Being there for gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies

Gamekeepers are responsible for the husbandry of both reared and wild game for sporting shooting as they have been for generations.  Today's gamekeepers are also land managers AND their skills play an ever increasingly important part in shaping the countryside in uplands and lowlands. Gamekeepers work closely with farm managers, foresters and others to ensure that shoots are economically viable, but most importantly, that they conserve game, wildlife, and their habitats.

But what about the ‘keeper who has retired, had an accident, or serious illness? Often we only consider ‘keepers when they’re providing great shooting sport. Some ‘keepers have sacrificed high salaries and pension scheme in order to pursue job satisfaction and a rural way of life.

An accident, injury or serious illness can have a devastating effect on the lives of people who work in the countryside and also their families.

Gamekeepers Welfare Trust was established in March 1992 with two main aims; 1) the relief of gamekeepers and persons of like occupation and their spouses in old age or where economic circumstances give rise to such need, and 2) to advance funds for educational purposes for the benefit of young persons who make or wish to make their living by the pursuit of Gamekeeping as a profession.

The Trust has an important role too, in assisting gamekeepers who are in difficulties and to find ways of solving problems impacting on their lives and that of their families. There are many other issues which can become overwhelming including redundancy, retirement and associated housing problems.   There is friendly, helpful support available and someone who understands which is essential in the gamekeeping world.  Of paramount importance is confidentiality and trust and time which is not measured; just there as long as needed.

The Trustees cover a wide range of interests within the rural community and are chaired by The Earl of Aylesford. BASC is represented by Walter Cole. The NGO is represented by David Clark and Ken Butler and Raymond Holt represents Scottish keepers, stalkers and ghillies. Mike Swan (GCWT), Ian Grindy, Don Ford and Lady Mary Scott complete the list and bring their own areas of expertise to the Trust.

Housing is an issue which affects most gamekeepers living in tied housing when retiring or leaving the job for various reasons.  To address this issue The ARC-Addington Fund have teamed up to provide assistance through The Keepers Key Fund. 

THE KEY FUND

For keepers, their work is a dedicated vocation and way of life.  Long hours and tied housing are necessarily a part of the package and their in retirement, or times of adversity, is seldom considered a priority. 

Falling agricultural incomes and rising property prices has frequently resulted in insufficient resources to offer housing to estate workers on retirements.  Restructuring and streamlining is not restricted to large companies and has affected all sectors of business.  Shooting, fishing and stalking is the ultimate luxury to many and therefore vulnerable to instability and uncertainty in the economy. 

This has meant that there have been many redundancies in recent years.  Inevitably those keepers and their families need homes, either temporarily or on a permanent basis when alternative employment is found.  There may be other difficulties, perhaps ill health or a family reason, when keepers need to leave their employment and therefore their home.

Gamekeeper Welfare Network and the ARC-Addington Fund teamed up to provide a unique service exclusively for gamekeepers and their families who need housing.   This has now been extended to The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust.

The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust will  provide

• A private rental database is provided which operates throughout the country.
• Support and practical help in finding a home, whether in the local community or near other friends and family.
• Practical solutions to housing problems.  This may be to help with rental costs, to install necessary equipment or any other housing need.
• Pastoral care through the difficult times being experienced.

ARC-Addington Fund
Strategic Rural Housing Scheme

This scheme is unique.  It applies to those who lose their home as a result of the loss of their livelihood.  It is applicant led and it is only when the families concerned are identified does the search for a property being.  Successful applicants are fully involved in finding the house they wish to live in as it is, after all, to be their home.  One of the main aims is to give people the opportunity to remain in their own community.

The ARC-Addington Fund will provide:-

Housing under its Strategic Rural Housing Scheme.  Houses are bought by the Fund and rented to successful applicants, with rent based on the purchase price.  Shared equity arrangements are possible, where an applicant has a financial stake in the property and rent is reduced proportionately.