Scholars give thanks to retiring director of CLA Charitable Trust

Posted 30 October 2014

Harper Adams University staff and students gave their best wishes to Peter Geldart last week, as he prepares to step down as a Director of the CLA Charitable Trust. 

The trust has sponsored scholarships for rural enterprise and land management students at the university for several years and Mr Geldart has always been a source of support and friendship to the university community. 

Last Wednesday he made his final visit to the campus on behalf of the trust, accompanied by trustee Neil Mainwaring. They enjoyed a tour of the newest Harper Adams facilities before having lunch with staff and current CLA scholars Katie Poulter and Edward Wilkinson. 

Final year student Katie presented Mr Geldart with a small gift on behalf of the university. She said: “Both Peter and Neil have been incredibly supportive of me throughout my time as a CLA Charitable Trust scholar. During the past three years I have endeavored to be a good representative for the trust by taking part in all opportunities presented. I hope I have fulfilled my duties as their scholar and helped spread the good work of the CLA Charitable Trust.

“It still fills me with pride to be associated with such a prestigious organisation. I cannot express in words how much the scholarship means to me and how much it has helped me during my time at Harper Adams and when applying for jobs.”

Following a year on work placement with Carter Jonas, Katie returned to Harper Adams in September to complete her final year of study before graduating. She advised Mr Geldart and Mr Mainwaring that her year at Carter Jonas had “exceeded all my expectations”.

“I have been involved in a variety of different jobs, being directly involved with the day-to-day management of private and institutional estates across Yorkshire,” she said, adding that she had also been provided with training to help her on the path to becoming a chartered surveyor, and joined the ‘Make York’ networking group to meet local professionals.

In addition to her studies, including researching her dissertation, Katie is now also a student warden, providing pastoral care for first years living in halls of residence at Harper Adams.

Edward Wilkinson has just commenced his second year of study on the rural enterprise and land management degree and is starting to plan for his placement year, which he hopes to spend in a rural land surveying practice.  He said: “My first year was challenging and has provided me with a sound knowledge base as well as confirming that I am on the correct career path. The CLA charitable trust scholarship has provided me with a real sense of pride as well as an added incentive to achieve my future aims and targets. 

“I have received brilliant support from the trust, from Peter Geldart and Neil Mainwaring in particular, and I am confident that with this support I can make an impact within the land management industry. Through the scholarship, the number of contacts and expert knowledge I am now able to draw on has increased significantly, which stands me in good stead for the future.

“Over the summer I was fortunate enough to help at the CLA Game Fair on both the Charitable Trust's and the Harper Adams stands. It was my first visit to the Game Fair and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience despite the scorching hot weather! I met with the other scholars for the first time, as well as a range of people from within the industry. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Peter Geldart for all of his support over the past year and I intend to continue to work hard over the coming years to justify the Trust's decision to award me the scholarship. I hope that I can represent and highlight the excellent work that the trust does.”