A BURSARY has been launched by the Three Counties Agricultural Society in memory of its former president to support students of agriculture or related subjects.
The Joe Henson Bursary will see grants of up to £3,000 donated to two students of the three counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire and will support up to three years of study with up to £1,000 provided each year.
The tribute to Joe Henson seeks to encourage those within the three counties to explore the wide range of careers available in the industry.
Ken Nottage, chief executive of Three Counties, said: “Joe was a highly regarded member of the TCAS and it was his vision and passion for Rare Breeds that sees us champion them as a core part of our Royal Three Counties Show today.
“The Joe Henson Bursary will support those within the three counties venturing into further education in agriculture or related subjects.
“This is something both Joe and the Three Counties are deeply passionate about and forms just one part of our efforts to future proof the opportunities within the agricultural industries.”
Joe was president of the Three Counties Agricultural Society in 2002 and it was through his vision that ‘Rare Breed Sunday’ became a feature of the Royal Three Counties Show.
He was also instrumental in the foundation of the Rare Breed Survival Trust which he became founder chairman of in 1973.
Following his death in October 2015, Joe’s legacy continues with his son Adam, star of BBC’s Countryfile, a keen ambassador for many of the shows at the Three Counties.
Adam said: “The family are absolutely delighted with the bursary and believe that Joe would have been so thrilled.
“It is an amazing tribute, besides being something with which Joe would have been so proud to be associated.”
Applications are now open and entries will close on Friday, July 1.
Interviews will be held during July and August by a panel of bursary board members from the Three Counties including a member of the Henson family.
• To apply, applicants must complete a form available on the Three Counties website at www.threecounties.co.uk or Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park website at www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk.
