Ray Broadsmith, of Lymm local dairy G P Broadsmith & Son, has been named as the recipient of the National Farming Union’s Community Farming Hero Award for Warrington South.
The Community Farming Hero Award was launched by the NFU this year to recognise British farmers who have gone above and beyond in their local community. Warrington South MP Andy Carter nominated Ray and was on hand to present him with his award, in recognition for over 40 years of service to the people of Lymm.
G P Broadsmith & Son was started in 1932 and since then has been supplying the Lymm community with milk and support in a whole host of other areas. Founded by Ray’s grandfather R B Broadsmith, the farm spans four generations and is still going strong.
Over a period of more than 40 years, Ray has worked tirelessly to support the annual Lymm May Queen Festival as a member of the planning committee, attending regular meetings all year round. His generosity is exemplified by giving up room on his farm to allow for storage of equipment used in the festival, clearing out the cattle sheds to provide space for the procession floats to be dressed, as well as providing tractors and trailers for the procession. Ray similarly supports the nearby Thelwall Rose Queen by providing tractors, trailers and drivers for their procession.
Throughout the pandemic, Ray’s milk retailing business also proved invaluable to the Lymm community. His farm prioritised deliveries to the elderly, vulnerable and key workers to help get them through lockdown when there were shortages on supermarket shelves. Ray’s charitable nature is further demonstrated by his position as a trustee on Lymm Clothing Charity and his regular donations of farm produce to local charitable events, including local schools and other organisations.
Presenting Ray with his award, Andy Carter MP said: “Farmers are the backbone of rural communities, yet too often they don’t seem to get the recognition they deserve. So when the NFU contacted me to announce the launch of this new award, Ray immediately came to mind.
“This is about recognising those charitable famers who have supported their community in hard times and provided services beyond just farming to the community. Few people in this industry epitomise that more than Ray. I’ve known him a long time now and I can safely say he has gone above and beyond for the people of Lymm as well as nearby areas in Warrington. He and his family should be very proud of their achievements.”
