By Paul Smith, 2025
Rural communities
About this theme
This theme covers topics relating to strengthening rural communities. Between 2019-2023 the Churchill Fellowship ran a designated programme of Fellowships on this theme in partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund. Fellows from across the years continue to explore this theme as part of their Fellowships. You can read more about them, their reports, and their latest activity below. Fellows’ stories
Judith Vickress (CF 2023) was featured in Policing Insight following the publication of her Churchill Fellowship research into violence against women, girls and children in rural communities.
By Judith Vickress, 2026
Samuel Huczmann (CF 2025) presented his Churchill Fellowship research on digital-enabled advanced care practice at the University of Northampton's Fuelling Innovation event.
By Samuel Huczmann, 2026
Samuel Huczmann (CF 2025) helped mark the opening of the Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership shortly after returning from his Churchill Fellowship.
By Samuel Huczmann, 2026
By Myra Clark, 2020
James Allen (CF 2023) began production at Cotmarsh Tannery CIC, with the first batch of leather entering the tanning process in April 2026 following the completion and commissioning of the new tannery.
By James Allen, 2026
Joy O’Neill (CF 2020) attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace following a nomination by the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire in recognition of exceptional service to communities across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.
By Joy O'Neill, 2026
By Judith Vickress, 2023
Judith Vickress’s (CF 2023) spoke at the National Rural Crime Annual Conference 2026, the first conference focused on vulnerability in rural areas.
By Judith Vickress, 2026
Joy O'Neill (CF 2020) has been appointed as Chair of Trustees of Real Farming Trust, a national farming charity.
By Joy O'Neill, 2026