A BEEF farmer from Dorset has the chance to contribute to campaigning and fundraising work with the Countryside Alliance.

Richard Fry was elected unopposed to the group’s board. The Countryside Alliance board comprises both elected and unelected members and is chaired by MP Simon Hart.

It meets on a regular basis to direct the activities and agree the policies of the organisation. With more than 100,000 members, since its formation in 1997 the Countryside Alliance has become one of the country’s leading campaigning organisations.

Richard is a subscriber to the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt and hunts on a regular basis. 
He previously hunted with the Cattistock Hunt and has hunted continuously for more than 30 years along with his wife and four children. 

As well as hunting Richard stalks in Scotland and ran a pheasant shoot on his Dorset land. 

He farms 400 acres, mainly beef cattle. Part of the farm is organic and entered into the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. 

He is involved in National Hunt racing as a Director of Harry Fry Racing Ltd and owner of racehorses under rules and point-to-point racing. Richard is also the owner of several eventers ridden by daughter Rosie Fry.

Also a member of the CLA and GWCT amongst other organisations, Richard has been Chairman of the Dorset and South West Wilts Committee since 2010 but has been involved with the Alliance for more than 20 years. 

He is a trustee of The Countryside Alliance Foundation, the Alliance’s charity which runs the Fishing 4 Schools and Casting for Recovery projects. 

As chairman of the CA Point to Point at Badbury Rings for several years he raised an average of £20,000 each year. 

Richard has also helped raise significant funds for the Alliance by chairing the committees for the Present Finder Ball and Minterne Midsummer Blast. 

In 2014 Richard was awarded the Goodson Wickes Trophy for services to the Countryside Alliance. 

His election to the board came after a membership ballot.

The Countryside Alliance’s annual general meeting takes place on October 18 at the Union Jack Club in London.