Endorsements
H J FAIRS COMMENTS
One of the greatest and most regrettable changes I have witnessed in the business of farming over the last forty years has been the disappearance of personal service and the opportunity to talk to the people who can make instant decisions. Computer systems have some benefits but how frustrating it is to dial a number and an automated voice asks you to press a series of buttons. If you are lucky enough to avoid the usual ‘all our advisors are busy’ signal you may get through to an actual living person, but often one who regards you as another number in a sea of computer records.
How lucky we are to be able to ring 01787 227654 and hear that happy voice proclaim ‘Church of Bures’. Next minute you are through to decision makers who still have a couple of minutes to talk about the state of the world before realistically discussing crop prospects and prices. Since those heady farming days of the sixties when the public valued local food and local growers, we have lost a lot of genuine friends from our industry. On many occasions a chat and a handshake formed the contract. Since then legislation and sharp practice has made life difficult for merchants and farmers alike and many have found the strain too great.
Church of Bures has survived by streamlining and diversifying without losing that personal touch. Big enough to compete yet small enough to care has been their philosophy and farmers should value that ethos. Few industries can talk to their trading contacts and know that they will do their utmost to give a fair deal. Long live Church’s!
Peter Fairs
H J Fairs & Son, Warrens Farm, Great Tey, Colchester, Essex CO6 1GA
Scott Norris comments
A visit to the period offices of W A Church in Bures Ltd High Street is recommended.
The solid oak door leads to a wooden staircase worn by generations of seedmen. The welcome is genuine and warm, giving the opportunity for a considered and informed discussion on the markets of the day.
The strong feeling of tradition here is in contrast to the modern facilities out of town at the High Fen store. Here the latest technology is employed for the efficient processing of a range of seeds and crops.
Family farms have always appreciated the opportunity to trade with family run supply businesses. It is no accident that W A Church (Bures) Ltd has supplied farms and the trade for over 100 years. Their hard earned reputation has been maintained through the delivery of quality products, combined with excellent service and sound advice.
Long may it continue!
Scott Norris
W.H Norris & Sons
www.norrisfarm.co.uk
There is a seed merchant named Church
Who never leaves farms in the lurch
Good Service and seed
Is all that you need
So why bother continue the search?