Award of Fellowship of Royal Agricultural Societies for The Countess of Wessex

On the 10th of February, The Countess of Wessex as Patron of London College of Fashion, held a Meeting. HRH has been Patron since March 2013. In the afternoon, Her Royal Highness, as Patron of Tomorrow’s People attended a Lunch at the House of Lords in London.

Afterwards, The Countess of Wessex as Honorary Trustee of Royal Agricultural Society of England attended a Presentation Ceremony at the House of Lords. During that ceremony, The Countess of Wessex was presented with the Award of Fellowship of Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS) in recognition of HRH's work within agriculture.

Photograph of HRH Sophie with English FRAgS taken at The House Of Lords, at the Royal Agricultural Societies Awards presentation ceremony on Wednesday 10th February, from left: Baroness Byford, Chris Bouchier (Chairman of English Panel), HRH the Countess of Wessex receiving her direct election to the Fellowship of Royal Agricultural Societies from CARAS Chairman Rosie Carne, Professor Malcolm Stansfield (English Panel Secretary), Professor John Wibberley (Hon. Secretary to CARAS).

CARAS (The Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies) exists to administer the scheme originating in 1970 whereby outstanding contributions to UK agricultural and rural progress are recognised by awards. The Council was established in 1983, following on from that begun in 1970 as a Council of Fellows of Royal Agricultural Societies.

It acts on behalf of the UK’s four national Royal Agricultural Societies – The Royal Agricultural Society of England, The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland, The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, and The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. The objective is to recognise, through an Awards scheme, distinguished achievement in agriculture and related land-based industries.

Photograph of HRH Sophie with CARAS, taken at The House Of Lords, at the Royal Agricultural Societies Awards presentation ceremony on Wednesday 10th February, from left: Professor John Wibberley (Hon. Secretary to CARAS), John Henning (N Ireland), Professor Malcolm Stansfield (English Panel Secretary), Dr Delana Davies (Chairman of Welsh panel), Edwin Hughes (Wales), David Gardner (England), Chris Bouchier (Chairman of English Panel), HRH the Countess of Wessex, Rosie Carne (CARAS Chairman), Billy Robson (N Ireland), Colin McDonald (N Ireland).

Fellowship (FRAgS) is the senior Award of the Council. Associates may be considered for advancement to Fellowship if they can demonstrate a continuing significant contribution to agricultural and rural progress in the UK, although advancement is not automatic. Occasionally, the Council may award a Fellowship directly for exceptional achievement. For full info visit the 'Fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Societies' website. Click here.

picture courtesy of Miss Rosie Carne; it shows Royal Agricultural Societies badge that was presented to all FRAgS ladies, including HRH.

Miss Rosie Carne, Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS) and Chairman of Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS), said few words before the presentation of the Award:

"Your Royal Highness, Baroness Byford, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen - and fellow Fellows and Associates. It is always humbling to attend the presentation ceremony where Associateships & Fellowships are awarded. Our Awards recognise personal achievement, and the distinguished contribution of an individual to the understanding, further efficiency & well-being of agriculture & land based industries within the UK. Each Country of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales has a Chairman, & Panel of Fellows, talent spotting to identify excellence people like all of you from England who have proved to be head and shoulders above your peers’.

But it is CARAS - The Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies -which is the umbrella organisation that supplies the Governance, to ensure the high standard is maintained across the UK. Each Country proposal is ratified by the UK representation of Council members. I am delighted to see several here today. CARAS  - of which I am honoured to be Chairman has special powers to recognize an exceptional contribution, and can make a Direct Election to Fellowship. This is rarely done. But I am delighted to say today, is one of those special rare occasions and I would like to ask Professor John Wibberley - CARAS's Honorary Secretary - to read the citation for HRH The Countess of Wessex".

Following is the entire citation as read by Professor Wibberley, as it shows how much HRH is devoted to the development of agriculture.

1. Since joining the Royal family on her marriage to HRH Prince Edward, The Countess has taken a keen interest in rural affairs generally, but has been particularly supportive of Agricultural Show Societies.
2. She is an Honorary Trustee and Past President of the RASE (2006-2007) having provided valuable help and advice during the challenging times which faced the Society.
3. Since 2012 she has been Patron of Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) which covers memberships throughout the UK.
4. HRH The Countess was most active President of The Royal Bath & West Show and fully continues to support the Society (established in 1777) in many ways as a Vice-Patron.
5. During 2013 she was Bicentenary President of the Border Union Agricultural Association.
6. In 2014, she was President of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association. As well as fully supporting the Show, she has given valuable help and advice to the Council, showing a keen interest in the specialist food sector in Cornwall.
7. Attending the 2014 Great Yorkshire Show, she impressed the Council Members with her depth of interest, empathy and enthusiasm for agriculture and the rural economy.
8. She willingly accepted an invitation to be President of the Cheshire Show during 2015.
9. In 2016, she is due to be Show President for the New Forest Agricultural Show, Hampshire.
10. HRH The Countess of Wessex is a Patron of Two Moors Festival - in October 2015 remarkably in its 15th year bringing Music connecting both Darthmoor and Exmoor.
11. She is Patron and huge encourager of Caring for Life set up in 1987 in Yorkshire, based at its working farm near Leeds, providing homes, farm-work and catering experience for vulnerable people.
12. In short, as well as giving much time to her special charities - especially with children and deprived young people, The Countess is a particulary active supporter of farming and the countryside through her close involvement with Agricultural Societies and beyond.

The Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) representing England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales had no hesitation and great pleasure in November 2014 to commend HRH The Countess of Wessex for Direct Election to Fellowship of Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS).

Having followed HRH's work so closely for the last several years, I was not surprised when I heard about the Award. I am very happy to see The Countess receive the recognition she deserves.

close up cropped from bigger picture. HRH The Countess of Wessex with Miss Rosie Carne

I am ending my post quoting Miss Rosie Carne, who was so kind in providing all the needed info. Miss Rosie said: "The Countess ‘charmed’ everyone at the House of Lords on Wednesday! The buzz after she had left was all about her: how lovely, natural and friendly she was to everyone. I predict she will be adorning many homes in silver photo frames. It is so lovely for us that she enjoyed being with us too!".

That's 'Our' Sophie!! Well done HRH!

Outfit & jewellery:
Kaleidoscope Neat Tweed dress by Suzannah.
New statement earrings.
Royal Agricultural Societies badge.

picture courtesy of Miss Rosie Carne

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch.
LK Bennett Harley in black suede.
Louis Vuitton Nocturne GM Black Epi Leather Shoulder Bag. Dates back to 1999 or so.

Award of Fellowship of Royal Agricultural Societies for The Countess of Wessex 2016-02-12T13:47:00-08:00 Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: sho fia