Harry Vickers BSc FRICS FAAV, former director of Tow Law Auction Mart and TH Vickers Chartered Surveyors and now a consultant with Vickers & Barrass, one of the North East’s leading rural chartered surveyors and estate agents, has been recognised as a member of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) for half a century – and he is not out yet!
Harry received his 50 year membership certificate to mark this significant milestone which was celebrated at the 107th annual general meeting of the Northumbria & Cumbria Branch of CAAV.
He revealed that he has been involved with CAAV for rather more than half a century. ‘I was a probationer member first of all before I became a full member in 1974’, he said. ‘I have never looked for any special favour or reward, but I am grateful and it is nice to be recognised. Central Association has been a great support throughout my career’.
After joking that there had not been any cash in the envelope with his certificate, he told fellow members about his life over the 56 years this July since he left the College of Estate Management in Kensington. In his first job in Lincolnshire, he was paid 12 guineas a week before landing a job as an auctioneer. After leaving Lincolnshire he spent two and a half years in Yorkshire before moving to Tow Law, Bishop Auckland where three generations of his farming family had run the auction mart.
‘At the age of 25 I was in charge of what was to become over the next 30 years a busy and prosperous provincial market,’ he said. ‘Some people have asked me why I chose to work out of Tow Law for most of my life? I know it’s not the Riviera of the North East but it’s been good to me and never once have I thought that I would have been better off working elsewhere’.
‘I have been lucky to be able to work outside for much of the time. To be amongst cattle and sheep, and to mix with and work for farmers, landowners and countrymen has just been a privilege’.
‘I’ve had a good life. I’m thankful that I’m still able to go to work. I’m also grateful to those who have helped me along the way – the team at the auction mart, my professional colleagues and the office staff at Vickers & Barrass.’
Vickers & Barrass director Holly Stafford is vice chairman of the Northumbria and Cumbria Branch of the CAAV and will become chairman next year.
Holly said: ‘We are celebrating a remarkable milestone in the career of our very own Harry Vickers. For over half a century, Harry has been a dedicated member of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), contributing his expertise and passion to the field of rural property and agriculture.
‘Throughout these seven decades, Harry’s commitment, knowledge, and unwavering dedication have left a firm mark on our industry. His wisdom and experience have been invaluable to our team and countless clients. Here’s to many more years of success, Harry.’
