Sir Ben studied Agriculture at St John’s College, Cambridge before working as a volunteer in Uganda for several years where he established a working school farm.
A long-established Easingwold farmer, Sir Ben was President of the National Farmers Union from 1998 to 2004 and has since established Hawkhills Consultancy Ltd, which specializes in advising agrifood businesses, and Easingwold's Hawk Creative Business Park.
We are indebted to leaders, committee members, parents and volunteers, both past
and present, who give or have given their time and skills to
Scouting in Easingwold - and to the members of the Dawney Project Steering Group who
are working to make the Centre a facility for Easingwold to be proud of.
Hambleton District Council's support for the Dawney Project is invaluable. The work of Partnerships Officer Peter Cole,
Consultation Officer Frances Bainbridge and Sustainable Development Officer Bryony Wilford is helping to make the project a reality.
Our business supporters give their expertise or time or resources - and often all three - without which
the project could not proceed. Particular thanks go to Graeme Burn of
Quality Solicitors Burn & Company,
Philip Rickinson of PRA Architects,
Spencer Cassidy of Clean Energy,
Richard Padgett of Thorpe Trees
and fencing contractors Mark Sowerby and Andrew Corner.
We are grateful to Easingwold Town Council which has generously agreed to extend our peppercorn lease on the original one acre
Dawney site to 100 years; to our neighbours for their help;
to County Councillor Peter Sowray for support and guidance;
to Hambleton District Council's Lifestyle Manager Lisa Wilson for spotting the potential of the project from the outset;
to Easingwold and Villages Forum for supporting us
and to Nicky Smith from Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association for vital help and advice; and to the many others
who have helped us in many ways.
If you would like further information - or if you think you might be able to help, please contact us.
