Sarah Peacocke (nee Pharo) has re-joined the Guild after an absence of 10 years.
Those years have been spent enjoying a very different lifestyle, first in South Africa, and latterly in Mozambique.
Many Guild members will remember Pharo Communications, based at Stoneleigh Park and responsible for the marketing communications of many blue chip companies – John Deere, Merial Animal Health, Nestle and Bayer to name but a few.
Sarah (pictured with her husband) set up a sister company in Cape Town which moved outside the agricultural sphere, and worked in the retail sector with Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Pink Lady and Sundowner apples, on plum promotions and with fresh meat suppliers.
A Fellow of the Guild, IFAJ Gold and Silver medal holder, Sarah says she is delighted to be back, she just misses the sun and the many friends she made in Africa.
“It’s great to be able to catch up with so many old colleagues both on the communications side and in companies. Agriculture is such a small world, it’s surprising how many people are still around – they may have changed job, but they are still involved.”
Since October she has been working for Haymarket as marketing manager for both Cereals and Fruit Focus.
“Getting up to speed with social media has been quite a challenge, but I’m loving the role. I have a great team around me, and while things are getting very hectic now, I can’t wait to see Cereals from the ‘other side’.
“The event is already shaping up well, and I’m enjoying the opportunity of adding value to both the exhibitor and visitor experience.”
She re-married in Cape Town, four years ago, and Vince, a former Zimbabwean farmer, was the reason for the re-location to Mozambique where they first farmed macadamia nuts, soya and maize, before moving to central Mozambique where he was head of cotton operations for one of the world’s leading traders.
“We lived in the bush, incredibly isolated, but loved every minute of it.
“Encounters with lions and snakes were a routine part of the day, so I must say the wildlife here is a little tame.”
Sarah is busy writing several books, including one about her time in Mozambique, and is also found, in her spare time, freelancing for several agricultural publications – including Dairy Farmer and Farm Business. She also edits Landworker for Unite.
“I would love to hear from any of my old friends who are Guild members,” she says. “We had a Pharo reunion the other day and that was a very special occasion. I hope to catch up with many more ‘old muckers’ soon.”
Ben Briggs
Note: Contact details for all new Members and Friends of the Guild can be found by using the website search facility to locate records in the eAlert Archive.
