Universities Week 2010 (archive): Farmer Jimmy to become Harper Adams Fellow

Posted 18 June 2010

Harper Adams is delighted to be able to announce its 2010 Honorary Degree and Fellowship recipients on the “Better Britain” day of UK Universities Week.

Inspirational have-a-go farmer and television presenter Jimmy Doherty is set to become a Fellow of the University College.

The star of Jimmy’s Farm and Jimmy’s Farming Heroes will receive his award alongside more than 600 students at this year’s graduation ceremony, on the Harper campus.

Harper Adams Principal Dr David Llewellyn said: “Jimmy has made a major contribution to raising the profile of farming and food production to the general public. He is a tremendous ambassador for the farming sector and for young people considering a career in the sector.”

A further fellowship will be awarded to Mr Richard Matson, equestrian expert and entrepreneur, based at Twemlows Stud Farm in North Shropshire. Dr Llewellyn said: “ Mr Matson, a former chairman of the Harper Adams Board of Governors, has been a staunch supporter of the institution over many years.”

Engineering great Sir Anthony Bamford, after whom the Harper Adams Bamford Library is named, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science at the ceremony in September. Sir Anthony is being honoured for the outstanding contribution he has made to agricultural engineering, both in the UK and worldwide.

Dr Llewellyn added: “We wish to recognise the important contribution Sir Anthony has made to education for the agricultural engineering industry including, in particular, his commitment to Harper Adams and the establishment of the JCB Academy, with which the University College is a partner university.”

Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Science will be the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Crute, in recognition of his “leading role in crop research and associated disciplines and his role in national agriculture developments”.

And a further Honorary Doctorate will be presented to staunch supporter of the rural economy Baroness Byford. Dr Llewellyn said: “Baroness Byford has played a leading role in promoting a wide understanding of the needs of agriculture and rural initiatives, and particularly of the need to encourage consideration by Government of the role of science in agricultural development.”

“She has conducted significant work with a number of rural initiatives and organisations, regionally and nationally, that have contributed to developing the future sustainability of the rural economy.

The inaugural UK Universities Week (June 14 to 20) has brought together more than 100 universities and related organisations to highlight the essential role that universities play in sustaining our society, culture and economy.

Today the campaign is promoting Better Britain – showing how higher education affects national achievement.

To find out more visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk. Alternatively, show your support for universities by joining the campaign’s Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/ukuniversities