Huddersfield Senior Group Secretary Robert Nobles and Halifax Group Secretary Helen Fletcher both retired at the end of May.
Robert returns to farming
Robert started with the NFU in December 1991, as assistant to then-Senior Group Secretary Tim Coy. He was seconded to the Sheffield agency for 12 months in 1997, before returning to the Almondbury, Holmfirth, Huddersfield and Saddleworth branches. He became Senior Group Secretary when Tim retired in 2010.
Robert said: “I have been fortunate to have some great partners in my career. Tim for nearly 20 years followed by Matthew Gummerson for the past 15 years and more latterly Joel Long who joined us last year. I’ve enjoyed working with them all, which has made it all the more worthwhile and enjoyable.
Robert, who estimates he’s attended over 1,000 branch meetings during his career, says his favourite part of the role was his interactions with members. He said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to be able to do what I’ve done – building the relationships and being able to be part of and help the farming community. It’s been an amazing role.
“Thank you to members for their loyalty, support and friendship over the years. I would also like to extend a massive thank you to our team for their support. I’ve had the benefit of a very loyal and solid team of staff over the years, who have helped us to get to where we are.”
But Robert has no intention of slowing down after retirement – he will keep his connection to the office, initially remaining in the business for one day a week to help the transition and share his vast knowledge with team members.
Robert is also returning to his first love – farming.
Robert said: “I’m going back to being a full-time farmer on my livestock farm near Holmfirth. I’ve farmed throughout my career, and it’s always been my intention to go back to farming. I might be stepping down from this role, but I’m not disappearing from the farming community.”
Following Robert’s retirement, Matthew Gummerson will take over the role of Huddersfield Senior Group Secretary, along with partner Joel Long.
Helen's dream job
Helen Fletcher started with the NFU in Wetherby in June 1992.
Four years later, Helen moved to NFU Halifax and in 2000, inherited Dewsbury and District following then-Group Secretary Brian Barber’s retirement.
Helen says it is the variety of the role and the social interaction that she will miss.
Helen said: “I can clearly state that after almost 34 years, the NFU Group Secretary and NFU Mutual Agent role has certainly been my dream job. I’ve enjoyed meeting customers and seeing their businesses grow, and, over the years, becoming friends. I’ve seen the younger generation grow and develop within the farm businesses."
During her time in post, Helen and her team have supported members through challenging and changing times. She said: “It has been difficult at times, such as during Foot and Mouth and TB – we did what we could to help members.
“A big thank you to members for their loyalty over the years. We have shared many ups and some downs, and I hope I have supported them as much as they have supported me over the years.
“I am grateful to them all for entrusting us with their business in our agency and, most of all, the friendship they have shown me over the 30 years within the Halifax and Dewsbury and District NFU area.
“Thank you also to our team past and present for their support; Jayne, Caitlin, Sophie, Tracey, Beth and of course, my business partner and friend Emily, and to my NFU and NFU Mutual colleagues who, over the years, have supported us in the agency.”
Helen will initially remain in the office part-time until July, after that Helen plans to spend time with her family, go on holidays, and spend more time with her beloved horses.
Following Helen’s retirement, Emily Mitchell will take over the role of Halifax Group Secretary.
