Event Details
Thursday 15 June 2023
9:45AM - 3:00PM
Claydon Estate, Middle Claydon,
MK18 2EX
Ticket costs £48 including VAT. Members and Guests AGM, Dinner, Drinks, Tours Included.
Enjoy a tour of Claydon Estate and hear about all the projects they have going on. Followed by a drinks reception in the beautiful walled garden and a 2 course lunch with a with Mediterranean twist. At the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Branch summer event and AGM 2023
The Claydon Estate is a family-run, modern country estate. As stewards of 5,000 acres, the Verney family is committed to producing food, looking after a diverse portfolio of properties that includes listed buildings, and responsibly managing this beautiful corner of the Buckinghamshire countryside for future generations. They take the long-term view that good stewardship requires investment, sustainable land management and building strong local relationships, underpinned by commercial decision making.
The Verneys have owned Claydon for more than 550 years, but it was not until Sir Edmund Verney moved there in 1620 that Claydon House and the Claydon Estate became the ancestral home of the Verney family. In 2014, Nicholas and Alexandra Verney took over responsibility for the estate, and are now the custodians of this historic site.
Since taking on the responsibility of the estate, they have restructured its in-hand farming enterprise and started a programme of restoration of, and investment in, Claydon Courtyard (now a hub for visitors and independent businesses). They have also established a growing calendar of events and implemented ongoing improvements to the estate’s let homes and commercial premises.
They have a clear vision for the estate, and believe they have a responsibility to bring about positive change in relation to some of the challenges being faced today and in the future.
During your visit you will get the opportunity to see the beautiful grounds and gardens that are rich in wildlife and flora and fauna. You will hear about some of the estate’s current projects, such as the creation of a 20-acre biodiversity site in partnership with Network Rail on the East-West Rail link. We will then transport you by trailer to the site of the farm’s new grain store to hear from Charlie Ireland, of Ceres Rural, who helps manage the estate’s in-hand farming operation, about how it will reduce their carbon footprint and improve efficiency. You will also get the opportunity to see some of Claydon House (managed by the National Trust) and learn more about the Verney family and their connection with Florence Nightingale. This will be followed by drinks and food in the walled garden.
PROGRAMME
09:45am Arrival at Claydon Estate for registration and refreshments
10:15am Bucks Branch AGM
10:30am Oxfordshire Branch AGM
10:40am Welcome by Nicholas Verney, Owner of Claydon Estate
10:50am Farm Tour
12.30pm Drinks reception
13:00pm Address by CLA Officer
13.30pm 2 course informal lunch
15:00pm Optional House tour or Depart
Please note, there will be an element of walking during this event as well as a tractor/trailer ride. If this is a concern then please do contact the office for advice.
Ticket costs £48 including VAT. If you have any issues booking online, please call the Southeast office on 01264 313434 and the team will be happy to assist.
Bookings close Wednesday 31st May 2023 - You can access the full invitation and agenda HERE.
Bookings for this event will open soon