AGRICULTURAL VALUER AND FORMER LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEER HARRY VICKERS CELEBRATES 50
YEARS OF CAAV MEMBERSHIP
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 107 th 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 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.’
