Anthony Bush

AGRICULTURE - ANTHONY BUSH OM'56

What is your profession and current position? 

Currently I am an arable farmer with the diversification of a 100 acre zoo as part of it. It has 100 employees with our younger son, Larry, as CEO of it.

How did Monkton get you ready for the world of work?

In my day 1951-56, prefects and house prefects were responsible for the discipline of the school, outside of lessons. Learning to run clubs and societies, and sports teams, and be different levels of prefect, especially with teaching from the Christian Union were excellent preparations for leadership; including self-discipline, then discipline of others. Becoming an NCO (corporal and sergeant) in the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) was a fast-track to becoming an officer in the Army for National Service, with the leadership challenges involved. GCSE’s were called O levels, of which we all did about 10 at 15 and 16 years old, then 3 A levels, which gave a good opportunity to pass into a good university. In our day Oxbridge and red-brick universities wanted multi-interest people as well as academically qualified to help make the colleges interesting environments - so Monkton sports and clubs helped show that. I went to Worcester College, Oxford. My biggest benefit from Monkton was becoming a Christian there, and beginning a walk with Jesus which has lasted 70 years! I was at Monkton with 33 future vicars and many future missionaries and lay leaders of churches. That background of learning how to study the Bible and share it with others and lead other people to Christ has been more important than anything else. Integrity in business and love in marriage also follow.

What is your biggest professional achievement?

Age 22 I took on a tenancy of a dairy farm, grew it including building our own buildings over 35 years. Early in that time I prayed earnestly for the right wife, and found her, without whom most of what followed would not have happened. We had 4 children, now all married and 14 grandchildren, I was a spare time youth leader, lay reader and started 5 charities including Send a Cow, which Monkton boys and staff helped with in its early days of 1988-95. We then sold the cows, bought the farm and felt called to start Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, aged 60.

Building the zoo from nothing to what it is now, with 120 species of animals up to Elephants, and multi-award winning, including for sustainability and accessibility, is probably the biggest professional achievement. It could not have happened without constant prayer and everything that preceded it.

What has been your most challenging professional moment?

Having false allegations made about us resulting in demonstrations at our gate for 2 years, trying to close us; attempts by atheists to close us for being overtly Christian, as well as vegans and animal rights people who assumed we were a bad zoo but would not come inside and see it all!

What inspires and motivates you at work?

Praying daily for God’s presence, and assurance that he is with us. Wonderful encouragement from the vast majority of our visitors and our staff, whose lives have been changed and enriched by what has happened here. The “can-do” attitude encouraged from Monkton, daring to appoint young leaders.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?

Pray and check you are in the will of God. Find a need and try and meet it. “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”.