Tributes paid to Harper Adams University alumnus Newell Bingham

Posted 21 July

Tributes have been paid to a Harper Adams University alumnus who has died at the age of 95.

Newell Bingham, from near Kilkeel in Co. Down, was the first student from the island of Ireland to study at Harper Adams following the Second World War.

He began his studies as a 19-year-old in September 1949, undertaking the National Diploma in Poultry Husbandry – a qualification which set him on the path to his future career.

Mr Bingham worked for the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland as a poultry adviser and advisor on farm diversification – going on to farm both Dexter cattle and rare breeds of sheep upon his retirement.

His time at Harper Adams was remembered fondly, and Mr Bingham made regular journeys back to Shropshire to visit the institution - as an Agricultural College, a University College, and as a University.

He met a wide range of Harper Adams employees and students both during these visits and during visits of Harper Adams University representatives to Ireland.

Speaking in 2007, when he met with the then Principal Professor Wynne Jones and two Northern Irish students studying poultry-related courses, Mr Bingham said: “There have been so many changes since I studied for a National Diploma in Poultry 58 years ago. The development of the site has been quite incredible.

“I am also very impressed with the number of courses now on offer that now include the likes of Engineering, Business Management and Food related subjects as well as the core agriculture courses. In 1949 there were National Diplomas in Agriculture and Poultry!"

He continued to maintain links with the University and its alumni community in the years that followed, and plans had been underway for Professor Sloan and Director of Development and Alumni Relations Doris Taylor to visit him during a trip to Ireland this year.

Professor Sloan paid a warm tribute to Mr Bingham and said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of Newell’s passing. 

“I was due to meet him and his family at the end of this month and I am sorry I did not get to do so. 

“He was well respected and liked by many members of the Harper Adams community spanning many decades.  He had connections with two of my predecessors through his many visits to our campus.  My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and his wider family.

“I hope the affection in which he was held will bring comfort at this time of sadness and loss.”