Lifetime Fellowships presented to NPA veterans
18th Mar 2024 / By Alistair Driver
Two NPA stalwarts of many years, Sally Stockings and Sam Godfrey, have been presented with Lifetime Fellowships of the organisation in recognition of their outstanding service.
They were among a number of high-profile industry figures to stand down from the Pig Industry Group (PIG) before the latest election.
Sally and Sam received their Fellowships from NPA chair Rob Mutimer and NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson at a dinner in London last week, following the first meeting of the new PIG.
Sally has served on PIG and the NPA Producer Group for 12 years, while Sam has served 15 years on the two groups.
The NPA’s Board and PIG voted unanimously to award them Fellowships in recognition of their ‘exceptional service to the NPA and the UK pig industry’. Sally’s citation highlighted her ‘exemplary support, commitment and passion for the sector, and its future generations’.
Sam’s citation said his ‘support, commitment and passion for the sector, especially regarding environmental issues, has been exemplary, and in many cases, fundamental’.
A further NPA veteran of many years, Howard Revell, was unable to attend but will receive a Lifetime Fellowship at the British Pig & Poultry Fair in Birmingham in May.
There was a presentation for another NPA veteran, who has stepped down from the PIG and the Board. Hugh Crabtree was the NPA’s first vice-chair when it was established in 1999 and he chaired the NPA’s Allied Industry Group for many years before, once again, taking on the role of vice-chair three years ago, after the successful merger of the AIG and PG to form the PIG.
Already a Lifetime Fellow of the NPA since its 20th anniversary celebration in 2019, Hugh received the traditional glass pig.
Rob said: “Hugh has been the most fantastic chair and support to me. We did not agree on everything, but he has always challenged us in a unique way and has been an incredible asset to have.”
Ceva’s Eduardo Velazquez also received a glass pig on the night in recognition of his three years of service, while producers Andrew Freemantle, Sophie Hope and Sofina-Karro’s Steve Urwin were thanked for their stints on PIG and PG, in their absence. They will all receive a glass pig.
Departing AHDB Pork Sector chair Mike Sheldon, a regular attendee of PIG, received a bottle of wine as thanks for his contribution, while Tom Bradshaw, who will continue to sit on the NPA Board, was congratulated on his election as NFU president.