CLA President's Award
Suffolk member Nick Woolley is one of three people to receive the prestigious award
Three CLA members have become the latest recipients of the President’s Award - a prestigious accolade that recognises outstanding commitment and loyalty to the CLA.
The award is made to those members who have put in long service to the organisation without necessarily having had the honour of being a CLA Office holder or a national committee chairman.
For many years Alistair Handyside, Nick Woolley and Bernard Llewellyn have shown unfaltering dedication to the CLA, representing the organisation at local and national level and have provided counsel on a wide range of matters relating to land ownership and rural business.
Nick Woolley has been a representative on the CLA's national committees, management board and council for more than 40 years. He was originally invited to join Council in 1980 and remains a member of the CLA Institutional Landowners Group (ILG) and the Suffolk Branch Committee.
Responding to news of his award, Nick said: “The CLA is an immensely valuable organisation, both in informing and advising government and also in promoting responsible land ownership and management to the public. I feel most fortunate to have worked, often closely, under twenty-one presidents and I’m thrilled to have been given this award.”
Alistair Handyside has been a CLA member since 1999 and joined the Devon branch committee in 2008. He has been a representative of the CLA South West Regional Committee since 2011 as a tourism advocate. Alistair manages the Professional Association of Self-Caterers UK Ltd and also chairs the South West Tourism Alliance. In 2018, Alistair’s contribution to the tourism sector was recognised as he was awarded an MBE. He has acted as an adviser when planning CLA seminars on tourism, as well as chairing them himself on occasion.
Speaking of his award, Alistair commented: “Branch and regional committees are the bedrock of the CLA, served by dedicated people who care passionately about their sector. It has been a privilege to be involved with an organisation that is a crucial voice for rural businesses. It has provided me with an opportunity to meet so many likeminded people and form lasting friendships.”
Bernard Llewellyn has been a great supporter of the CLA in Wales for many years. He is always enthusiastic about the organisation and speaks openly and honestly about his thoughts for the rural industry and farming in Wales. He regularly attends CLA meetings and events and, if asked, will always contribute to industry debates.
Bernard believes the role of the CLA as a voice for agriculture and rural business is crucial. “With ever-changing policy developments and the increasing need for farmers and land managers in Wales to consider diversification, the CLA’s work has never been so important.
“As an industry, it is essential that all the unions representing us provide a collective voice in standing up for farming and rural business. The importance of the CLA’s place around the table, with its ability to lobby and influence, is unquestionable.”
CLA President Mark Tufnell paid tribute to the award winners. "The CLA is built upon an unwavering commitment to represent the views and interests of its membership on all aspects of rural business and land ownership.
“Nick, Bernard and Alistair are wonderful ambassadors for our work and have shared invaluable knowledge and experience on a range of important matters. I thank them for their dedicated service and contributions.”