Frank Jenkins Trophy 2020

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Eighteen year old Lewis Stewart, from Doncaster, who studied game management at Newton Rigg College in Cumbria has been singled out as the top gamekeeping student in the country and has been awarded with the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation’s Frank Jenkins Memorial Trophy in recognition of his achievements.

This prestigious award, kindly sponsored by Musto is judged annually by the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO).  It recognises the student who shows outstanding practical and theoretical skills and has the ability to be an ambassador for his or her profession. The award is now in its eighth year and was set up by the family of the late Frank Jenkins, a well-known gamekeeper whose career spanned six decades.

Liam Bell, Chairman of the NGO, presented the Frank Jenkins Memorial Trophy to Lewis Stewart in the Main Arena at the British Shooting Show. Lewis also received a new Musto Highland Gore-tex Ultra Lite suit as well as an engraved tankard from the NGO National Committee, together with a special gift from Frank Jenkins’ son and daughter.

At the presentation, Liam Bell said: “When we were judging the competition, it was very clear that Lewis was a shining star and that he was a very worthy winner of this award. Although he does not come from a gamekeeping background and is relatively young, his determination and passion for the job have marked him out as an exceptionally high achieving student. He certainly has a very promising career ahead of him and he will undoubtedly be a credit to the industry.”

On winning the award Lewis, said: “I am thrilled to have won this Award and I would like to thank the NGO and Musto for encouraging younger people to enter the profession. I would also like to thank Newton Rigg College for all their support and encouragement. I have really enjoyed learning and improving my skills throughout my course with them and I now look forward to establishing my career as a professional gamekeeper.”

Sam Riley-Gunn, who is a lecturer at Newton Rigg College, gave Lewis a glowing report: “I count Lewis as one of the best practical gamekeeping students that I have taught over my 12 years at Newton Rigg.  He has a genuine internal drive to work in shooting and has received many accolades from all his work placements as well as achieving a distinction standard when he is practicing his gamekeeping skills in the real world. He is an inspirational leader and I am confident he will do well in his profession. Several estates have already offered him employment opportunities, which is a huge testament to his abilities and dedicated work ethic.”

Picture credit: Paul Quagliana. 

Pictured: Lewis Stewart (right) receiving his NGO Frank Jenkins Memorial Trophy from Liam Bell (left), Chairman, National Gamekeepers’ Organisation