Dear Member,
At the end of March, we as SSCR members raised our concerns and exchanged thoughts on the tragedy that has unfolded in Ukraine and sadly is a long way from concluding. Putin is not minded about saving Russian conscript lives or sparing the estimated 100,000 people besieged in Mariupol let alone the wider population or members of the Ukrainian armed forces. The outlook is grim. Meanwhile, farming operations try to keep going with Keith Dawson and his partners: Mark Laird, Diarmid Johnston and not forgetting Allan Scobie and thousands of Ukrainians all doing their bit to establish crops in 2022. Russian missile attacks on key infrastructure, fuel depots, bridges, and railway stations are all adding to difficulties. 39 million Ukrainians still need to be fed, so the challenges are immense.
In discussion with Gordon Rennie and with the excellent support of the James Hutton Institute we are proposing to offer SSCR members the opportunity to host a fundraising dinner for friends and family. So how might it work?
Event: You are invited to join members of the Scottish Society of Crop Research (SSCR) for a Ukraine appeal fundraising dinner to help the farming sector maintain resilience in the face of extreme adversity. Prior to the dinners, we aim to welcome a number of guest speakers willing to brief you on the latest challenges resulting from the war and appraise you of the work of SSCR and the James Hutton Institute.
Venue: James Hutton Institute canteen, Invergowrie
Caterer: Incumbent catering Contractor Baxter Storey who will lay on their Executive Chef, David Bell
Dates/Times: Either Wednesday or Thursday evenings dates to be agreed and between 1830hrs for 2130hrs.
Itinerary: The evening will start with pre-dinner drinks, a guest speaker, then dinner and depart.
The first of these events, which is planned for 16th June is already booked, so if you would like to attend or host a dinner and have a speaker in mind, please contact Archie or Joanne (joanne.russell@hutton.ac.uk)
