. However, Mrs May’s agreement leaves in place a version of the 1972 Act, in effect rubbishing the 2018 Act of Parliament.
The Prime Minister has already breached the requirements under the Ministerial Code, having not sought the law officer’s advice “in good time”, before the Government is committed to critical decisions involving legal consideration.
Consequently MPs voting in favour of the PM’s deal will in effect, be breaking the law, and the deal is also inconsistent with the referendum vote.
Last week a minister said to a journalist, “The Prime Minister gets strength from absorbing humiliation.” This alone is concerning, but coupled together with the opinion of a leading expert Graphologist who has studied Mrs May’s hand writing, and concluded that without doubt she is a Masochist, I would think that MPs and the public should consider this deeply worrying.
I wonder if the those MPs who are wavering about whether to follow the Prime Minister through the lobby on Tuesday 11th December, really know what they are letting themselves in for.
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