Two farm machinery enthusiasts, James Cullimore and Chris Lockwood, secured the ‘top student’ awards presented following the Guild’s new-entrant training scheme, sponsored by John Deere.
James Cullimore, aged 24, won the overall award – the John Deere plough trophy, £250 and a commemorative framed certificate – for an article on the set subject of biodiesel. He received the award from Guild chairman Joe Watson.
Having gained a degree in Agricultural Business Management at the University of Reading, James is currently working for the family-owned open farm and agricultural equipment business in Gloucestershire.
Before attending the Guild’s popular training course, James had some work experience with Farmers Weekly‘s machinery desk and freelance machinery journalist (and Guild website editor) Peter Hill. He spent his three days’ work experience on the course with Guild member Rory Day, editor of Classic Tractor magazine.
Chris Lockwood recently completed a National Diploma in Agriculture course at Otley College, Ipswich and spent his work experience with Farmers Weekly.
He is a regular contributor of sales reports and photographs to Classic Tractor and his first book, Know Your Tractors, has been published by Guild member Roger Smith of Ipswich-based Old Pond Publishing.
He received a runner’s-up framed certificate and a cheque for £50.
Articles submitted for the award were judged by David Mascord, the specialist training consultant and main course lecturer; Mail on Sunday gardening editor (and past course member) Martyn Cox; and Joe Watson, Guild chairman and agriculture editor at the Press & Journal.
This year’s work experience hosts for the 10 course members were Amateur Gardening, Classic Tractor, Farm Business /Farm Life, Farmers Guardian, Farmers Weekly Group, The Garden, Peter Hill Editorial Services, Horticulture Week, The Scottish Farmer and Tractor & Farm Trader / Tractor & Machinery.
Since the training scheme was introduced in 1991, 17 students have found employment as journalists on national farming and horticultural magazines and a number of newly-employed people have benefited from the course.
