Julie & Geoff have little interest in politics, but are absolutely committed to farming and the future of farming.
Julie is a member of Womens Food & Farming Union, and took the opportunity to speak at the 2002 AGM in London where Margaret Beckett - Secretary of State of "Defra", was main speaker, to ask Mrs Beckett a question that the minister could not answer.
Julie caught the train home from Paddington, and before she got to Swindon, Eira her sister phoned to say "Was that you?".
She knew Julie was in London that day, and had logged on to the Farmer's Weekly website where the headline read -
"Welsh woman hill farmer harangs Margaret Beckett".
Julie states, "Yes, it was me, and I have written to Mrs Beckett on several occasions since, and have received no response. Perhaps she just doesn't like my questions."
(Click on the clippings for larger, readable views)
