THE
2021 GWT Young Gamekeeper of the Year has been awarded to John Tipping. The Award was presented by Sir John Scott Bt Honorary President of GWT and the charity’s Chief Executive Officer Helen MJ Benson, at Whatton
House on 6 November 2021.
The award was devised by Trustee Lady Scott, who wished to recognise the
families of gamekeepers who give so much to support shoots and estates, helping
in whatever task is required. John, aged 10, helps
his father with hatching and looking after the pheasants. However, he’s not
just hard at work behind-the-scenes and is described in his nomination as being
‘second in charge on shoot days’. John and his family live in Leicestershire
and moved shortly before the first lockdown last year. The family have
successfully navigated a new home, new shoot, new school and learning from home
- all across a difficult year.
Helen says, “Young people are
our future, and it is a real pleasure to award the hard work and enthusiasm of
those who wish to follow on in their parent’s boots”.
All in all, it’s been quite a year for the
gamekeepers in the Tipping family, with dad Matt also being in the limelight. Earlier this year, Schöffel Country launched its latest
campaign, Diary of a Gamekeeper, which celebrates and acknowledges
the practice of gamekeeping and the important role it plays in the countryside.
Providing a diary like entry, Schöffel Country follows Matt, who has been a
gamekeeper for over 30 years. The entries detail his career to date,
conservation efforts and the responsibilities he obtains whilst working at
Whatton House. The autumn edition is due for release later this month.
During
25th – 30th November inclusive, Schöffel
Country will be giving back to the community by running a promotion online with
£5 from every order being donated to the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust.
Photo: John with
GWT’s Honorary President Sir John Scott Bt, and Chief Executive Officer Helen
Benson
Photo credit: Sarah Farnsworth & Schöffel
Country
