Celebrating in style at The Old Assembly Rooms, in Newcastle, guests included the society's longest standing member Bill Weeks who graduated from the University in 1947, as well as current members who have yet to sit their final exams.
In line with the evening’s theme of ‘keeping it in the family’ the 200 guests were treated to a meal produced by society members.
The main course was roast turkey crown, reared in Essex by Derek Kelly, who graduated from the University with a BSc Agriculture in 1950. This was served with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables grown organically on the University’s Nafferton Farm, managed by 1980s graduate Bill Taylor.
Dessert was topped with a scoop of Doddington Dairy vanilla ice cream made in Northumberland by Jackie Maxwell (BSc Agriculture, 1991) and her husband Neill (BSc Agriculture, 1985). This was followed by a selection of the dairy's cheeses made by Margaret-Ann Maxwell (BSc Agricultural Economics and Food Marketing, 1995).
Speaking at the celebration dinner, Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Brink said agriculture would continue to play an important part at Newcastle University.
“Whilst many other universities have closed their agricultural departments, here at Newcastle agriculture and food production is a key component of the University’s research strategy as we respond to the global challenge of sustainability,” he said.
published on: 9th December 2009