The society is run by a committee of volunteers, both elected and co-opted. As well as day to day running of the Society the committee organise the annual Show, training and meetings and produce the monthly Newsletter....amongst other things. Below you will find a bit about the current committee members and some very nice photos of the ugly bunch!

Dick Plumb. Society Chairman.

Dick & Julie Plumb have run their 7 acre smallholding for just over 20 years, with pedigree Texel sheep producing breeding stock for sale, meat (and wool). An acre of woodland planted in1988 (and about a mile of hedge) yields wood for heating, and has just started to provide timber for woodturning and furniture. Julie keeps the household in fresh vegetables, a wide range of fruit is grown, and chickens for eggs are new this year. In his “spare time” Dick is a Chartered Electrical Engineer, and Julie a Vet.

Jackie Nayler. Treasurer.

John and I moved to 13 acres of woodland along with our 6 chickens some eight years ago. Having space and no neighbours our livestock increases on an annual basis. In a woodland setting we have just discovered the delights of pig keeping, both for us and for them. We also breed turkeys and chickens for eggs and meat. A lifestyle second to none - we love it!

Jo Calver. Hon. Secretary

I was born on a dairy farm and had ponies and sheep of my own. Was a veterinary nurse for 10 years and then became a college lecturer in Animal Health. Now work as a Dyslexia tutor in a university. I have been out of the county but have come back to live in a cottage that has 1/2 acre. I grow vegetables in raised beds and fruit. I have a dog, 2 cats and chickens that I breed to eat.

Tim Freathy. Committee Chairman.

Tim and his family have a 6 acre holding, near Bury St Edmunds. Our passion is growing things and we started by planting an orchard and creating a large kitchen garden. Excess produce is sold at local farmers markets. We also now grow animals too and keep geese and hens for eggs and meat, turkeys for Christmas, sheep for lamb and in the summer we fatten pigs for pork

Frances Stearman.

I moved to Suffolk from Twickenham 3 years ago with my husband Martin, leaving our 4 grown-up daughters behind, and our grandchildren. We wanted a retirement project which was to take care of an ancient farmhouse and to improve some land by making use of it. We keep Hebridean sheep on our meadows, grow vegetables and fruit, and chickens. Next spring I am starting with bees. After 3 years we still feel like beginners, there is so much to learn!