Outstanding contributions, outstanding contributors
Unite’s FDA sector honoured two of its long-serving members with medals for their outstanding contributions to the sector and union
upon their retirement in July for Mike Ward and September for George Whitcher.
The presentations were due to take place in the Unite Marquee at the Tolpuddle festival in July but because of the bad weather had to be removed to where the Unite FDA members where staying in Wareham.
The occasion was marked and celebrated accordingly. Unite Forestry Commission rep George Whitcher received a silver medal, while Unite rep and farmworker Mike Ward received a gold medal.
The awards were presented by Unite rural and agricultural subsector chair
Pictured left to right are Steve Leniec, Mike and Edwina Ward, Unite FDA national officer Bev Clarkson and George Whitcher.
Steve Leniec who thanked Mike and George for their work. “Working with the union has totally changed my life – it’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” George said as he accepted his award.
Thanking his family and the many mentors throughout his career, Mike added, “I’ve met some damn good comrades – thank you very much!”
Festival goers being interviewed for Countryfile
OutCider goes back in the barn OutCider Festival returned to Fernhill Farm this
August – becoming the focus of BBC’s Countryfile into the bargain, as the programme reported on how farms are diversifying into events to keep viable.
Fernhill Farm is a working livestock farm in the Mendip Hills that focuses on supplying fleeces and fibres to British wool manufacturers. It has been home to OutCider’s popular mix of local cider and great music
since it started in 2014. OutCider organiser and Unite member Kevin Davis said, “Words aren't enough to describe the feelings that remain after another wonderful OutCider Festival weekend. We are genuinely blown away by the community that has grown around this event.
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“Next year will be our tenth anniversary, and we intend to make it even more special than usual.”
uniteLANDWORKERAutumn 2023
Marvellous Gig Photography
Mark Thomas
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