Harper Life Magazine 2020

I hope that this update finds you safe and well. 2020 has been a year none of us will ever forget. But, amid the undoubtable challenges we have all faced, what has been evident in abundance has been the Harper Spirit. I have been reminded time and again of the strength of our community; impressed by the determined attitudes of our students, staff and supporters; and continue to be thankful for the skills of the individuals, teams and networks who have enabled core activities to continue to support our educational and research activities over the last year. Since March, my academic colleagues have delivered a broad range of teaching in face to face small group sessions and via the internet, using new methods of delivery and new technology; learning with every step and adapting to ensure that we continue to provide high quality courses for our students. Our student support teams have helped students locked down on campus, travelling to and from their home countries, returning to university in September and isolating to protect those around them, while also ensuring that everyone had the shelter, sustenance and mental health support required to comply with the restrictions placed upon us. In October, our Development Trust, which you can read more about on pages 5-7, held its first virtual Scholarships Fair, using an online platform to connect our students with sponsors and employers seeking to nurture fresh talent. Building upon that success, the November Careers Fair, which usually brings around 130 employers to our campus for the annual physical event, was also delivered virtually – and hailed as a triumph by all involved. Unfortunately, we did not feel we could do justice to the annual Graduation Ceremony by moving it online. We know our students and graduates want to be together, to celebrate each other’s achievements and unite for the big send-off. So, to the Class of 2020, we look forward to 2021, when we plan to invite you back to celebrate in style. You had a difficult end to your student journey and, no doubt, a tricky start in your working career. Please remember that we are still here to support you. As the front cover of this publication reflects, November 30th marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Harper Adams Club, and a year of celebrations lies ahead – you can read more about this and how you can get involved on the following pages. I am grateful to all of you – our former students – for your contributions to the continued success of Harper Adams University. Whether you have played a part in promoting our courses, employed one of our placement students or graduates, volunteered your time to mentor or lecture to students, sat on a committee or trust board, donated via the Development Trust or shared your career story to inspire the next generation, your Harper Spirit continues to shine. Alumni relations sit within the Marketing and Communications team at Harper Adams University. Your contact within the team is Gemma Payne, who is happy to receive news updates, contact information updates and enquiries for the wider university. Email alumni@harper-adams.ac.uk Dr David Llewellyn, Vice-Chancellor 2 www.harper-adams.ac.uk —Harper Life Nov 2020 Contents 3 – 4 News from the Harper Adams Club — —Centenary celebrations —2020 Alumni Dinner —Regional events —Harper Adams Club Scholars 2019/2020 5 A chance reunion 5 Cultivating excellence 6 – 7 What the trustees say 8 – 9 Review of the year at Harper Adams 10 Little Grey Fergie 11 Harper Cymry/Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Student Award 2020 12 – 13 Arrivals and departures 14 – 17 Your news 18 Annual Harper Ireland Dinner 18 – 19 Alumni businesses spotlight 20 Museum tour of agricultural importance 20 The Crop Doctor of the Vale of York 21 In memoriam 22 John Aled Griffiths OBE retires 23 A future in aquaculture 24 From County Down to South Island Welcome