2 Minute Read
By Mike Swan (GWCT Senior Advisor) written for the Shooting Times
Plug “2022 year of..” into your search engine, and you will likely come up with tiger, Chinese zodiac, ox and dog, but I wonder how many Shooting Times readers realise that 2022 is also the year of the gamekeeper? It is also a celebration of 30 years of the Gamekeepers Welfare Trust. As a founding trustee, this little cause is very close to my heart. Helen Benson, GWT chief executive, and her team of helpers have done a tremendous job through two years of pandemic supporting gamekeepers and their families through one of the most difficult times in our wonderful sport’s history.
And then, just as we began to see some light at the end of the tunnel, a new crisis over supply of birds has struck. Who would have thought two years ago that a wildlife disease and its effects, rather than a human one would be at the top of our minds?
So, if you are in the profession, please, please remember that GWT is there to talk to in times of difficulty or worry, and please remind any gamekeeper, gilly or water keeper friends that GWT is there for all who need help; there is no need to be a member of any organisation.
Also, in this special year, please do think about supporting GWT. This small charity really does punch far above its weight, and any donation that you can make, or fund raising event that you can organise will be very gratefully received.
Donate or start a fundraiser here.