Our Patron
Bishop of Brixworth appointed Patron of Marshal Papworth fund
The Right Reverend John Holbrook, who was installed as Bishop of Brixworth, Northamptonshire on 29th June 2011, has been appointed as patron of the Marshal Papworth Fund, a charitable fund which aims to educate agricultural and horticultural students from developing countries at UK colleges and universities.
Formed in 2001, the Marshal Papworth Fund runs UK-based scholarship and short course programmes from funds bequeathed by Huntingdonshire farmer Marshal Papworth. The fund is wholly managed by the East of England Agricultural Society.
Through its scholarship programmes the fund develops life changing, land-based skills, enabling students, from developing countries to facilitate sustainable farming within their own communities.
Tom Arthey, Marshal Papworth Fund chairman, said: “We are thrilled that Bishop John becomes the Fund’s new patron. We look forward to working closely with him to identify and nurture potential partners, sponsors and advocates to help us secure the fund’s future and enable many more agricultural students from developing countries to benefit from our scholarships.”
Since the formation of the Marshal Papworth Fund, 23 years ago, the charity has helped more than 261 students from developing countries to achieve their dreams and help their home communities. To sustain its programme and make it possible for many more students from around the world to benefit from the education it provides, the fund relies on donations.
Bishop John said: “I have long admired the East of England Agricultural Society, so when I was asked to help support the great work that the charity undertakes I was only too pleased. This investment in worldwide farming expertise and practice is so worthwhile and makes such a difference to students and their communities.”
