9:30am Wednesday 17th September 2008
A travel bursary dedicated to a Pembrokeshire farmer who travelled widely to develop his own farming enterprise will be awarded this autumn.
The Richard John Memorial Bursary has been established to encourage applicants to travel anywhere in the world to gain knowledge and experience to help with their business or career.
The £4,000 scholarship is being offered by the West Wales Grasshoppers, of which Richard was a founding member and former chairman.
Richard, who farmed at Chapel Hill Farm, Templeton, died three years ago at the age of 46.
Siân Bushell, secretary of the West Wales Grasshoppers, said Richard gained so much from his own travel experiences that a bursary was seen as a fitting way to keep his memory alive.
She said: “Richard had travelled to New Zealand several times and this had been a turning point in his agricultural career. He placed great emphasis on travel as a way of broadening the mind and meeting so many good people.”
The money for the bursary was raised at a memorial dinner and through other events, while three friends from the West Wales Grasshoppers also ran the Dublin Marathon to raise money.
Siân said the bursary would be offered to the candidate who could inspire and excite the judging panel with their proposed travel itinerary.
“It can relate to agriculture or in fact any other business or career and is open to anyone up to the age of 40 anywhere in the UK,” she added.
“The one condition is that the candidate must give a presentation to the Grasshoppers upon their return and be available to give talks to other groups.’’ Application forms are available from Siân at Westgate Cottage, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire, SA63 4SX. Applications must be submitted by October 31st.
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