Presidential role for Langton farmer (From Gazette & Herald)

Presidential role for Langton farmer

A WELL-KNOWN Ryedale farmer has taken over as president of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Richard Howard-Vyse, who manages his family's land at Langton, near Malton, has been involved in shaping the society for more than two decades.

He has stewarded at the Great Yorkshire Show since 1968 and been a member of its council since 1981. In 1992, he took over as chairman of the society's executive committee and, during his term of office, the society made the momentous decision to stay at Harrogate and undertake a major programme to upgrade the showground facilities.

This resulted in the success of the Yorkshire Event Centre and Pavilions of Harrogate, which provide an additional source of income, enabling the society to undertake its support of agriculture in the region. He stepped down as chairman in 1998, but continues as chairman of the showground committee.

As president, he will be the society's leading figure, with his most public role coming at the 2004 Great Yorkshire Show, when he and his wife Sally will tour the event.

During his year of office, he will play a full part in the running of the society, as well as representing it at events during his year of office. These include the Countryside Live! event on the weekend of October 25 and 26 at the Yorkshire Event Centre.

Mr Howard-Vyse said: "This is a great honour. The Yorkshire Agricultural Society has been part of my life for many years and I always look forward to the wonderful experience and great camaraderie of the Great Yorkshire Show."

In addition to his work with the society, he is particularly well-known as a staunch supporter of the Country Land and Business Association and of the North Yorkshire Farming and Wildlife Group.

Five years ago, the Langton Estate won the prestigious Farming Silver Lapwing award, for a range of conservation measures carried out on land under Mr Howard-Vyse's management.

Updated: 12:58 Wednesday, October 01, 2003