Holmes & Hills Solicitors is pleased to announce its participation in this year’s Young Farmers Show on the 18th of May, where the firm will be celebrating its regional roots and community partnerships through a unique initiative that brings together agriculture, art, and shared values.
Visitors to the Holmes & Hills’ stand will be welcomed by a countryside-inspired photo booth area, complete with a vintage tractor, hay bales, and a backdrop of grazing cows. Attendees are invited to take a photo, tag Holmes & Hills on social media, to stand a chance to win a commissioned oil painting created by local artist and Holmes & Hills' Senior Marketing Manager, Liza Roets.
The painting is inspired by a photograph taken at Fristling Hall Farm, a historic working farm in Stock, Essex, and home to one of the firm’s long-standing clients, Gary Sharp. With roots tracing back to the Domesday Book of 1086, Fristling Hall Farm is not only part of the county’s rich agricultural heritage but is also the largest cattle farm in Essex, playing a significant role in the region’s farming landscape.
Gary, who has run Fristling Hall Farm since 2007, welcomed Liza to the farm for the photo session, joined by three generations of the Sharp family - including his grandchildren - and an impressive cast of animals ranging from a towering bull to curious cows, a pony, and even a lamb.
“I don’t see farming as a job - it’s a way of life,” says Gary. “You’re never really off the clock, but I love everything about it. It keeps you grounded.” His favourite breed? A cross between Simmentals and British Blues, known for their strength, calm nature, and impressive growth performance.
Liza reflects, “There’s something deeply grounding about being on the farm — meeting the family, seeing the animals up close, and witnessing the pride and connection Gary has with his land. This project brought together my two worlds: creativity and community.”
The bond between Gary and his grandchildren is especially strong. “They love coming to the farm, staying over, helping out, and getting involved with the animals before I take them to school,” he says, smiling.
Farming isn’t the only tradition in the Sharp family — Gary’s son, Ben Sharp, works alongside him on the farm, where, as Ben says, “there’s always something to do — whether it’s calving, fixing fences, or sorting equipment.” Outside of farming, Ben is also an accomplished angler and a member of England’s national fishing team. More recently, he brought home a gold medal from an international street fishing competition, representing the country at the highest level. Gary’s daughter, Abbie, manages the family’s rental properties, playing an important role in the wider business and contributing to the day-to-day running of their operations beyond the farm itself.
This collaboration reflects Holmes & Hills’ commitment to building long-standing relationships with its clients — understanding their needs, protecting their interests, and supporting their development over time. It is also a celebration of the people and businesses that shape the communities the firm serves across Essex, Suffolk, and the wider East Anglia region.
Holmes & Hills believes in working in partnership with its clients, individuals, families, and organisations alike to deliver practical legal advice through accessible, personal relationships. Being part of the Young Farmers Show reflects the community focus at the heart of everything the firm does.
Holmes & Hills looks forward to welcoming attendees to its stand at the Young Farmers Show — where visitors can take part in the competition, meet members of the firm’s specialist legal team, and join in celebrating community, countryside, and the future of farming. #BackingBritishFarmers
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