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News

Steve Caunce

The first meeting of the 2026/2027 season of the Society will be held on Wednesday 7th October 2026 at Briars Hall Hotel, Lathom, L40 5TH at 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start.

Our speaker this month is Mr Steve Caunce. Former CEO of A.O.com and current share farmer at Croston Hall.

Croston born and raised, starting with a degree in Mathematics, going on to hold roles such finance manger for Preston North End, Phones4U and onto DRL in 2005 which became A.O.com. 

Steve will be talking to us about where it all began, his journey and key lessons he learned along the way.

Categories
Members News

A Season of Change

Welcome to a new season of the Liverpool Agricultural Discussion Society!

Since the AGM back in April, there have been a few changes to the society. 
At the AGM, members voted in favour of:
Allowing “Any person actively engaged in agriculture and it’s associated industries” to be able to both Join the society as members, and attend as guests. 

These rule changes have been implemented, and an updated version of the societies rules are available on this website.

To clarify. There have been NO change to the societies dress code and NO change to the process of becoming a member. 

If you are interested in attending as a guest, feel free to get in touch!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Best regards,

The L.A.D.S Committee

Categories
News

Chris McClymont

The next meeting of the Society for the 2025/2026 season will be held on Wednesday 4th March 2026 at Briars Hall Hotel, Lathom, L40 5TH at 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start.


  This months speaker is Chris McClymont.

Chris is an agronomist working in Northumberland for Bayer and will talk about the farming and his role there.
In his spare time, he competes in running challenges, the most notable one undertaken being the Winter Spine Race. The Montane Winter Spine is widely regarded as Britain’s most brutal endurance race. It’s a non-stop, 268 mile race along the Pennine Way.
Beginning from Edale in Derbyshire, runners have a time limit of 7 days to reach the village of Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.
Competitors climb over 10,000 meters as the route crosses the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviots. Entrants experience the full intensity and ferocity of the British winter including deep snow, storm force winds and driving rain.
If this is something you are wanting to try, entry for 10th January 2027 event is fully booked. There are only 150 places and these are filled by men and women from around the world. USA, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa to name a few.
The overall course record is held by Jack Scott (GBR) 72hours, 55minutes, 5seconds
The current women’s record is held by Jasmin Paris (GBR) 83hours, 12minutes, 23seconds.
I Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday to hear how Chris juggles training for such demanding challenges with his agronomy work.

Categories
Trips

Wareing Buildings Trip

A trip has been organised to visit Wareing Buildings, Preston on Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 6:30pm, where they design and  produce steel framed buildings for the Agricultural and Industrial sectors. 

Wareing Buildings
Whinbrick Works 
Blackpool Road
Preston
PR4 2RJ

https://www.wareingbuildings.co.uk/ 

The visit will include a tour of their manufacturing facilities and heritage centre. Followed by a hotpot supper at a local venue.  If you have not already booked in and would like to attend on Wednesday 25th February 2026 for the visit, please register your attendance with the Hon Secretary by latest of Wednesday 18th February at mid day.


Categories
Members News

Mr Alan Pope

It is with great sadness to report the death of LADS member, Mr Alan Pope.
Alan’s funeral will be held on Friday 10th October 2025 at the Southport Crematorium, Southport Road, Scarisbrick, PR8 5JQ at 11am.

We offer our deepest sympathy to Alan’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Categories
Members News

Memorial Service for Mr Stephen Watson

Dear Members,

A memorial service for Mr Stephen Watson is to be held on Wednesday 21st May 2025 at Hurlston Hall, Hurlston Lane, Scarisbrick, Ormskirk, L40 8HB at 1pm.

If we receive any further information, this will be circulated. 

.

Categories
Trips

LADS Summer Trip 2025 – Cambridge

A trip has been organised for June 2025 to Cambridge. The itinerary for which can be found below.

If you are interest in attending, Please contact Mr Richard Corlett via 07704 348214.

Categories
Members News

Simon Clarke

The 97th Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 at Briars Hall Hotel, Lathom, L40 5TH at 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start.

A last minute change of speaker for the April AGM, Mr Ryder is no longer speaking and Mr Simon Clarke of Rea Valley Tractors has kindly agreed to step in last minute to speak.

https://reavalleytractors.com/

Categories
Members News

Jane Daniels

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 5th March 2025 at Briars Hall Hotel, Lathom, L40 5TH at 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start.


The speaker is Jane Daniels. Winner of the Dakar Rally 2024, four time world endurance champion and Endurance racer for Fantic Racing.

https://fantic.com/ii-en/index


If you are bringing a guest, please remind them of the appropriate attire, that being jackets, shirt and tie.

Guests are asked to join the Society formally as a member after attendance to 3 members’ meetings.

Categories
Members News

Mr Stephen Watson

It is with great sadness to report that Mr Stephen Watson, LADS Committee member sadly passed away on Sunday 9th February 2025.

Mr Watson has been a long running member and committee member of LADS, and well known and respected in the North West for over 30 years. We offer our deepest sympathy to Mr Watson’s family and friends during this difficult time.
  Mr Watson’s funeral is to be a private ceremony held in Boston, for Family only. There will be a memorial service held in the North West at another time, with details to follow.

If you would like to send a personal card, please contact the Hon Secretary for address details.