Rest In Peace Henry (Lord Henry Plum)

Rest In Peace Henry (Lord Henry Plum)

"Charles Henry Plumb, Baron Plumb, DL (27 March 1925 – 15 April 2022) was a British politician and farmer who went into politics as a leader of the National Farmers' Union. He later became active in the Conservative Party and was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP)."

Last night, I sat down to complete a letter that I had started to write some time ago now to a man who had quite an affect on me in my life.

I know him as Henry, our meeting at an agricultural event at which time we struck up conversation, one of many that were to follow.

Involved in assisting the farming and landowning community to cope with the ravages of salmonella, e-coli and foot & mouth, each coming one after the other, my role was to assist in the area of diversification.

With many land agents and agencies suggesting that farmers 'Diversify' (being the buzz word, I was instinctively aware 'from personal experience' that farmers and landowners were not best equipped for business, marketing and dealing with people.

For generations farming had been a way of life, families worked in worlds of their own made up of family and direct community.

Marketing was done at market or by way of an honesty box outside for the sale of eggs and the brown envelope hit the mat in the form of subsidies - payment from the government who paid Farmers based on how much land they farmed.

The thought of dealing with ‘outsider's’ in the form of the public filled many with dread.

Milk quota, "introduced on 2nd April 1984, following years of significant overproduction of milk and milk products (such as skimmed milk powder and butter), the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) introduced milk quotas in the European Union."

"Milk quotas were originally introduced for five years, but the expiry date has been put back several times. The final date was decided in the 2003 CAP reform, and reconfirmed in 2008 with concrete steps to provide a "soft landing" by the end of March 2015." NFU

Quota was traded, something not considered as an option by those setting it up, none-the-less, farmers did well on this (as did the agents selling it) until they were phased out.

CAP reform was coming and farmers/landowners needed to shape up and move with the times.

During these times the countryside saw changes that had not been seen for the fast 50 years and those changes meant that many needed to embrace those changes or they would fall by the wayside, which many did.

Coming from a farming background ‘on my mothers side of the family’, as well as attending a leading agricultural school, complete with its own farm, I had an instinctive eye for the changes at hand and those that needed to come.

In my early employment, eager to learn from the best teacher of all, the University of Life, entering into employment, I took roles in sales and marketing.

Good with people, I honed my skills in sales and made it my quest to learn all that I could from those I worked for (and with) in as many areas of business as possible.

In 1999, seeing the devastation unfolding in relation to my beloved countryside, and its people, having money in the bank from a house sale, I used this money to set up one of the first food groups in the country.

This was self funded and managed, made a huge difference - and on the long run, cost me a great deal because it made no money.

Much 'interest' was shown in supporting me in my endeavour, little came - there was much distrust and expectation of others providing the support needed in the way that the subsidy check always had.

Not many people like getting involved at conception stage or in the early development - we only have to look around today to see the fruits of seeds planted by those who do.

It was during this time that I got involved with many organisations that assisted farmers and landowners such as the CLA (Country Landowners association), NFU (National Farmers Union), CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England) and many others.

Henry, Lord Plum, as a farmer himself, was the president of RABI and was a stalwart supporter of the agricultural world of which he was an integral part.

I admired Henry’s character and determination to do all he could to add his contribution to what he believed needed to be done in relation to farming, especially so, the influence the European Union had upon it.

I recall us conversing one day when he said:

“You don’t think much to the euro do you? Give me a few hours of your time and I will change your mind.”

I replied:

“No, I don’t! Give me a few hours of your time and I may just change yours.”

He smiled, doing so in a way that he ever did when we talked and debated, he always gave the opportunity for debate.

I was ever able to share my point of view – as 'was' and 'did' he.

He was a plain speaking man - it was this I liked most about Henry; he liked to look at all sides before coming to a conclusion, as do I.

Assisting farmers to diversify into producing and marketing their own premium and specialised artisan products, much support was offered, to include making, packaging and marketing skills, as well as showcasing their produce.

Time was spent in the corridors of Westminster where I sat on the South East Rural Affairs Forum for three years Chaired by the late Lord Selbourn, I also attended debates and remember reading a poem to Henry just prior to him going into a debate in the chambers, one that I had written about a Bee which related to following our natural instincts.

"You did that on purpose," he said.

I agreed, saying: "You can go into chambers and I cannot, this way I come in with you.

Please say what you know needs to be said."

There is no doubt that he did!

I ran shows and events, and for three years running, held a Harvest Banquet that showcased local, seasonal, fresh and tasty produce.

Along with Robin Page, Henry kindly agreed to speak at one of the Harvest Banquet’s.

I recall that night well, Robin Page had a dig at Henry, about which he was dignified in his not responding aloud, even though he was furious at the comment, which was meant to provoke and aggravate, he wrote a note to me passing it across the table to share his annoyance.

Writing on the reverse of his note, passing it back, he read this:

'Remember Henry, I speak last, I have got your back.'

Standing up I spoke of the importance of supporting one another, how the countryside ‘and its people’ were having hard time enough, that we were not to add to it but rather work at alleviating it - we needed to work together.

I spoke of collaboration being the key.

It has been on my mind to write to Henry for sometime to ask him a question that had bugged me for years.

He rang me one day and apologised to me for not helping me in the way that he felt that I deserved to be helped.

The night of the banquet mentioned above, as was shared in a letter that I wrote to Henry afterwards, I highlighted within the letter how much money had been raised for the two charities chosen for the night.

Those two charities were World Cancer research and RABI – The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, an organisation that helps farming people with compassion and discretion in times of need.

Setting up and running this group made a difference, it gave me an opportunity to give at a time when the help that the group offered was much needed, I also learnt a lot.

It was a huge learning curve and it had everything that I had to give in time and money and so much more besides.

Yes, I could have used more help, which is why I wanted to ask Henry why he had made the comment, and yet, not done more.

Was there more I needed to learn?

I can no longer send my letter to ask him why he took the time to call me and say what he did, and yet, didn’t help more.

In learning of his passing, I am instead to treasure the help he did give and remain ever grateful for that.

As well, I know myself to be richer from the experience, meeting Henry is a part of that.

Rest in Peace Henry, I am sure you would ask why others didn't and don't do more.

As your obituary highlights, overall, you certainly did your bit!

It is a letter written to me by Henry after the Banquet that holds a golden nugget in answer to my question. In his letter he was saddened by the comments of Robin Page and showed his own wondering what it would take to get people to do more, as well as appreciate what we have done.

He spoke of the knocks one has to deal with from which I deduced that he was hurt by the comments.

We can be man or woman, young or old, member of the public, politition or royalty, just as we have our times of feeling unbreakable and enjoying great victories, just as we all have our times of doubt and disappointment.

Sometimes people help us - sometimes we must go it alone.

Henry may have had his moments, as we all do, he never let it get in his way of doing what was his to be done.

With his help, as he had suggested he could have given more, neither have I!

He will be greatly missed in person and held dear in spirit!

Image from Harvest Banquet, Wyck Hill House Hotel, Friday 25th October 2002

Article – ? Susanne Austin, 6th May 2022 (note: all text written by Susanne personally unless lines or sections are stated as quoted text).

Susanne Rachel Austin writes on Personal and Environmental Wellbeing… 'Healthy People – ‘Healthy Environment’ - covering natural health and wellbeing, eco-build, sustainable, green and 'one planet' living as a business and daily lifestyle choice for all. Susanne is also the author of a daily ‘True Life Wisdom Of The Day’ shared upon several social media channels and is currently in the process of writing a book and putting together a series or workshops. Speaking engagements are also woven into these plans. Susanne’s new website is germinating 'Quite Naturally' in-line with this creative process and will be launched as and when complete. She may be contacted through this post or via her e-mail: [email protected]