Trustees

I am a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society and have been associated with the farming industry throughout my career. I retired from the Cumbria National Farmers’ Union in 2011 having been a Group Secretary in the north of the County for over 40 years. I worked closely with many land agents and livestock auctioneers during that period. My work with Dick Harrison led me to respect his views on all matters affecting farmers and the rural way of life and it was that immense respect that led myself and others to create this Charitable Trust.

As Chairman, I consider that the skills of traditional land agents and livestock auctioneers remain as important now as they did three decades ago and it is essential that every encouragement possible is given to young person’s enthusiastic for a career in this sector.

As Dick Harrison’s granddaughter I am fully aware of his love of the countryside, teamed with his passion for education for all.

I studied Economics at Leeds Becket University, and now work as a Human Resource Advisor for a large Med-tech company.  I know I could not possibly perform my current role without having been taken out of my comfort zone and challenged through my degree, working with people from diverse backgrounds, and living independently.  I think everyone should have the chance to reach their potential.

I am proud to have this opportunity to support this amazing and worthwhile Trust. I hope through the dedication of the Trustees and the enthusiasm of the candidates we can continue this initiative, and support as many young people as possible, in reaching their potential.

Following a spell of work experience with Harrison & Hetherington at Borderway Mart in 1988, I was lucky enough to receive a small award from The Dick Harrison Trust, which was given to help with the purchase of equipment and books relevant to my study. I enrolled on a course in Rural Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, where I studied Rural Estate Management.

I graduated in 1992 and completed my APC with Penrith Farmers & Kidd’s Plc in 1994, I then spent two years working for Fisher Hogarth in Kendal, and subsequently 7 years working within CSH in Bywell and Haltwhistle.

I am currently a director of YoungsRPS in Northumberland where I have worked since 2003

I became a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers in 1997 and returned some of my knowledge to the profession by acting as an Examiner in the Northern Group of Agricultural Valuers. I became a Fellow of the RICS in 2014.

I have been a Trustee since 1998 and really enjoy the opportunity to meet applicants; although they range in age, stage of their career, personal interests and background they all share a passion for the rural landscape.

Being Dick Harrison’s younger daughter, I am well aware of his love of the countryside and the value he placed on education and personal development. Dad had a philosophy of ‘giving back’ so I am pleased to continue this ideal in his name.

My day job is at University Of Central Lancashire.  As well as my lecturing role, I support students on a peer support programme.  I feel privileged to witness students grow in confidence and develop their interpersonal skills; so I am very happy to be involved in the Trust and encourage those with a passion for the countryside be supported in their education.

I first met Mr 'Dick' Harrison in 1981 when he invited me for a job as a trainee auctioneer, "bullock wallopper". I duly got the job and completed a pre-college year before going to the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. After completing my course in Rural Land Management, I returned to Harrison and Hetherington, embarking upon a career as a trainee Land Agent/Auctioneer.

I continued my employment for 25 years rising to become senior auctioneer and Sales Director.

In 2010 I moved across the Pennines to take up a position as Managing Director of Hexham and Northern Marts.

Mr 'Dick' was a great inspiration to me as a young person. I always admired his manner and foresight and was greatly honored to be appointed secretary of the Dick Harrison Trust, which was established soon after  his untimely death.

I was secretary for 25 years and have enjoyed being involved and meeting over the years many excellent prospective Land Agents and Auctioneers.

I was recently appointed as a trustee of the Trust and look forward to working with the existing trustees.

I am Dick’s Grandson and have heard from so many people about his passion for this industry and the countryside in general. I’m proud to be involved in the trust and to have the opportunity to meet and provide support to so many ambitious young people and I’m sure many of them will go on to have amazing careers. I strongly believe that education and personal development are key to a successful life and so am delighted to have the opportunity to help as many students as we can.

Away from the trust I am a chartered accountant, qualifying at KPMG in 2013. Previously I worked at Parkdean Resorts for a number of years which gave me the opportunity to travel to many of their sites around the country and gain a real appreciation for the beauty of the countryside. I have recently started as Financial Controller at Norton Rose Fulbright.

I am Senior Director with Davidson & Robertson, Rural Surveyors and Consultants, where I have worked all of my professional life. We have offices across Scotland and the north of England. Brought up in Cumbria I studied Land Management at Harper Adams. I am now based in Edinburgh.

I was fortunate to be an early recipient of The Dick Harrison Trust just after it was set up which helped my studies with the purchase of books and equipment (which I still use for reference today). I am a huge advocate of education and supporting the next generation into the valuation profession, and am honoured to now be a Trustee furthering these causes.