A few words from our new Chairman

I was honoured when asked if my name could be put forward as a candidate to follow Brian Ingram as Chairman of the New Forest CDA.  I recognise the fundamental importance of Commoning to the future of the New Forest and the vital part it has played in the Forest being as it is today.

We have had a home in the New Forest for 25 years and have been rearing cattle, sheep and pigs on our smallholding in Sway for the last 12 years and Commoning, albeit in a very small way, for the last seven.

After living and working on a farm in Devon, I studied Agricultural Science at University where I met my wife Maggie on the same course.  Having completed a PhD, I joined Shell and we lived and worked in various parts of the world for the next 30 years.

Clearly my own knowledge and understanding of Commoning is limited, but I know I can count on the enormous amount of expertise amongst the membership and the Committee to ensure that Commoning and the Commoners Defence Association continues to thrive in the face of the challenges that the future will inevitably bring.

And there are those who have said that coming to the role without a lot of preconceived ideas might be an advantage!

I look forward to meeting you all.

Graham Ferris

June 2009