Rewarding outstanding contributions to the CLA: the President’s Award
To honour their dedication and commitment to the organisation, CLA President Victoria Vyvyan presents two worthy members with awards at Belgrave Square in London
Thousands of rural enterprises throughout England and Wales play their part in supporting local communities and contributing to the national economy. None more so than CLA members, who in addition, uphold the CLA’s core values and champion our lobbying work to protect and boost the countryside.
As a way of celebrating those who go above and beyond, each year a group of CLA members are put forward to receive the President’s Award. A select few are then chosen as winners.
This year, CLA President Victoria Vyvyan proudly presented two worthy members with the award at a presentation at the London office – Andrew Williams from the CLA South West region, and Sir Richard FitzHerbert from the CLA Midlands region.
Andrew has been a huge support to the CLA nationally, and also to the regional team, never failing to contribute when support is required
Andrew Williams and his wife Clare live in Lanhydrock in Cornwall and have been members of the CLA since 1989. He oversees a multi-faceted estate that spans 3,000 acres and incorporates a variety of diversifications; including let farm land, renewable energy, holiday cottages and commercial and residential properties.
As a strong ambassador for the rural sector in Cornwall, Andrew has been a longstanding member of local committees and has continued this influential work at a national level to help inform and guide policy.
As CLA South West Director Ann Maidment wrote in her submission for the President’s Award: “Andrew’s continued passion for his home county as well as the rural sector is truly outstanding.”
Over many years, Sir Richard has consistently been a huge supporter of and championed the work of the CLA
Sir Richard FitzHerbert and his family reside at the Tissington Estate in Derbyshire where they manage a variety of projects which attract visitors to the village and generate income for the surrounding area.
Sir Richard has been an active member of our committees for around 15 years and has gone on to represent the CLA at a regional and national level. As well as making a concerted effort to include and encourage ‘Next Gen’ members, he has been extremely generous in offering his time and event space to host CLA meetings.
As CLA Midlands Director Sophie Dwerryhouse wrote in her submission for the President’s Award: “Sir Richard has been a brilliant sounding board in his county and has attended events across the region with great enthusiasm and kindness.”
Andrew and Sir Richard are both worthy winners of this year’s award, and to honour their contribution and dedication to the CLA, had a celebratory lunch with President Victoria Vyvyan and Deputy President Gavin Lane.