RXW40

March 30, 2023

Our first Rural Week of 2023 at Bicton started on Sunday in mizzling Devon rain which stayed with us off and on all week but mild and calm, so no great drama…

We were joined by service leavers and veterans from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and the RAF, one of whom had seen us on Countryfile way back in November 2021 right at the start of his resettlement – thanks Adam! 

On Monday after Chris Shepherd our Course Leader had welcomed everyone to Bicton and outlined the rhythm of the week, it was off to Tidwell Barton to meet Pete Wastenage and learn about dairy farming, Agriculture and some working for yourself before heading to Clinton Devon to meet John Wilding Head of Forestry and Energy. The last visit of the day was to Woodbury Park to meet Terry and Andy and learn about Greenkeeping.

Our Chairman Ian Elliott brought Simon Caraffi our Chairman Elect for his first visit to Bicton on Monday, sadly still in the rain.

Tuesday was an early start to meet Toby Taylor at RSPB Aylesbeare Common for an Environmental Conservation discussion, and then on to Forestry England Haldon Forest Park to meet Josh and learn about the public side of Forestry Management. After lunch the next destination was Exeter racecourse for a tour of the racecourse including the hallowed Weighing Room. Many thanks to Daniel Cooper the Clerk of the Course for such an interesting visit and the chance to see behind the scenes – a surprise to many of our HighGrounders! Next stop was Rodney Hall’s organic farm to talk veg and crop production before heading back to Bicton for an online presentation by Ross Hocking who shared his reflections of the resettlement process and exploring entry routes into employment in the land-based sector. He joined us for a Rural Week in 2019 and is now General Manager at Camp Katur – a fascinating and inspiring journey.

Another packed day on Wednesday started with a visit to Clinton Devon to meet Tom Garner to learn about his Wildlife Management role followed by a visit to Killerton House to meet Karl Emeleus to learn about working for the National Trust and Heritage Gardening. Back on the minibus to head for the Outdoors Group to meet Nick Murphy and learn about Forest School before heading back to Bicton to join Steve and his plant operations team for some JCB hand/eye co-ordination practise!

Another early start on Thursday saw the first visit of the day to South Yeo Farm West where Debbie Kingsley introduced everyone to her animals and dispensed her Smallholding wisdom. Then it was on to meet Tom Rich on Sir Harry Studholme’s Perridge estate to talk about Tom’s journey into estate Management. Matt and Kirsty from Hi Line delivered another brilliant and informative Arboriculture session in the park at Bicton and then Robert Honan, Estate Manager for the Ascott estate in Bedfordshire delivered his excellent online presentation about Estate Management and the many routes into it.

Last but by no means least, on Friday morning we welcomed Jamie Ranson to Bicton for his Self-Employment session. Jamie joined us for a Rural Week in 2017 while he was still serving in the Army and now he runs his own business, Langore Tree Services in Cornwall. It has been a fascinating journey for Jamie and his family and we are so grateful to him for all he does to share his experiences with our HighGrounders both at Bicton and during our Virtual Rural Weeks.

Tim our Rural Employment Manager did the wash-up session and after a final team photo, Endex.

Our thanks as always to everyone at Bicton for feeding and looking after everyone so well; to our hosts, speakers and presenters who so generously give their time and contacts including our evening speakers Jeff Green and Ralph Savill, and to Greenwich Hospital who funded the Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel for their Rural Week.

LAST WORD

These are comments from some of our HighGrounders this week:

Army Colonel:

The timing of the Rural Week, 8 months before I start resettlement leave has been perfect for me. It has orientated me towards the skills and experience that I will need to acquire this year to transition effectively and efficiently, using the resources and opportunities that I have efficiently, and to the maximum effect.

I have already recommended the course to others. Enormous relevance to service people – kindred spirits to people in the land-based sector.

Serving RAF Sergeant:

A truly fantastic week, with some knowledgeable and passionate instructors, hosts and guest speakers. A hidden gem for service leavers.

This week has given me more confidence in myself and that there are opportunities out there for me.

Royal Marines  LCpl:

I would recommend the course. Very insightful week into sectors of the land based sector. Everyone within the sector is always willing and open to helping you make a start or step into the sector.

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