Challenge of Rural Leadership Course

Unbelievably it will be two weeks tomorrow since I returned from my course in Devon. The farm is still here, the children still alive, and Philip, although ill for several days after I returned, has sustained very few life threatening ailments, meaning that it is alright for me to go away for two weeks on a regular basis.............!

It has been very hard, now I'm back, not to have come in like a bull in a china shop and tell everyone that we are all doing it wrong - after all we are fairly successful in what we have achieved so far, so softly softly.

The two weeks were wonderful and I would recommend that any one who is interested in going forward within the rural workplace should apply for a place on the course. Applications are taking place now and can be found at www.cornwall.ac.uk. The course fees may be subsidised in some way by the Worshipful Company of farmers, again all the information can be found at the website quoted previously.

The course is very hands on, and ours consisted of candidates from South Africa, Australia, Chech Republic, Scotland, Wales (Me) and England. There were people from many occupations, NFU Policy Makers, Solicitors, Land Agents, Agricultural Bank Managers, Tenant Farmers, Arable Farmers, Dairy Farmers, Organic Farmers, and Rural Lecturers. We took part in lectures from Jane king - Farmers Weekly, Prof. Keith Grint - leadership Expert, prof Fuller - gene technology. John Stones - Nuffield Scholarships, International farming, Organic Perspective form HRH Farms, Neil Parish- EU Agriculture, Col.Bryan Watters - Military Leadership, Media Relations, communication workshops and much more, finishing in a presentation dinner at the end of the course.

I would be happy to talk to anyone interested int eh course who may like to apply so for a personal overview give me a ring on 01597 851614 - well worth the two weeks away!!!!!!