Jan
2025
One January afternoon, Clare Chaplin joined the John Forrest Award Communications Course Class of ‘25 at Madingley Hall, Cambridge. She shares what she saw of what is being done in memory of her father.
Clare Chaplin
“John Forrest, my Dad, was always looking forward. He was an innovator of his time and enjoyed spending time in discussion, listening and learning from others.
In fact, the day he passed away he was due to meet with the Alpha Group, a small discussion group of like-minded farmers and agriculturalists that he spent many happy hours with, visiting and meeting other industry pioneers. He felt very strongly that many had so much to share but didn’t know how to.
A 17-year-old-legacy
It is hard to believe it is almost 17 years since we lost Dad. As a family, we are very proud and hugely humbled, as I know Dad would be too, that the award for the communications course founded in his memory is still supporting the next generation. Also, that it is generously sponsored by two organisations that were very close to his heart: The Morley Agricultural Foundation and The Felix Thornley Cobbold Agricultural Trust.
A course of building confidence
The course is run by Susie Emmett and Patrick Harvey from Green Shoots Productions. When I joined the group this year, participants were asked what they had gained since they all met 30 hours earlier. The resounding answer was “confidence”, which I was blown away by given that the course aims to provide the next generation of East Anglian agri-professionals with confidence and skills to enable them to communicate their knowledge to a wider audience. Be that through a photograph, video, the ever-changing world of social media, writing an article, chairing a meeting or delivering a presentation.
The perfect mix of practical sessions
The course is delivered in bite size pieces at a good pace, fast enough to keep everyone’s attention but with time for questions and interaction from all. A mix of discussion and practical sessions keep the course fresh. I picked up a few tips and am now hoping I have put these into practice writing this!
To all of those that have attended the course to date, and those that continue to support it, thank you. Do read on to find out what each of JFA Class of ’25 gained.”
JFA Class of 2025
