Hundreds of well-wishers celebrated the life of Norfolk farmer David Richardson at a public service of thanksgiving last month.
Mr Richardson died in August. The memorial service for the veteran journalist and broadcaster brought more than 500 friends, family members and colleaguesto theRoyal Norfolk Showground on Friday, 14 November.
Some travelled more than 400 miles to attend. The scale of the gathering reflected Mr Richardson’s status as one of British agriculture’s most enduring and influential voices over a career spanning more than 60 years.
Farming champion
Officiated by the Reverend Gordon Gatward the service paid tribute to a figure widely regarded as both a champion of farming and a mentor to many in the industry. “I was honoured to take this service for David,” said Rev Gatward.
“He was not only a widely respected voice for farming in this country for 50 years, but also someone I have been able to call a friend and mentor, and for whom I have always held the greatest personal regard and affection. He will be missed.”
A 1940s Allis Chalmers tractor and a 2025 John Deere framed the stage. Photographs, recordings and broadcast clips curated by BBC Farming Today’s Anna Hill charted his decades of reporting on rural affairs and championing industry causes.
Former NFU president Minette Batters said: “Paying tribute to David is not an easy task – but I grew up with my Dad saying, ‘that David Richardson talks a lot of sense.’ He was a man who was way before his time.”
The most emotional moment came from the family. Speaking on behalf of his brother and sister, Andrew Richardson said: “The scale of support evident in the room made it all the more emotional for us.”
Donations in David Richardson’s memory remain open at ivanfisher.co.uk/davidrichardson, supporting the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association Food and Farming Discovery Trust and the Big C cancer charity.