12-08-2025
Farming and rural affairs journalist presented with prestigious medal
THE farming and rural affairs editor for newspaper titles across Cumbria has been presented with a prestigious industry prize.
Maureen Hodges, 73, was awarded the Blamire Medal during a special ceremony at Dalston Show on Saturday.
The award is recognition of more than two decades spent telling farmers' stories, from their successes and triumphs to the industry's darker and more difficult periods - including the horrors of foot and mouth.
Maureen is farming and rural affairs editor across publisher Newsquest Cumbria's full portfolio, including The Cumberland News.
Maureen Hodges (left) and Heather Pritchard from the Blamire Trust. (Image: Stuart Walker)
David Allen who hosted the event, Maureen Hodges and Heather Pritchard from the Blamire Trust (Image: Stuart Walker)
The prize - presented by The Blamire Trust in memory of former Cumberland MP and High Sheriff William Blamire, who pioneered 19th century agricultural reforms - recognises people involved in the development, promotion or support of agriculture in the Cumberland area.
READ MORE: Maureen Hodges awarded Blamire Medal at Dalston Show
Amid the sunshine at Dalston Show on Saturday, Maureen was presented with the award by Heather Pritchard from the Blamire Trust.
Speaking as she gave the award, Ms Pritchard spoke of Maureen's childhood spent on her grandparents' farm in Galloway and her 50-year career in journalism.
"Through the dark days of foot and mouth disease, Maureen really went above and beyond for the farmers of Cumbria, telling the wide world about the horrific effects this had on the farming community," she said.
The presentation was held at Dalston Show at the weekend (Image: Stuart Walker)
Maureen accepting the Blamire medal at the 2025 Dalston Show (Image: Stuart Walker)
"Her in-depth knowledge and expertise of the agricultural sector has led to many articles of her work not just hitting the northern area headlines, but also getting out to the wider audience of the national press.
"We are here today to recognise the outstanding contribution which Maureen has made to farming over the years, not only as agricultural editor with the Cumberland News but through her support to the farmers and their families during difficult times.
"Her unbiased reporting has been recognised and is a credit to you Maureen and is much appreciated by the farming community."
Maureen Hodges and Heather Pritchard from the Blamire Trust (Image: Stuart Walker)
The sun shone on the crowds at Dalston Show at the weekend (Image: Stuart Walker)
Maureen said: "I am absolutely honoured and privileged to receive the Blamire Medal. I am overwhelmed, humble and proud to be recognised for my services for near on 25 years to the agricultural community in the old county of Cumberland.
"I would like to thank the Blamire Trust for nominating myself for such a special award.
"I also want to take this opportunity to thank David Allen, sponsors of The Cumberland News 'Back our Farmers' campaign and partner of the Cumbria Farmer Awards, for hosting this medal presentation. David has been a great supporter of our work and of the farming community in Cumbria.
Maureen Hodges, farming and rural affairs editor at The Cumberland News, and recipient of the Blamire Medal (Image: Stuart Walker)
"I would also like to thank my family, friends and colleagues for joining me to help celebrate this special day."
The Blamire Memorial Trust was formed just over 163 years ago in February 1862 in remembrance of William Blamire, who was a Cumberland Yeoman, Member of Parliament and Inclosure Commissioner. He was born at The Oaks in Dalston in 1790.
