Meet the ERHH Trustees

Richard Webber
Chair of Trustees

I’m an Exmoor farmer and local businessman who has lived in the community all my life.

The committee and I set up the health hub because we recognised a need for health checks for farmers on Exmoor, many of whom would soldier on with problems instead of going to a doctor because it didn’t fit with their busy schedules. Bringing the health hub to the market has made it local and convenient and has provided access to healthcare that wasn’t previously available.

At Shearwell Data we deal with a lot of the local farmers and we have supported the project from inception. I’m proud to be the chairman for this important project.

Olivia Winterton DL
Secretary

I was asked if I would set up the Exmoor Rural Health Hub as a charity in 2020.

The NHS were looking at ways to bring healthcare to the farming community in the remoter villages in West Somerset. Farmers are well known for putting their animals’ welfare ahead of their own, and I could see that having a drop-in clinic at our local livestock market could radically increase the chances of farmers seeking medical advice and health screening while attending the market for business.

I have lived just ‘off’ Exmoor since 1995, not originally from a farming background but happiest living in the countryside. I work locally and advocate for charities trying to improve mental and physical health.

Peter Delbridge

I am a well-established Exmoor Sheep Farmer living on the southern edge of the moor, with my wife Carol and daughter Katie, and I use the market at Cutcombe regularly. I have been a Non-Executive Director of Mole Valley Farmers (MVF) since 2008, and am currently the National Chair of the NSA Nation Sheep Association (NSA). Back in time I was Chairman of both Anstey YFC and South Molton Sheep Group.

When not farming I enjoy spending time with my other daughter Charlotte and the two grandsons, watching rugby at South Molton or Exeter Chiefs, the very odd social game of golf with old team mates, and an occasional day’s shooting with friends and neighbours.

Julie Pearce

I have been a Trustee of the Exmoor Rural Health Hub since its inception and it has been a real pleasure to be able to help bring this project to fruition. I am Commercial Sales Director for Shearwell Data Ltd, a farmer, with a farm and family-owned business on the Somerset Levels. I have always worked in the commercial agricultural space and having been brought up on a farm I understand the challenges of managing a balanced and healthy work/life. All too often, farmers tend to ignore their own health issues and visits to the Doctor can be a challenge with busy farming schedules. These free, no appointment drop-in sessions are a great way for farmers to get a health check.

We need our farmers to be happy and healthy, as they perform such a vital role in safe-guarding our food supply and managing the countryside. So this health hub resource at the market is pivotal to ensuring people can access health and well-being support – something I am very passionate about.

Iona Leckie

I’m a local who has worked at Shearwell Data for 7 years and been a ‘Young Farmer’ for 10. I’m really proud of my local community and love being part of something that can help support it. My work within the agricultural setting has shown me the ups and downs of rural life, and I think any resource that can help make things easier is invaluable. I hope to be able to promote the charity, especially to the younger generation coming through, so that everyone knows about this essential service.