Sara Bennison named latest Fellow of The Prince’s Countryside Fund

The PCF could not carry out its work helping farming and rural communities without the extraordinary and dedicated work of those who believe so strongly in their values and aims. The PCF Board of Trustees introduced a Fellowship of the Fund as a way of acknowledging their appreciation of those who have generously contributed time and energy to advance the PCF’s work.

Sara Bennison first joined the PCF as a Trustee in 2011 whilst in her role of CMO at Barclays. Through this Sara was hugely influential in developing the PCF’s cause related marketing model that set the charity off to such a flying start. Over the years, Sara has benefitted the charity through her extensive knowledge of branding and marketing, most recently supporting the PCF in their 2021 rebrand.

Throughout her time as a Trustee Sara was heavily involved in the PCF’s grant programme, donating a huge amount of her time in assessing hundreds of grant applications and bringing a wealth of expertise professionally around good governance but also personally through her own experience of living in rural Wales. Since stepping down as a Trustee, Sara has kindly agreed to continue to sit on the PCF’s Grant Sub-Committee as an Ex Officio member.

On receiving her Fellowship Sara Bennison said: “I’m very touched and honoured to join this special group of Fellows with whom I have enjoyed working hugely over the last decade. The work of the PCF really matters as we all depend in ways which can often be underestimated on thriving rural communities and the people who create them deserve proper thanks and support.”

Heather Hancock, Chair of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “Sara’s knowledge, network and experience were pivotal in growing The Prince’s Countryside Fund and we were so lucky to benefit from nearly a decade of her experience on the board. We greatly look forward to continuing to work with her through our Grants Sub Committee, particularly in such an important year for the charity and its Patron.”

The Prince’s Countryside Fund would like to thank all of its Fellows (Mark Allen, Sara Bennison, Stephen Dunmore, Mark Pendlington, Lord Mark Price and Lord Curry of Kirkharle), Board of Trustees, and supporters: Aldi, Barbour, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Booths, Caravan and Motorhome Club, Duchy Originals, Forest Holidays, Gregory Distribution, Halcyon Days, Jordans Cereals, Le Chameau, Marks & Spencer, McDonald’s UK and Ireland, Morrisons, Musto, People’s Postcode Lottery, Sainsbury’s, Samworth Brothers, Saputo Dairy and Waitrose & Partners.