Jeremy Clarkson has continued to highlight the realities of modern farming through his popular Prime Video series, Clarkson's Farm.ÌýÌý
The former Top Gear host has gone one step further in the fourth series, aiming to tackle the often lonely nature of the farming industry through the opening of his Farmers' Clubhouse in his pub, The Farmer's Dog.Ìý
Having spent recent years adjusting to a life in agriculture, Mr Clarkson has highlighted that it is not only unpredictable weather, changing policies and financial pressures which weigh on farmers' minds – it is the isolation.Ìý
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He said: "Loneliness is becoming a big issue in rural areas.Ìý
"Part of the problem is that villages are losing their souls.Ìý
"If we end up at a point where there is no village pub, what is a village?"Ìý
Kaleb Cooper
The idea to open his ‘Farmers' Clubhouse' stemmed from a scene with farm manager Kaleb Cooper and other local farmers in a pub, where the group gathered away from the relentless rain.Ìý
"With the heavens still firmly open, I went back to the boozer with Kaleb and other local farmers to discuss just how much this wet weather was killing us," Mr Clarkson said.Ìý
However, the conversation provided more to him than just a place to moan, instead showing a moment of real connection and understanding between farmers in similar situations.Ìý
"You know when we came [to the pub] and met up with those farmers?Ìý
"You said to me, ordinarily, they would have been at home, worrying.Ìý
"But, because we all came to the pub and had a pint, you kind of laughed about your problems rather than worrying about them."Ìý
"And that got me thinking. We [can] put a farmers' clubhouse in the right-hand side upstairs, and [we can] put darts, bar billiards, and a little farmers' bar up there."Ìý
Rural community
Mr Clarkson's intention is to provide a social space where farmers can come together, unwind, share their burdens and regain a sense of community.Ìý
"The idea is: go down there, we'll give you a free pint. And you can sit and talk to other farmers about the problems."Ìý
Mr Cooper responded: "It's a great idea."ÌýÌý
The clubhouse begins to take shape in the sixth episode of the series, as Jeremy and Kaleb attempt to hang the clubhouse sign.ÌýÌý
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Men's Health Week serves as a timely reminder that men, particularly those in rural communities, often do not seek help or discuss their problems.Ìý
This year's theme, 'Shoulder to Shoulder: Connecting for Health' is embodied by Mr Clarkson's Farmers' Clubhouse; a place for all farmers, not just men, to come together.ÌýÌý
Although not a replacement for professional help, such places may provide a vital sense of community and camaraderie for those who need it.Ìý
Where to get helpÌý
RABI: 0800 188 4444Ìý
RSABI: 0808 1234 555Ìý
FCN: 03000 111 999Ìý
Addington Fund: 01926 620 135Ìý
Samaritans: 116 123Ìý
You Are Not Alone: 0300 323 0400Ìý
