Chair’s Welcome

Graham Ward OBE

This is the first time the Y&H RAF has had an independent website, which should be of use and interest to members and non members alike.

Turning to the Forum itself; firstly, thanks to John Napier, the previous Chair, and his team for all the sterling work that has gone into the creation of the Yorkshire and The Humber Rural Framework. Having been involved with some of the ‘task and finish’ groups and consultations I see this as a triumph for all involved.

As a Forum it is our job to assist with the delivery of this Framework by expressing the views of rural ‘customers’; I shall be spending time with you to enable the Forum to do just that. Remember, the Forum, through me, has direct feedback to a Defra minister, which must be one of the most direct routes to Government of any organisation.

I believe that in order to gain successes we might have to confine ourselves to a number of themes where we can make a difference. Our starting point must be the ten rural priorities as set out in the Rural Framework: business, skills, market towns, tourism - all to do with income generation so vital to a vibrant community; services, transport, housing and communities - where we need to ensure support for those missing out for some reason on the income and social inclusion of a strong community; landscape and environment - the places where we live. I am reasonably informed, coming from a growing background, on the business/food and the landscape and I also do quite a bit in my own parish, but for other areas I rely on your expertise and a rapid learning curve.

I look forward to our work together.