Chief Executive Newsletter Updates

The Farmers Club Newsletter – No. 81 February 2025

 

General Update

2025 - It’s all go!  It’s been a very busy start to the year, after an initial 3-weeks in January where silence reigned across the Club, and indeed across London more generally!  Club events have come thick and fast over the past month, with the Chairman’s Burns Night and U35 Chairman’s Black Tie Dinners, Monday Evening Lecture with Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Defra Secretary of State, and we have run two visits to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, due to popular demand.  Meanwhile, the Chairman, Karen Mercer, and I have supported outreach events to both the Oxford Farming Conference, Lamma, and the Chairman attended the recent LEAF Conference, with the NFU Conference fast on the horizon later this month it certainly is a packed programme.
 
Congratulations.  I must also congratulate Club Vice President, Julian Sayers MBE DL, for appointment to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), in the New Year’s Honours List 2025 for services to Agriculture.

Tractors Rally in Whitehall.  Yes, they are back! In a repeat of December, we saw the farming community return to Whitehall yesterday.  This time with an estimated 1500 tractors, parked in neat rows, as if by a Regimental Sergeant Major, between Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square.  It was truly an impressive sight.  The tractors started to gather at 12.30pm onwards, the speeches and incessant drizzle followed shortly after 3pm.  It was yet another strong demonstration by the Farming Community.  However, there was palpable frustration amongst many in the crowd that they just weren’t being listened too; there was certainly no movement from the curtains of the Treasury that looked down onto the demonstration.  It was again ‘open house’ at the Club, and it was once more a delight to be able to support all those protesting from the agricultural community.  

Agricultural Research: Club Members Can Help & Make a Difference.  ‘Grounded Research’ is an agency dedicated to agricultural research that sees first-hand the complexities and interconnected challenges facing farmers today.  These issues are vast, spanning everything from political uncertainty to environmental pressures, economic uncertainty to social pressures, and the effects vary widely across individuals and regions.  To better understand these challenges, ‘Grounded Research’ has launched an independent study asking farmers what the challenges that they feel are the hardest, to begin to build a meaningful picture of the stressors impacting British agriculture.  This sounds like a worthwhile piece of research that Members may wish to support and shape.  You are invited to participate in this survey here: Grounded Research Survey: What Keeps You Awake at Night.

This is open to both farmers and people working in the agricultural industry.  The written report will be published in March and will be freely available to those across the sector to assist in understanding the agricultural landscape now and into the future.   The research collection is due to close at the end of February, so have your say now. 
‘Grounded Research’ plan to release a written report but we are also developing an online tool that will give free access via interactive dashboards to the data for the benefit of the sector - both those who work in it and those who seek to understand it better! 

New Restaurant & Bar Menus.  The new Club Menus started on Monday 3rd February.  There are weekly changes to the Combinations Menus for the 3-course lunch at £25.00 and 3-course dinner at £35.00; and monthly changes to the A la Carte Menu.  Starters include Salmon Scotch Egg with Smoked Scottish Salmon & Suffolk Maple Glazed Bacon with Caramelised Apple Jelly.  Main Courses include Pan fried Monkfish with Squid Ink Risotto & Ale Braised Beef Shin, Glazed Carrots & Caramelised Onion.  Desserts include Buttermilk & Honey Set Cream with Poached Rhubarb & lemon Merigue Pie.  On the Bar Menu we have introduced some new dishes including Grimsby Smoked Haddock Souffle & Lamb Kebabs with Cauliflower, Pomegranate & Pistachio Salad.
 
Please note that you can order your favourite dishes from the bar to eat in the restaurant and vice versa.  In addition, if there is something you fancy that isn’t on the menu, please ask as we might be able to accommodate your request.

Bedroom Availability.  I thought I would continue to update you on bedroom availability at the Club.  I hope that this is useful and allows you to have the confidence to plan your visits early: 

  • In February, we are currently running at 70% occupancy, which means that there are 226 bedrooms available to be booked over the next 2-weeks, and with the only mid-week day with no rooms available be Monday 24th, the eve of the NFU Conference.
  •  Looking further ahead, March stands at only 56% occupancy, with 772 bedrooms available, and April sits at 39% occupancy, with 1028 bedrooms available.
  • So… please make your plans and don’t delay in booking your next visit to the Club.

 Bedroom Cancellations.  The Club has this year received a marked increase in the number of Members challenging the late cancellation fee in a rather direct manner, where they outrightly refused to pay or insist on having the cancellation fee waived.  We are a Club and unlike a Hotel, Members are not charged for their Bedroom when a booking is made, and long may that remain.  I would like to remind all Members that the Club Policy on cancelling bedrooms is very clear:  Cancellations are to be made in writing; and the full bedroom rate will be charged in the event of cancellation less than 48 hours prior to arrival unless the room is re-let.  This cancellation policy is written on every Bedroom Reservation Confirmation that is sent to Members when they book a room.
 
Early Bar Closure: 8th March.  On Saturday 8th March, the Club Bar will close at 6pm due to the Annual Staff Party.  I apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

                                                   Recent Club Events
Spring into The New Year.  There is plenty of coverage of events in the Winter Journal, that is about to land on your door-matts.  A busy New Year at the Club saw a magnificent Black Tie Dinner draw to a close Richard Maunder’s year as Club Chairman.  This was swiftly followed with our presence at Oxford Farming Conference and then Lamma in quick succession and then a flurry of Members events to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Sir John Soane Museum and a trip to the Royal Albert Hall to enjoy Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Corteo’.

Chairman’s Burns Night Dinner.  The Farmers Club hosted the Chairman’s Burns Night Dinner, bringing together 85 guests for an evening filled with tradition, camaraderie, and Scottish celebration.  Members and their guests embraced the occasion in black tie, with many adding stylish touches of tartan and Highland wear, setting the tone for a night steeped in Scottish heritage.  The evening was brought to life as Members and Guests were piped into dinner.  The Selkirk Grace was followed by the haggis being paraded past the Members before Jim Hulme’s masterful ‘Address to the Haggis’.  Following a sumptuous dinner, the Immortal Memory was delivered expertly by Doug Godfrey-Swanney.  Jim Hulme’s ‘Toast to the Lassies’ was full spark and wit but was more than matched by the withering ‘Reply of the Lassies’ by Sarah Skerratt.  After a number of traditional songs, the dinner ended with the timeless rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.  It was a memorable evening all round, and I suspect will be making a return match next year.

  

 

Monday Evening Lecture.  The Monday Evening Lecture on the 27th January saw the Defra Secretary of State, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, join us at the Club.  His first visit to the Club, was always going to make for a lively discussion with post budget ramifications and regular farming protests across the nation and delays to payments; we were not disappointed and the Chairman managed to ensure that 18 Members had the opportunity to raise their question to the Secretary of State.  It was unsurprising that he adhered rigidly to the Governments line on IHT.  The Spring Journal will carry a detailed article on the lecture.


                                                      Look Forward
 

2025 Full Steam Ahead!  There is a diverse array of events in the Club programme this year, ranging from high-profile social season highlights such as Henley Royal Regatta and Royal Ascot to more intimate gatherings in the newly introduced 'Learn Something New' series.  There is something for everyone.  These events run alongside key dates in the Club's calendar, including the St. George’s Day Lunch and Monday Evening Lectures.  Many events are being booked fast, so please take the time to review all the events on the website which can be done by clicking HERE.  For this Newsletter, I just want to highlight one key event this year:


 
Club Agri-Tour to the Netherlands: 14th to 19th September 2025.  This is without doubt the highlight of the Club Events for 2025.  The itinerary for the tour has been agreed in consultation with the Dutch Agricultural Attaché in London and consists of the very finest agricultural, cultural and historical activities.  It’s going to be a very enjoyable and rewarding tour to the Netherlands with Club Chairman, Karen Mercer.
Now is the time to book.  In the next 2-weeks the cost of flights and hotels will increase and availability of both will become far more challenging after this point.  If you are thinking of joining the tour, I would ask that you sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  If you have any questions concerning the Tour, please email me on: generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com

 

                                                    

                                                           And finally…

 
This year the Club is extremely busy for a large number of events being run, more than any other year.  These are not just being run from the Club rather they include a wide range of visits across the country.  I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming weeks.

Didi Wheeler
Chief Executive & Club Secretary

Copyright © 2025, The Farmers Club, All rights reserved.

The Farmers Club · 3 Whitehall Court · Westminster, London SW1A 2EL · United Kingdom

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General Update – No. 72 January 2024
 
Happy New Year!  I just wanted to wish all members a very Happy New Year, I suspect that if you are like me, the Festive Season seems a distant memory!  After the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year’s Festivities, the Club appears quietly calm at present, which members equally appreciate.  However, members are returning in strength and we have already, in only our second week into the New Year run a number of events, and the pace of life is about to increase.
 
New Year Honours List 2024.  I am delighted to be able to congratulate three members who were recognised in this year’s Honours List:  Paul Heygate and Philip Wynn were appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).  Paul was recognised for services to the Food Industry and to Charity, with a career as a senior leader and ambassador for the Milling, Baking and Farming sectors.  Philip was recognised for his leadership in large scale farming and food-related businesses and most recently as Chairman of the sustainable farming group Linking Environment and Farming (Leaf); a true custodian of our countryside and the environment.  Dr Catherine Baxter was appointed to be a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Higher Education.  Catherine was recognised for a career of three decades in higher education administration and management with unstinting commitment to four Universities, most recently Harper Adams. Catherine played a significant role in supporting the agricultural sector and the next generation of farmers.  Congratulations to you all.
 
Winter Journal: Impending Arrival.  The Club Winter Journal is now with the printing company, and I anticipate the new edition will be landing with you from Monday 22nd January onwards.  Watch out!
 
Club Refurbishment.  The first phase of this year’s Club refurbishment programme is already well underway.  The 2nd January saw work commence on the 10 bedrooms on the Upper Ground Floor.  The relatively quiet start to activity in the Club affords us the opportunity to ‘make hay whilst the sun shines’ and ensure this important work is completed with minimum disruption to members.  Whilst this room refurbishment is evident to members visiting the Club, what is less apparent and out of sight to most members is the work completed on the Housekeeping office ‘downstairs’.  This aspect of refurbishment will provide Jacinta, Head Housekeeper, and her busy team with a far more professional, modern and effective workspace.  As you can see, it’s been a busy 2-weeks for the Team!
 
New Team Arrivals.  I am delighted to report that we have continued to attract and recruit new Team members despite the competitive hospitality climate.  Prior to Christmas the following have joined the Club Team:

Zara Filipova.  Zara has joined the Reception Team.  Originally from Bulgaria, she has lived in London for 9 years and has worked in hospitality for 10 years.  Before arriving at the Club, Zara was a Receptionist at The Arts Club.  She is a fitness fanatic and enjoys travel.
Marco Terrile.  Marco is a Sous Chef in the Kitchen Brigade.  He is from a small mountain village near Venice.  Unsurprisingly for an Italian, his passions are food, wine and motorbikes.  Marco said ‘…working at The Farmers Club is a great opportunity to further understand the beauty of British produce and the connection with our suppliers’.
Jack Yon.  Jack has just completed a degree in Neuroscience after rejoining the hospitality industry to pursue his passion for food.  Jack was attracted to join The Farmers Club because of the way we champion British produce using both traditional and innovative techniques.  When away from the kitchen he enjoys enjoy rock climbing and bouldering.
New ‘Winter into Spring’ Menu.  Head Chef and Director of Food, Paul, is finalising the new ‘Winter into Spring’ seasonal menu.  Just a few dishes to tantalise include: baked devilled Dorset Crab; Cornish Gurnard with lightly spiced Cauliflower; Highland Venison and West Sussex root vegetables; and Malt Extract Sticky Toffee Pudding with roasted Apple and Celeriac ice cream.  What is there not to like about dining in The Farmers Club Restaurant.  The new menu will be launched on Monday, 5th February.
 
Subscription Payments: Thank You.  I would like to thank all members who have made a timely payment for this year’s subscriptions, it is really appreciated.  As a reminder, subscription rates can be found on the membership page of the website here for 2024.  Mark Fairbairn can be contacted (membership@thefarmersclub.com) if you have any queries concerning membership matters.
 
Oxford Farming Conference 2024.  The Chairman, Richard Maunder, and I attended the Oxford Farming Conference last week.  I thought the Conference, with a theme of the ‘Power of Diversity’ was a quite excellent event and featured a wide variety of interesting and inspirational speakers from across the breadth of the farming sector.  It was a chance for me to meet so many Club members and also to attract many new potential members to the opportunities The Farmers Club has to offer.  Of course, I was able to continue to build my knowledge and understanding of the sector and its many issues.  It was also a great pleasure to see U35 Chair Andrew Court attending as part of the OFC Inspire Programme and U35 Marcus Webb attending as The Farmers Club Scholar. The Spring Club Journal will contain more detailed articles from the OFC.  In summary, Conference Chairman, Will Evans, his supporting Directors and all the speakers are to be congratulated for delivering a superb event.

Recent Club Events
 
Father Christmas Comes to Town!  The Farmers Club was fortunate to receive a timely visit by Father Christmas.  The Lounge was transformed into a Winter Wonderland of treats as 24 children supported by parents and grandparents welcomed ‘You Know Who’; I am not sure who enjoyed it more!  It really was a magical day filled with love, laughter, and festive cheer and was a great opportunity for families to get together and enjoy some quality time away from the chaos of the Christmas crowds outside.


New Year’s Eve Club Black-Tie Dinner.  Described as the ‘best ever’ New Year’s event at the Club.  The evening saw 96 members enjoyed a Champagne Reception and sumptuous 4-Course Dinner before retiring to the Terrace, with Champagne in hand, to count down the New Year and witness the spectacular London fireworks celebration.  Members partied to 1pm and enjoyed an early hours breakfast of Welsh Rarebit Crumpets, one of Chef’s big hits that will undoubtedly be making a return to the Restaurant soon (please?).
Look Forward
 

Upcoming Club Events.  All the current planned events can be found on our website HERE.  It’s worth exploring what events are coming up.  By popular demand we have increased the number and frequency of ‘Big Ben Tours’, which also include lunch in the Club before climbing all those steps.  There are now opportunities to sign up for the Chairman’s Smithfield Market & Butchers Hall Tour on the 9/10th April.  Subsequently, the Chairman’s Tour to Devon runs between 15th – 18th May, and during which Devon members, not on the Tour, are invited to attend an evening at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum to celebrate the rich heritage of County Devon with Richard Maunder. Enjoy a Drinks Reception and 3-Course Dinner of local produce, surrounded by the art and history within Gallery 20’s exhibition.  An excellent opportunity to meet other local members along with this year's Chairman.  You may well have guessed that ‘food and fun’ feature large in Richard’s events this year.

I would particularly like to highlight the following three events:
 

  • CHANGE OF DATE: Tuesday Evening Lecture: The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, 23rd January 2024.  This month’s Monday Evening Lecture, which was planned for 22nd January, due to the Secretary of State’s busy schedule, has had to change to a Tuesday Evening Lecture on 23rd January.  In an election year and following the Secretary of State’s recent announcement at last week’s Oxford farming Conference, this is a pivotal opportunity for members to quiz Steve Barclay on the policies and his recent announcement.  Detailed timings are:
           5pm       Tea and Coffee served in the Lounge.
           5.25pm  Members to be seated in The Farmers Suite.
           5.30pm  Lecture starts followed by Q&A.

          On completion Drinks and Chef’s Treats will be served: An opportunity to chat informally with Steve Barclay.
           
  • St George’s Day Lunch: 23rd April.  One for your diary. Major General (Retired) Sir Christopher Ghika KCVO CBE will be the guest speaker.  Christopher, amongst many other duties, was the senior officer responsible for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration, State Funeral and Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
  • Monday Evening Lecture: 29th April.  I am hoping that The Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Shadow Secretary for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will be our guest speaker at this MEL.  Following Steve Barclay, it is only right that the main opposition party have the opportunity to explain their policies and approach before the general election later this year.

And finally…
 
I am planning to expand Club Outreach activities across the country this year.  I believe that events, such as a farm walk for all ages, combined with a pub lunch and talk by myself and the Chairman would support engagement with members in the regions outside of just the Show season.  I am interested to know your thoughts and whether this is something you believe would be of value.  Drop me an email or catch me in the Club and tell me what you think.
 
I look forward to seeing you both in The Club and in visits around the country in 2024 as we support Richard Maunder in his Chairman’s year.
 
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