Philip was born on the 25th May 1966, growing up at Blackdown, before moving to Pipe House, Kittwhistle following his marriage to Sarah on July 12th 1995.  Educated at Marshwood primary school and at the Woodroffe School, achieving O & A levels, Philip gained a Degree at Salford University and joined his father Peter and younger brother Michael in the business founded by Peter in September 1966. P. H. Hardwill Ltd. design, fabricate and erect steel framed buildings for Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial uses and provide a complete turnkey service.

Whilst at school Philip was a member of the 1st Hawkchurch Cub troop and was 1 of 3 boys to help restart the 1st Hawkchurch Scout Troop.  At age 16 Philip joined Crewkerne Young Farmers Club (reasoning that it was closer to home than Beaminster), and was appointed Treasurer at age 17.  After University Philip became YFC Club, local Area Group and then Somerset County Chairman. The legacy of his spell as County Chairman was the purchasing of an old school and office building as the headquarters for the Somerset Federation of Young Farmers Clubs at Westonzoyland, giving them independence and a permanent, rent free base. Philip has continued his involvement with the property committee for the Federation almost ever since serving as Chairman during the updating and modernisation of the office building during 2017 and he is still a member of this committee.

Philip met Sarah through his friend, Sarah’s cousin Jeffery Fooks, the couple first dated on 12th July 1991, were engaged on 11th July 1994 & married a year later.  Since their marriage Philip & Sarah have been enthusiastic supporters of the local church at Blackdown, where Philip is currently the joint Warden. Since graduating Philip has been fully employed within the family business, directing operations from the office, with brother, Michael organising the Plant, Machinery & Logistics.

Involvement with the society

Philip has been involved with the Hedgelaying & Ploughing match – through connections with Tim Frampton and the Crewkerne YFC ploughing match.  At the 2009 competition Philip presented a trophy to the society for the best work in the Young Farmers Class.  Philip joined the board of the society at the AGM on Wednesday 16th December 2009, thanks to an invitation from the Chairman (Nigel Jones) and the President (Annie Crutchley).  Since joining the board Philip has become more involved with the annual Hedgelaying & Ploughing match and with the annual Young Farmers Dairy Stockjudging competition.

Philips grandmother’s family, the Buglers have a long tradition of showing cattle at Melplash Show and the family of Sarah (Philip’s wife) have a very strong association with the society, her first cousin being the current President, Michael Fooks and her Uncle, Francis Hunt having cups dedicated in his memory for the Young Farmers Dairy Stockjudging competition.  Philip commented, ‘Becoming Chairman of our amazing society is a great honour for me. I am very grateful to all of our members for putting their faith in me to lead our society for the next 2 years. The aims of our society are “To improve the standard of agriculture & horticulture in West Dorset”, “the promotion of West Dorset agriculture to the public” and to “provide education in agriculturally related issues”, including awarding bursaries to local students.

Thanks to the work of our members and the foresight of our previous officers, our society leads the way in the promotion of West Dorset Agriculture to the public and in the provision of education to local young people. The achievements of the bursary scheme have done such an amazing job in helping students study to improve the standard of Agriculture in the area and education, along with the training of young people, and is something I am really enthusiastic in promoting.  The chance to offer more young people the opportunity to improve their education and to give enthusiastic students the chance to study and to gain experience that would help them improve the standard of agriculture in West Dorset is something I am keen to champion over my time as chairman.

I am eternally grateful to all of our wonderful members who make our show what it is today and for the enthusiasm and commitment of our officers, our committee members and our stewards throughout the year. What sets our society head and shoulders above all others is the enthusiastic welcome given to all who visit our amazing show.  Thanks to all of you for being such a special collection of people. I hope to serve you well.’