'Black farrmer' tells his story at Kingston Maurward (From Dorset Echo)
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'Black farrmer' tells his story at Kingston Maurward
10:36am Thursday 19th November 2009 in News
MORE than 200 students received an inspirational talk by the award-winning director and ‘black farmer’ Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones.
He shared his extraordinary life story with students at Kingston Maurward, charting his journey to award-winning entrepreneur, farmer, founder of ‘The Black Farmer’ food range and BBC director.
The Conservative Party candidate for Chippenham said he is passionate about vocational education following his own experiences of leaving school without qualifications.
He said: “I was also dyslexic and the traditional education system failed me.
“That’s why I’m calling for more support for colleges such as Kingston Maurward because agricultural education is so important. The most crucial thing for success is to have the courage to dream.
“You also need to have focus and the right attitude.”
Students representing animal conservation and welfare, agriculture and land-based studies packed into the college’s indoor arena to hear the talk.
Mark Hymas, animal care lecturer who organised the visit, said: “He is a fantastic role model for our students and shows them anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
He fulfilled his lifelong farming ambition when he bought a farm in Devon in 1999.
This followed a successful career as a BBC producer and director and he is credited with bringing many top chefs to the small screen.
