In the Appointments section of today's Sunday Times, The Farmers Club in Whitehall, London, is adverstising for a new Chief Executive. This makes public what insider's have known for some time - that Grieve Carson the present CE will be retiring next Spring.
He doesn't look old enough or unfit enough to retire, partly because of his regular tennis playing and members will be sad to see him leave. For in the 160 year history of the Club he has arguably been the most successful CE ever.
Under Grieve's watch the Club has grown in stature and efficiency. Even more importantly he has made it a friendly place for the 5,500 or so members and extended activities out into the area's where most of them farm. There have been receptions at shows, visits to farms and estates, participation in regional and national conferences and so on.
As someone who has endured impersonal hotels across the country and the world I know how lonely they can be. But when you stay at the Club you meet people you know, or if you don't to start with you soon do and it is a real pleasure to be there and be waited on by staff who also become friends.
The warm atmosphere in which this happens has been enhanced and developed by Grieve Carson's own friendly and approachable personality. What a pity we can't clone him or inject him with the elixir of eternal youth!