Hosting the Suffolk AGM of CLA East
- Lynda Croft
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
We were very pleased yesterday to host the AGM for the Suffolk group of CLA East.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales.
We welcomed over 80 local farmers and other country businesses to Manor Farm, Semer, into our beautiful Suffolk barn. It was a little draughty at times with this week's unpredictable weather, but nothing a robust group of outdoor people would complain about.
Once the formal business of the AGM was discussed, proposed and seconded, the CEO of the CLA, Isabella Murfin, gave an interesting and heartfelt account of what the CLA strives to do for its members and how they are working hard with all political parties to champion members’ interests and protect the rural economy.
Next our Director, James Buckle, introduced Heathpatch and our Suffolk-based hospitality company, Nedging Hall Estate. He shared how the farm started over 50 years ago with 120 hectares and has grown to more than 2,000. He explained how gains were reinvested in more land and other businesses, and how he plans for the farm to be around for many generations to come. James also talked about how he has driven a programme to restore a more traditional and nature-friendly landscape, including the planting of 50,000 trees, splitting large fields to provide wildlife pathways, re-establishing traditional hedgerows along original parish boundaries, and renovating or creating new ponds.
The next item on the agenda was a farm tour. Our Brett Vale Farming Company farm manager, Olly Pratt, headed up the convoy of three tractors and trailers, with farm worker Will Chaplin ably controlling the second and his father Paul Chaplin in the third. With one eye on the weather, the route took in grass and arable fields, plus Woodland Carbon Code tree plantations, several ponds, new hedgerows and biodiversity offsetting for the new West Suffolk Hospital, before pausing in the farmyard near our Office.
As we went north into some of our newer land, the spots of rain started to fall. The group of farmers on the open-topped trailer bravely put up umbrellas and were not too damp by the time we arrived at the main stop, Nedging Hall, our exclusive hire country house. 'Plan B' was activated and we were into the less historic but equally attractive events barn. Head Gardener, Miles, had prepared some photos of the gardens so our guests would get an idea of the huge amount of work that his team does in the kitchen garden and the wider grounds of Nedging Hall. The fruit and veg from the garden goes from the 'Estate to Plates' in The Crown at Bildeston and The Red Rose, Lindsey.
The rain eased off enough for the group to head outside and around the gardens.
We headed back to Manor Farm under more rain but everyone was in good spirits, celebrating rain at last after the long dry spell.
Lunch was a delicious offering from some of our key staff at The Crown at Bildeston. Head Chef Greig, and his team did us proud with tasty venison burgers and hotdogs from the estate, plus a variety of salads, followed by a gorgeous Eton Mess dessert, all under the watchful eye of General Manager Jackie. Thank you also to Gabby, Rob, Ewan and Eli for their great service.
The day was rounded off by CLA East Director, Cath Crowther, who thanked everyone for coming and reminded us all of the specialist services available from the CLA. Membership includes access to tailored advice such as insurance, energy and legal matters and Cath encouraged everyone to make use of these.
The event provided networking opportunities and supported the feeling of belonging to a strong community, that is working to help members safeguard their assets and adapt to challenges affecting rural businesses.
New connections were made, friendships strengthened, concerns discussed and handshakes aplenty. A great day for all involved.
The event was sponsored by Greene & Greene Solicitors, Hardcastle Burton Accountants and Hutchinsons Crop Production Specialists. We have a great relationship with all of these companies and are very grateful to them for supporting the CLA's event.
Finally, thank you to our wonderful farm, gardening and maintenance teams who went above and beyond to prepare the barns and entertain our guests.
