Stepping into his father’s footsteps, working on land in Clifford Chambers, where he lived as a boy, David Hall started his career in farming at the age of 15.

Working under the direction of local landowner, Major Taylor, David had originally started work 4 years earlier whilst at school, mowing the lawns at Clifford Manor for pocket money, before he ventured into full time employment.

When Major Taylor sold the land at Clifford Chambers, back to Alscot in 1970, David transferred with it and worked under the wing of Captain James Alston-Roberts-West.

During in his time working for James West, David amassed several amusing stories and enjoys relaying them to the Captain’s daughter, Emma Holman-West, who now runs the thriving and diverse Estate. Upon announcement of his retirement, Emma granted her blessing for the well-deserved departure from work, but only on the proviso that he continues to share the entertaining stories with her children.

After James West’s untimely death, in 1989, David continued to work for the West family on the 4,000acre estate, that mainly spans land at Preston on Stour, Atherstone on Stour, Clifford Chambers, and Alderminster. 

Firmly attaining his place in Alscot’s history, and the legacy that will be taken forward by future generations, David has worked in several roles undertaking numerous tasks on countless projects.

As the Estate’s stocks-man, he ensured that the livestock, whether it be deer, cattle or sheep, was in good hands, managing the grazing and the day to day well-being of the animals. As a heavy plant machine operator, he assisted all departments, build & construction, gardening and forestry, loosing count of how many holes, trenches and ditches David has excavated, and how many loads of heavy goods he has transported and lifted. In more recent years, David has travelled the length and breadth of the country, assisting his employers with various projects, including schemes on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland. David finished his career as he started - mowing lawns! The neatly mown lawns within the grounds of Alscot Park was a task that David took a lot of pride in. 

Having worked the local Warwickshire countryside, man and boy, David’s knowledge of the area, holds no bounds. He is familiar with every inch of the Estate – the abundant wildlife, it’s boundaries, woodlands & hedgerows, rivers, streams & reservoirs, gates, footpaths, under-ground and over-ground services, stop taps, manhole covers, water mains, fire hydrants, barns and buildings, in fact his knowledge is remarkable.

David has earnt his retirement. He has gained a reputation for his prize-winning home-grown vegetables, not to mention the wobbly-leg inducing, home-made wines, spirits and cider! He will no doubt spend more time in the garden tending to his produce. David is very close to his daughters, Sally, Jackie and Melanie and his grandchildren, who all keep him busy. David was very proud to see his grandson, Josh, develop an interest in farming, and inspired by his grandfather, he too works on local Alscot land.

Estate owner, Emma Holman-West said;

“David is part of Alscot’s history and the legacy for future generations. His contribution to the estate and commitment to myself and my family is truly commendable. He has spent most of his life and his whole career here at Alscot.

We were so very proud that David achieved 50 years long service with us in 2009, and I was not at all surprised to see him continue to serve another 11 years!” 

In 2009 David received a Long Service Award from the Royal Agricultural Society of England for his continued long service to the industry. At a ceremony in Stoneleigh, David received his award in the presence of his family, including partner Judy, and employers Andrew and Emma Holman-West.

Emma continued, “As an avid collector of old and antique working machinery, we are not entirely sure that David will approve of his replacement - David Jnr!” Emma laughs as she explains that it is a miniature robotic grass cutter and suggests “well what else could we call our new lawn mower?

As well as my family, his colleagues are very fond of David and we will all miss him and his wealth of experience and skill, greatly.”

Due to the restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, Emma and the Alscot team look forward to celebrating David’s retirement with him appropriately, in future, as restrictions ease and allow.