Abigail Angrave, an agriculture student at University Centre Somerset (UCS), has won the inaugural Jeremy Walker Scholarship from The Bridgwater Agricultural Society (BAS).
Abigail, from Taunton, works as a calf rearer alongside studying an Agricultural Management degree at the UCS Cannington campus. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in agricultural consultancy.
The scholarship is in memory of Jeremy Walker, a Somerset farmer, former agriculture lecturer and an active director of BAS who sadly passed away in 2023. Applicants wrote a 300-word response to ‘Why did you choose to study your course and how does it fit with your career aspirations and goals?’. Abigail was one of four students shortlisted and interviewed by the BAS board, and was delighted to be chosen as the winner.
She said,
“I have learnt a lot about Jeremy since receiving the award and I know he was a much-loved character. I’m grateful that the £1,000 scholarship allows me to work less and concentrate on my studies during the final year of my degree. The award was presented to me at the BAS annual social, where I got to meet many farmers from my local area and make some great contacts."
Dan Rood, Agricultural Management Course Leader at UCS, said,
“We are delighted to see Abigail receive the inaugural Jeremy Walker Scholarship. Jeremy was a highly respected colleague, and it is fitting that such an outstanding individual has been chosen as the first recipient.
Abigail has consistently excelled as a model student throughout her time at Cannington and is poised for a bright future contributing to the development of the agricultural industry.
We sincerely thank the Bridgwater Agricultural Society for their invaluable support, not only through their financial contribution but also for the significant time and expertise dedicated to this process and to our students.”
Find out more about studying Agricultural Management at UCS Foundation Degree and Top-up year here.