Trust helps Matthew’s land agency studies

Matthew Wilson

Eden farmer's son Matthew Wilson is studying for a degree in rural enterprise and land agency, thanks to help from the Dick Harrison Trust.

Matthew, aged 20, of Low Farm, Gamblesby, near Penrith, has completed the second year of his three year degree course at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire.

From the end of July this year Matthew began a year's work placement with the Buccleuch Estates, at Langholm, where he is working in the land agency department.

"During my sixth form studies at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith I took work placement with a local land agency firm and I enjoyed it. After my A levels I was able to get the place at Harper Adams to study for my degree," said Matthew. "Buccleuch Estates have residential property and farms so I will get experience of matters such as rent reviews and repairs. The estate also has shooting and fishing as well," he added.

As well as his educational qualifications, Matthew needed to have had practical experience of farming and helping out his parents James and Jean at the 200-acre Low Farm which runs a crossbred suckler herd and grows some barley and turnips stood him in good stead.

"I read about the Dick Harrison Trust in the local press and I approached Robert Addison. I then had an interview with the trustees," said Matthew. "It has been very worthwhile for me to have the help from the trust and I would recommend other students to try to get help from it."

After his final year at Harper Adams, Matthew will have another year's practical experience before he gains his membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Once qualified, he hopes to work in a small rural practice.

Outside his studies Matthew is a keen sportsman and until he began his degree course he followed the family tradition as a cricket player, being a member of the under 19s county cricket team. He now plays for Edenhall. His dad James was a keen cricketer and sisters Ruth, 18, who goes to Lancaster University in September to begin a teaching degree, and Lisa, 15 who is studying for her GCSEs at Penrith Grammar School, both play county ladies cricket.

For further information about the Dick Harrison Trust please contact the secretary Robert Addison at H&H, tel 01228 406200 or mobile 07714 215627.

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