New partnership with Thames Valley Police and the NFU brings free monthly gatherings to farming venues across the region in a bid to support farmers at this difficult time.

Blenheim Palace, in collaboration with Thames Valley Police and the National Farmers' Union (NFU), has launched a monthly "The Not-Coffee Coffee Morning" initiative to support the wellbeing of farmers and farm workers in Oxfordshire and nearby counties. Moving across different farming venues each month, these informal, free gatherings aim to provide a welcoming space and the opportunity to share common concerns affecting the farming community. 

The initiative responds to concerns about financial, environmental, and social pressures faced by the farming community and aims to provide accessible support while tackling isolation. The first event will take place on Wednesday 16th September 2026, 09:30–11:00, at The Farmer's Dog, OX18 4HJ. Farmers, farm workers, their families, and anyone working in the trade are welcome.

The initiative follows growing concern among rural organisations about the pressures facing the farming community, from financial strain and unpredictable weather to the isolation that can come with the vocation. 

"The Not-Coffee Coffee Morning felt a natural progression from our annual Rural Crime Farming Conference at Blenheim Palace. We recognise that farming can be an isolated and high-pressure profession, so we wanted to create a regular opportunity for farmers and their families to come together, build connections, and access support. Thames Valley Police's Rural Crime Task Force and the NFU were natural partners in helping to deliver the initiative." - Merilyn Davies, Head of Community Engagement, Blenheim Palace

"Farming is a high-pressure industry, and with the reduction in farm shows, cattle markets and local meetings over the last few decades, it's time farmers had an option on the table to come and talk to fellow farmers with no pressure, no need to buy or sell or take advice, and just have a cuppa." - Nathan Boyd, NFU County Adviser, Berks, Bucks and Oxon

Entry to each Not-Coffee Coffee Morning is free, with tea and cake provided. No booking is required. Details of future dates and venues will be published on Blenheim Palace's website and social media channels and shared through the NFU and Thames Valley Police's rural engagement networks.