The Long 'Goodbye' as Matthew Prepares to Leave Bolesworth

Many of you will know that Matthew Morris, the Bolesworth Estate Manager, is preparing to leave Cheshire for what must surely be described as one of the most prized and prestigious 'Estate' positions within the land.

Leaving our quintessentially English village to take up residence outside of Bath, Matthew will be working for 'THE' most prominent family in the country; for 'The Duchy of Cornwall' no less.

On Friday evening, the Barbour Family hosted a farewell dinner (together with DJ) for Matthew and his wife, Anna, at the Carden Suite, Carden Park, as part of the long farewell.

Matthew has been at Bolesworth for the last 26 years, the journey of which began (all those years ago) with a 'Year 10 Work Experience Placement' at the Estate. Thereafter, he studied Estate Management at The Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester and undertook varying Land Agent positions, before returning to Bolesworth. For the last 16 years at least, he has been Bolesworth Estate Manager, a period in which Bolesworth has developed an innovative range of initiatives and events.

In an emotional farewell speech, Matthew paid particular tribute to the late Anthony Barbour who had nurtured and guided Matthew in his early career and who died in 2007, and to the Barbour family, notably Diana Barbour, Nina and Cleo, who have been instrumental in driving the Estate forward.

Affection and emotion were equally apparent in Nina Barbour's speech. Littered with anecdotal quotes, it was clear the esteem in which Matthew is held by the Barbour family, and that he will be sorely missed, not only as a superb long-standing colleague, but as an established friend.

From Tattenhall Online, it goes without saying that we wish Matthew the very best in his new appointment.

Look out for Matthew sporting his 'gold jacket' at CarFest North later this month – there is still much partying ahead before his departure to the SW.