NFU member wins new unsung hero award
Pictured from left to right are: NFU Group Secretary Joe Buxton, NFU East Norfolk Chair and Ken Leggett Award winner Bob Clabon, NFU Group Secretaries James Taylor and Becky Collen.
A tireless Norfolk farming champion has won a new award which has been established to honour unsung heroes of the industry.
Bob Clabon is the first recipient of the Ken Leggett Norfolk NFU Cup.
Bob, who farms near North Walsham and is coming to the end of his fifth year as NFU East Norfolk branch chair, received the cup and a cheque for £250 at the NFU Norfolk AGM.
He was nominated for the award, which is sponsored by Norfolk Farmers Trust, by NFU East Norfolk Group Secretaries James Taylor, Becky Collen and Joe Buxton.
“Bob’s kind and thoughtful manner along with his knowledge and professionalism has not only led to greater member engagement but increased the level of support the branch provides to its members – particularly through a time of such terrible uncertainty.”
NFU East Norfolk Group Secretary James Taylor
James said: “Bob’s support has been invaluable to the East Norfolk branch and its members.
“Attending county meetings, supporting MP meetings and hosting branch meetings, often with support from his wife Rachel, brother Pip and son Sam, Bob has been there whenever needed.
“Challenges such as flooding, water abstraction, politics, access to labour and inheritance tax have all been areas of member concern that Bob has been party to.
“Bob’s kind and thoughtful manner along with his knowledge and professionalism has not only led to greater member engagement but increased the level of support the branch provides to its members – particularly through a time of such terrible uncertainty.”
Bob was presented with the trophy and a cheque for £250 by Ken Leggett, a former NFU county secretary, and one of Norfolk’s most prominent promoters of farming and the countryside.
Bob said: “It was a complete shock to win this award but a big honour – it is nice to get this recognition.”
