W W O O F UK NEWS worldwide opportunities on organic farms issue 253 winter 2016

inside: Members Weekend and birthday party LLOOF—the project completed apple-ness making the most of WWOOFing Richard Hazell—an appreciation WWOOF at the ploughing

wwoof uk news issue 253 page 2 editorial

joy and apple-ness of weekend WWOOFing. Holly welcome to the winter 2016 Cross, our Organisational Administrator, reminds how edition of WWOOF UK News to make the most of WWOOFing, page 11 (it’s all about communication!). Sue Coppard has sent us an Just to reassure you – it’s WWOOFing as usual in the appreciation of Richard Hazell, our retiring Chair, page UK – welcome everyone! The result of this year’s EU 3, and there’s a spotlight on Tony Chalcraft, WWOOF Referendum (Brexit) will not affect WWOOFing plans UK director and newly appointed Chair, who shares his in the immediate or near future. experience of and vision for WWOOFing. Winter’s definitely on its way now – as I complete this Kevin Gaffney, RHC for Scotland Central describes his issue of our newsletter the last of the leaves are being enjoyment of a ploughing championship, page 10, ruthlessly shaken from the trees and the bright sun has while Mr Fluttergrub provides his wisdom about Brus- given way to lowering clouds in an early darkening sky. sel sprouts – although we think we may have a new I’ve been glad to look back at so much done and name for them, page 6! And last, but by no means achieved through WWOOFing this year – our Members least, we remind you that you can give a meaningful Weekend was a great success and enjoyed by all, see and ethical seasonal gift by purchasing gift member- pages 4 and 5 for Host Contact Taryn Field’s report. ships of WWOOF UK, see page 12. Director Nim Kibbler reflects on the completion and Please send me your news, comments and experiences, achievements of the innovative LLOOF project, pages 8 we love to share them. Elaine Koster, Editor to 10, while host and RHC Bryony Huntley shares the stay in touch what is WWOOF UK?

Please send contributions for our print editions to  WWOOF UK holds a list of organic farms, gardens [email protected] or by post (address page 12) by and , all offering and accommo- the following dates: dation in exchange for practical help on their land. 31st January for Spring 2017 issue  These hosts range from a low-impact woodland 30th April for Summer 2017 issue settlement to a 600 hectare mixed holding with on- 31st July 2017 for Autumn 2017 issue site farm shop, café and education centre. 31st October for Winter 2017 issue  WWOOF hosts should follow the IFOAM organic The deadlines for material to be included in the next principles but need not be registered with a certifi- four electronic updates are: cating organisation. 6th January 2017  Hosts do not expect WWOOFers to know a lot 7th April 2017 about farming and growing when they arrive, but 10th July 2017 they do expect them to be willing to learn and able 6th October 2017 to fit in with their lifestyle.

We particularly welcome your photographs and  The list of hosts is available, either online or as a book, by letters as well as your WWOOFing tales joining WWOOF UK for a membership fee.  Once you have the list you can contact hosts di- Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwoofuk rectly to arrange your stay. on Twitter: @wwoofuk  Your host will explain what kind of work you will be and Instagram: @wwoofuk expected to do, what accommodation is on offer Contact: [email protected] and will discuss the length of your stay. And don’t forget members can always post adverts,  WWOOFers do not pay to stay with hosts and hosts question and comments on our members’ forum do not pay WWOOFers for their help. www.wwoof.org.uk/forums/forum  The ethos and mission page of our website gives full

details of what is expected of hosts and WWOOFers.  WWOOF UK is a charity registered in England and cover: our ‘formal’ AGM, photo: Chris Schmidt-Reid Wales 1126220 and in Scotland SC045524.

The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily represent those held by WWOOF UK page 3 wwoof uk news issue 253 news from the office From Mike Hammer: . style on your listing but now when a We have recently made improve- photo is clicked-on it will enlarge to ments to our website's functionality full-size. Photos from your listings Our website members’ forum is be- and photos can now be stored in are a great source for my work as coming increasingly popular; espe- such a way as to be able to be WWOOF UK's Social Media Liaison cially for hosts needing last minute viewed full-size. Previously when person – if I can draw on good qual- help from WWOOFers and WWOOF- looking at hosts' photos, they could ity photos from our website I should ers looking for that special place to only be viewed in a fairly small for- be able to have greater effect. I go. We’ve recently updated it so mat. Hosts who have joined since hope you agree that the 'picture that you can now click through from the end of August 2016 will have tells a thousand words' and will seri- a post to see the profile or listing of automatically been given this func- ously consider updating your listing the person who’s posted. We’re tion. It’s a great opportunity to with fresh photos whenever you get hoping this will make it easier to share photos of yourself, the beauti- the chance. decide about arranging WWOOFing ful views of your place and its sur- I hope to be able to convey to the visits and for hosts and WWOOFers roundings and WWOOFers taking public just what a vibrant commu- to find out about each other quickly. part in inspiring activities. nity WWOOF is and how rewarding WWOOFers can see hosts’ listings. I would like to urge hosts to take the dynamic of this type of exchange Hosts can see WWOOFer profiles time this winter to upload new pho- can be. and other hosts’ profiles. Do give it a try and let us know how you get on: tos onto your listing. The photos will Contact Mike Hammer by using: [email protected] still be displayed in the same collage [email protected]

Richard Hazell—an appreciation

Sue Coppard, founder of WWOOF, was unable to join us for the Members Weekend this year but sent this appreciation to be read out at the AGM meeting, where Richard officially let go of the reins. Richard joined WWOOF in 1976 – forty years ago! – and we owe him a great debt of gratitude. He has helped and worked for WWOOF in so many ways; indeed he’s been propping up WWOOF for over three decades! Richard’s first job, if I recollect, was to take over from me the job of running our annual conference get-togethers. During this time a crisis arose: two WWOOF members (that is David Holman and I) were threatened with a court case over an alleged £3,000 that WWOOF UK owed for printing our Working Organic Reference Manual and Sourcebook (WORMS for short!) – a project to publish a DIY organic training manual as so little organic training was available at the time. The brilliant David Holman, together with his solicitor friend, got us off the hook by pinpointing all the flaws in the printer’s case, and he dropped it. (Sadly, the excellent WORMS manual was never published; however, it is being partly recycled in the newly launched, universally accessible Erasmus/WWOOF organic training website.) This crisis taught us an important lesson: if you are an unincorporated association anyone can sue any member they care to pick on! In his role as WWOOF’s in-house solicitor, Richard masterminded our transformation into a limited liability company in September 1993, so that no one could threaten us in this manner again. (Just imagine the situation if a WWOOFer had lost a leg or worse!) Later, in 2008 after several attempts, he managed to acquire charity status for WWOOF UK. He has also been Chairman of our Council of directors for many years. What a hole will be left in the WWOOF UK structure by Richard’s ‘retirement’. Thankfully, however, he has agreed to continue helping us in an advisory capacity. So, Richard, our very grateful thanks for all you have con- tributed to WWOOF, we wish you many happy times ahead with us.

wwoof uk news issue 253 page 4 members weekend Host Contact Taryn Field was on wanted. WWOOF posed several WWOOFy, a separate discussion duty throughout the Members questions: 'Why choose WWOOF UK 'The WWOOFer Experience' was Weekend taking notes to make sure over other organisations such as running in the lounge. This was a she could bring you the details of HelpX and ?' Members chance for hosts and WWOOFers to our celebratory event. responded by explaining that they consider aspects of the WWOOF Whilst travelling up to Cumbria on would rather support the organic exchange that worked well, or didn't one of the most scenic train rides I'd been on for a while, I was reflecting all of us on everything that makes WWOOF one of the greatest concepts I'd come across. This weekend was not just a normal members’ weekend and AGM, but also a celebration of 45 years of WWOOF UK! I arrived at the Kepplewray Centre, nestled in a wooded valley in Broughton-in- Furness in Cumbria, or Lancashire depending on who you speak to, and was welcomed by the smell of wood smoke from the open fire which instantly added to my good movement, others noticed a lack of work well and what they would mood. Luckily I was just in time for support or human contact with the change or improve about the organi- dinner; Kepplewray had put on a other organisations, whereas sation. Many post-it notes were spread of plentiful, wholesome WWOOF UK offers plenty of sup- used and displayed under the vari- food, and we were treated to an port. 'How will Brexit effect us?' ous topics of discussion. Then lunch array of desserts too. After dinner Over fifty per cent of WWOOF UK’s was ready, and Kepplewray once we gathered in one of the lounges WWOOFers are European, but no again treated us to a delicious meal, and, with the sound of a fire crack- one really knows how it will pan out. the dining room filling up as more ling in the background, we began 'What improvements can WWOOF members arrived for the weekend. the introductory circle to welcome UK make?' There were a few web- The formal bit of the weekend, the everyone who’d arrived. site improvement suggestions of- official AGM, began with a lively fered, which we gladly took note of. As there was no formal agenda for round of the different groups of di- Then later on, guests began thinning Friday evening we used this time for rectors, staff, hosts, WWOOFers and out, no doubt on their way to bed a general open forum, where mem- guests all standing up to introduce after what presumably was a long themselves. bers could discuss anything they day travelling. I was not far behind although I managed to Two lovely PhD student WWOOFers get in a couple games of from Newcastle University attended table tennis before hit- and, besides having WWOOFed in various countries, they were in- ting the sack myself. volved in Organic Food Quality re- Saturday morning began search. You can read about their with, once again, a glori- extensive research and findings ous spread for breakfast here: https://goo.gl/BqVaMD. followed by our usual three hour Council WWOOF UK's longest standing di- meeting. Whilst direc- rector, Richard Hazell, stepped tors and staff were in down from his post after so many the 'games room' talk- years supporting WWOOF and being ing about all things invaluable to its success. Sue Cop- pard, WWOOF's founder, sent an

page 5 wwoof uk news issue 253 appreciation of Richard, which Scar- tional WWOOF organisations from The scenery was breathtaking, and lett (Penn, our Chief Executive) read ten different countries coming to- the weather being on point really out to the group, see page 3, and gether to produce, develop and pro- accentuated the beauty of the area. then presented it to him with a hu- mote an open learning resource for Tom, who runs Laya Point with his morous, framed cartoon of himself, adult learners about organic food partner Rosie, gave us an in-depth drawn by his talented fellow direc- production. Do read the article on and informative tour around the tor Trudi Warner. page 8 explaining what the LLOOF site. Although Tom's dogs were a bit We wish Richard all the best for the project has been all about! of a distraction (as they were super future although we will still no Once the presentation was over, we friendly) we had a good walk around doubt call upon his trusted wisdom enjoyed a bit of free time before asking questions and chatting, sun- as an adviser to WWOOF UK going dinner and the day was nicely fin- shine warming our bodies. forward. Thanking Richard for his ished off with a WWOOF quiz; this Laya Point hosts all sorts of courses; hard work and service led nicely into pleased me greatly as I love quiz- yoga, basket making, meditation hearing stories, memories and re- zes!! We divided ourselves into and, of course, , and flections from hosts and WWOOFers teams of four, pen and paper in much more. To see what else they about their experiences. hands and Amanda (Pearson – our are involved in, have a look at their We listened with interest about rec- Volunteer Liaison), who had amaz- website: www.layapoint.com. ipe sharing, teaching and learning ingly thought of all the questions We finished the tour and the morn- from each other, love and friend- (AND had mentioned all the answers ing off with a closing circle with ships that can blossom between smoothly and sporadically through- members recalling their favourite WWOOFers and hosts, and also out the day to all) began the quiz. I moments, or what they enjoyed WWOOFers and WWOOFers, and was pretty confident my team most about the weekend. Rosie WWOOFers turning into hosts; so would do well, however some of the cooked us all an impressive lunch; many magical moments that have questions were quite tricky but we this was served in the main room been shared through the exchange, managed to score a respectable which has the most gorgeous views, that might cause the eyes to well up. seven out of ten. I think there was a so it was a real treat. tie at the end, but we're all winners (I don’t think it was just me...) Alas, the time came to leave; there to me. What is a celebration without cake? were a good few of us that were on And what a cake it was! As you can Sunday morning greeted us with the same train so we headed off to see, a lot of care and love went into warm sun and crisp air and a cooked the station, all beginning our jour- making this birthday cake for us, and breakfast! While we were enjoying ney home. I always feel like this af- we thank the local bakers of filling our bellies, Holly (Cross – our ter a WWOOF AGM, a little tired, Broughton-in-Furness for their art- Personnel and Organisational Ad- but inspired and refreshed, and istry and skill, it tasted great too! ministrator) informed us of the lo- really glad I had the chance to be gistics for our excursion to Laya involved with what is the most In the latter part of the afternoon Point, the nearest WWOOF host to there was an informative and inspir- amazing concept ever... WWOOF! Kepplewray. I was very pleased we Special thanks must go to Holly, who ing presentation by Adam Cade and were going there, as I love meeting Nim Kibbler who have been heavily worked tirelessly organising this new hosts and had not been in the involved in creating LLOOF (Living amazing event and to Chris Schmidt- area before. and Learning on Organic Farms). Reid for the photos. Thank you! This is a partnership involving na- The short drive there was beautiful.

closing circle at Laya Point

wwoof uk news issue 253 page 6 on the plot with Mr Fluttergrub perhaps we should call them ‘Brexit sprouts’? Visiting other plots I seldom see until three or four proper many with Brussel sprouts growing. leaves have formed. Af- Other ‘brassicas’ (the genus of the ter hardening off I plant cabbage family) seem more popular. into the plot, usually in The fashionable black Tuscan kale mid-May. Sprout plants (Cavolo Nero) now seems just as need plenty of space. I common as the Brussel sprout in set mine out 60cm (two home gardens. This is a shame as feet) apart in and be- sprouts have a lot to offer, both tween rows. An open from a nutritional point of view and and sunny site is essen- as a crop to harvest over quite an tial. Sprouts are one of extended season. those veg that will just It has to be said that growing good not perform in an en- quality Brussel sprouts isn’t easy. closed or shady position. Brussel sprout Crispus Sprouts are not difficult to grow as Sprouts also need a fer- plants, but to get them to carry tile soil. I always dig a tight, blemish-free button sprouts generous quantity of manure into seems to be little impact on growth. up a long stem is quite a challenge. the planting site in winter. I also add The secretions of the whitefly can I’ve cultivated sprouts for years and lime as this gives some control of lead to a sooty coating on the outer usually manage to produce a worth- clubroot. Once plants are estab- leaves of the sprouts, but as these while crop. The buttons may not lished I rarely water, even in dry are usually peeled off in the kitchen look as perfect as those bought from weather. Neither do I support the the affect is mainly cosmetic. a supermarket, but they are per- plants as sometimes advised. Unless It’s said sprouts need a frost to bring fectly acceptable to me and, I trust you have a very windy site or grow out their best flavour. As I write in in the absence of complaints, to my the tallest varieties they should stay late October this is still awaited, but veg box customers. upright without assistance. there are already sprouts of edible From my experience if you want Wood pigeons are partial to sprout size on the plants. As soon as the quality sprouts it is necessary to plants at any stage of growth so I weather feels suitably ‘wintery’ we’ll grow an F1 rather than an open- net mine immediately on planting. take our first harvest and by Decem- pollinated variety. F1 sprout seed is I’ve now taken to using butterfly ber sprouts should be in full produc- expensive but the plants are more netting as this has the added benefit tion. Providing the pigeons don’t vigorous and uniform and the but- of preventing caterpillar damage in find a way through the defences, the tons less likely to ‘blow’ (become late summer. This is quite an expen- plants should continue to provide loose and open). My current favour- sive option though, as four metre tasty buttons right the way through ite varieties are the new Crispus and wide netting is required to encase to early March. the older Cascade. I grow the former the tall sprout plants. The butterfly photos: Brussel sprout Crispus, as it has resistance to the debilitat- netting is removed in autumn and Kings seeds https://goo.gl/sMGexH ing clubroot fungus that can afflict replaced by conventional bird net- Mr Fluttergrub is the pen name of brassicas on parts of my plot. Cas- ting. This is propped up above the someone who is close to the heart of cade lacks resistance but is a more plants to prevent hungry pigeons WWOOF UK. Based in the north of compact plant with bigger buttons sitting on top and pecking at the England he’s a very experienced that usually crops well from Novem- leaves. grower and has agreed to write a ber through to the New Year. Another pest that usually affects the regular column for us. Let us know if his suggestions work for you or if you Just as important as the type of seed plants is brassica whitefly. By au- have other ideas for your region, is an early start. I sow seed late tumn clouds of these billow up as please get in touch using: March/early April in modules. Plants the plants are brushed against. Al- [email protected]. are grown on in a cold greenhouse though this looks alarming, there

page 7 wwoof uk news issue 253 apple-ness

Bryony Huntley is a host and an RHC in south Somerset. For a couple of years now she has arranged WWOOFing weekends to help with her apple harvest and here’s what she says: Huge thanks to all the Wonderful WWOOFers, friends and family who came to help with the apple harvest this year. We were a very international crowd each weekend in October and have delivered over four tonnes of cider apples to Thatchers in Sandford, Somerset. We will be celebrating the bounty of the trees, as well as hoping for a good crop next year, on Saturday , 14th January so keep an eye on the website for details. Drink up thee zyder !!

wwoof uk news issue 253 page 8 LLOOF—the project completed The making of ‘Living and Learning on Organic Farms’ (LLOOF); two our team has diverse skills, backgrounds and ages but we share WWOOF! years working on an EU farming project without actually getting dirty hands. Our director Nim Kib- bler has been involved in this far- reaching project since day one and reflects on its progress and impact. It was back in 2013 at the first WWOOF UK AGM I attended that WWOOF UK made the decision to employ a fundraiser, to see if it was possible to make some of the hopes of diversifying the WWOOF spirit into relevant projects. Although this didn’t manifest as anything domes- tic, it did result in WWOOF UK pro- posing to apply for the old EDVORG and for the very first time all ten EU comes it wished to see delivered; European Union fund, now called WWOOF national organisations sat these included: ERASMUS+ (not to be confused with down in a room and discussed what  collaboration between the various that semester-abroad-thing that was in store for us and what we had national groups undergraduate students do). To said we could achieve.  experience of each others cultures speed the story along our fund- Therefore, our project (later to be and working practices raiser, Adam Cade, with experience named LLOOF because clearly we  creating a guide that would prove of running his own sustainable edu- can’t help but name everything with useful for volunteers on small or- cation business, began an applica- an acronym!) began in earnest, with ganic enterprises enhancing mate- tion for around €125,000 and looked our partners from Ireland, Italy, rials for training and education for WWOOF European national or- Czech Republic, Serbia, Germany,  open access to resources, no barri- ganisations with the skills, time and Spain, Hungary, Norway and our ers to learning. interest to be project partners. lovely hosts Turkey. We faced some WWOOF UK’s role was to coordinate Success for the bid arrived in the initial changes such as the coordina- the project; Adam was employed in summer of 2014 just as we were tor and sole employee of WWOOF this role, I joined him as a director getting ready for the global WWOOF Norway bringing in her neighbour, for assistance but had less time I meeting in Western Turkey. The first border wise, Sweden to assist with could dedicate when I returned to of the project’s transnational meet- the workload. Scotland in 2015. Later, we were ings was tagged on to this meeting Our brief was to create a lengthy, also joined by Alex Lee, a director detailed learner's guide incorporat- with a background in IT and online ing the core aspects of farming, land learning – very useful indeed. management and food production; One of the first conversations that those we know to be the core of Adam had with other WWOOF UK smallhold/farm life. Additionally, team members was about WORMS; this guide would be translated into a training manual developed by Sue our nine native languages and we Coppard and others back in 1984. It would ensure it was available online laid out a number of competencies for WWOOFers and other rural/ that a WWOOFer would gather as farming learners to find. Of course, they WWOOFed about the UK on a the EU, which was providing the variety of , farms and , had its own specific out- garden enterprises. WORMS was Sue Coppard joined us in Ireland used as the basis for the subjects

page 9 wwoof uk news issue 253 built into the learning structure of ing (as lead partner this was our re- chimed with a good number of peo- what became LLOOF. sponsibility) and distribute to each ple, with their feedback suggesting When we reached out to the wider of the WWOOF national organisa- that this was the type of resource WWOOF community on the conti- tions their share. they needed when they were learn- nent we were pleased with how well We decided to create a Moodle ing, now that they are learning or received the idea was and a number website using the online PDF with for volunteers whom they teach or of WWOOF national organisations the original areas of learning which mentor. We also found that it fitted came forward as partners. We then would act as a formalising tool for all into a lot of political conversations, had the difficult task of choosing that text and allow people to ex- which involved ideas on theories those with the most fitting skills set. plore online via on-screen text, im- and values of land use and food sys- tems and we added a section to the Partners came with a broad range of ages, videos and external links. Addi- PDF to explore these, neutrally. skills, ranging from professional/ tionally, we would create a video community arts, social media/ channel on YouTube where people Now, after many months of working communications management, IT could submit videos, related to the together remotely and very occa- systems/web development, profes- same topics that were in the PDF. sionally face-to-face, we find our- sional translation and farm/ The first year of the project really selves with finished and developing sustainable education. All partners focused on the needs analysis of learning materials online that will were committed to monthly online learners, this was done by a large continue to grow and develop. We meetings, spreading the workload survey which resulted in around see those materials being handed between us. Each area of workload, 6,000 responses. This data was over to FoWO (Federation of for example ‘needs analyses’ of the sifted through and the key messages WWOOFing Organisations) where potential learners, was assigned to a and online resources extracted. they can become global – which is very exciting. As I write this Adam WWOOF national partner with suit- The second year was focused on the able experience and skills. has finalised the big bureaucratic creation of these materials; the PDF, report/summary that heads off to In total the project has involved its many translations, the Moodle the EU and will hopefully see the three transnational meetings, two of site, the YouTube site and some ini- project awarded all its funding. It’s which would be tagged on to the tial videos to kick it off. The latter sitting in my inbox ready to read! back of other international WWOOF part of the year saw us hold a press meetings. These were: day in Ireland and begin the process If I look back at the two years, it of sharing the work. Importantly, it feels strange and sad to realise that  Western Turkey in October 2014, my life won’t so often encounter all after the global WWOOF meeting also opened up the opportunity for others to begin to contribute videos my teammates from this project, in  Northern Italy in September 2015 fact I’ll have to wait until 2019 to  South West Ireland in April 2016, which are a rich addition to the learning material. see them again at the next European after the European meeting. WWOOF meeting. This, I guess, One of the biggest areas of chal- We have found that the type of shows that we’ve met one of the lenge was managing ten partners’ learning we provide with LLOOF has contd... expectations and hopes for the pro- ject and what it could achieve. Our brief was to create just a PDF learn- ing guide but it was quickly observed that there was more potential. This included the ability to branch out into non-written learning materials, formalised online learning tools and more subjects than those already chosen. Tensions in the team were sometimes high in relation to this potential to expand our output from the project. From the UK perspec- tive it was critical we kept to being able to achieve the basics so we could ensure we received the fund- we were often hosted in people’s homes or in communities

wwoof uk news issue 253 page 10 main outcomes of these types of legitimate exchange service for and are met by inquisitive border projects – that of fostering relation- farmers, horticulturalists and food officials. It helps to visualise and un- ships between different EU citizens. producers. In fact the EU commis- derpin the educational nature of It feels odd to reflect that as I’ve sion in 2015 recognised the WWOOF WWOOFing, which we all recognise settled into being part of a European movement as the largest farmer ex- exists, but was so often questioned team, learning from them, that I’ve change scheme in Europe . by officials with statistics on their also encountered ’Brexit‘ – which is But this has led to something even minds. Some WWOOF national or- achieving the exact opposite. more important for many WWOOF ganisations have to fight to show One of the wider advantages is what national organisations; if they’re their educational or charitable bene- has been achieved in parallel to the recognised at top level government fits in order to prove their right to LLOOF project – the awareness of then maybe our WWOOFers may be exist and operate – we hope that WWOOF has grown and now it is able to be more candid about their with a globally owned and main- more commonly recognised as a activities when they cross borders tained education tool this proof is easier to demonstrate. WWOOF at the ploughing Kevin Gaffney, RHC for Scotland European, World, Five and Six Central, recently attended a major Nations competitions around ploughing championship and shares the globe in 2017. Judges in his impressions. each class score the plots, An early start for my journey to where the highest placed Scotland's East Coast, where I will ploughers will go through to a attend the prestigious ploughing plough off. The plough has championships that are being held been a basic farm implement during this, thankfully, dry week in for most of recorded history, late October. My base is the charm- though I was recently sur- ing coastal town of North Berwick – prised to learn that written with its vibrant community cafes, references in English do not deli's and shops and views of the appear until 1100. Bass Rock and the Isle of May. The art of ploughing is still The 33rd European Reversible seen as highly important and Championships attracts top class traditional. My great grandfa- ther, like so many farmers in the the heavy horses are down in plots ploughers from Denmark, Estonia, from 166 on so I make my way Russia, Switzerland and many more early 1900s, cultivated his land on the Baltic Coast with heavy horses. I there. What a sight to behold! countries. This is the first time that Graceful, calm, strong – they are Scotland has hosted the European, gather it would take you a day to plough one acre, with horse and inspiring and I spend a number of and it will be followed by the 54th hours quietly watching; in awe of Scottish Ploughing Championships, plougher walking around eleven miles in total! the teamwork between man, horse at West Fenton Farm. and plough as they steadily cultivate Here, over 150 ploughers compete At the competitions the ploughing the soil. The scene goes back to the in different classes for Vintage, plots are drawn fairly and each com- roots of heritage farming, which I Modern and Horse ploughing and petitor will have signage displayed, think we need to sometimes see the champions in each section will allowing spectators to learn more while we battle our own modern, about who is ploughing. I see that go on to represent Scotland at the rushed lives.....

page 11 wwoof uk news issue 253 making the most of WWOOFing Thoughtful communication from refuse WWOOFers for their own ness to get involved in hosts’ activi- start to finish of a WWOOF partner- reasons and to keep those reasons ties. Even repetitive tasks can be ship can make all the difference to to themselves if they prefer but it’s interesting if you’re interested in whether volunteer and host become only fair that every host they con- them and understand why you’re firm friends or part indifferently. tact gets back to each WWOOFer in doing them – yes, even weeding! First impressions really do stick, and good time, if only to say ‘No, sorry, Hosts continue to find no-show seeing as the majority of hosts and we don’t need your help right now’. WWOOFers one of the most frus- WWOOFers get in touch via e-mail, When a host is considering whether trating and disappointing things. In the whole WWOOF experience can to welcome someone into their most cases, a WWOOFer has simply become coloured by a well put word home and into their working life, failed to keep in touch with the host here or a misinterpretation there (or they’re far more likely to accept a when their plans have changed. even by a lack of words!). WWOOFer who has made the effort Such carelessness in communication All WWOOF partnerships should be to read their host profile and point can harm a host’s opinion of based on mutual trust and respect; out why it is appealing. And the WWOOFers in general and we’d all the Ethos and Mission page of more detail WWOOFers give about love to find a way to stop it from WWOOF’s website affirms this prin- themselves, the more chance they happening. There’s no foolproof so- ciple and also has lots of guidance have of hearing back from a host. lution but it’s almost certainly less about what WWOOFers and hosts It may be obvious to say that hosts likely to happen if the initial commu- can expect of the exchange. are busy people; and as well as be- nication is good, if ‘personal’ contact WWOOF UK takes a firm stance on ing eager to share their lifestyles is made with a phone call or video hosts responding to WWOOFer con- with visitors, they want or need help chat, and if hosts reaffirm arrival tact, and we require hosts to reply from willing WWOOFers. The only times and arrangements a to all messages within two weeks. quality which WWOOF UK requires couple of weeks before the ex- It’s entirely up to hosts to choose or all WWOOFers to have is a willing- change is about to start. spotlight on: Tony Chalcraft Tony Chalcraft is one of WWOOF hosts has transformed our lives, in- Having UK’s volunteer directors and our formed our growing activities and worked in recently appointed Chair. We asked opened up a new world of contacts education him to share why WWOOF is so im- and ideas. and as portant to him. In trying to repay WWOOF my focus someone I became a director of WWOOF UK is on how we can develop and build who now in 2011 after escaping from half a on its values and aims in a changing provides lifetime working in higher education. world, what is sometimes grandly training Becoming a director enabled me to called ‘strategy’. Having a longer sessions on begin repaying the huge debt I owe term view is important but we also fruit and vegetable growing to peo- to WWOOF. As a long term host need to focus on the here and now ple of all ages and backgrounds, with my partner Jane on a suburban and I’m also helping ensure we re- WWOOF’s educational role is some- smallholding and nearby field and main financially sustainable and, as thing that’s important to me. Seeing woodland on the edge of York we a host myself, never lose sight of the some of our WWOOFers learn from have gained immensely from needs of hosts. Above all I’m always what they are doing with us is one WWOOF. For twenty odd years conscious that the strength of of the most rewarding aspects of the we’ve been privileged to receive WWOOF lies in its members, hosts WWOOF exchange. How WWOOF hundreds of WWOOFers from the and WWOOFers, as well as its excel- can become even more of a learning UK and across the world. Being lent staff team. organisation is something I’m espe- cially keen to develop.

wwoof uk news issue 253 page 12 classifieds Classifieds ads are free up to 50 words at the editor’s discretion. WWOOF UK accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of advertisements and does not endorse the products and services offered. You are advised to check before availing yourself of what is offered. [email protected]. uk

Housesitter/s required from 3rd - Wanted place to stay in our cosy We are always interested in hear- 11th March 2017 to look after 1 yurt temporarily whilst re-locating ing from people who would like to horse and 2 cats in beautiful High- North Mid-Wales/Borders. We are be more involved with the WWOOF land Glen. Wonderful walks, bike a mature couple with four year old UK steering group. Please contact rides etc. Will need own transport daughter. Can pay rent for space [email protected] and some knowledge of horses care. and provide references. Interested Tel Juliette: 01349 884440 or email: in low-impact living, growing fruit, Wanted land in Wales. Ideally 4-6 [email protected] vegetables, green wood-working, acres, south facing, gently sloping bees and music. with some woodland, natural water Seeking a long-term WWOOFing/ [email protected] Bettina supply, good access (not too re- exchange, any UK location consid- 07908 474669 mote) for beekeeping and per- ered. Please contact me by email at: maculture project. All areas of [email protected] Thank you. We are looking for an enthusiastic/ Wales considered if a suitable site. ethical single or couple to join Contact: Jeff 0797 6091425 / Bettina Any land farms/properties cur- HeavensGate for a long term 07908 474669, or by using email: rently available in Derbyshire area. WWOOFing exchange next year. [email protected] Location: rural Aylesbury Vale but I am a holistic therapist looking for a Free holidays for tired WWOOFers. only one hour from London or Ox- property that can tie in with my AY- Large shed with woodburner, ford. We have been successfully URVEDIC practice. The way we live, cooker and necessary cutlery etc, hosting for 4 years but feel we need our surroundings, organic food and separate shower, loo, and upstairs continuity and longer term planning a well being approach to our every- bedroom, free for short breaks in now. If you are interested email: day life. Contact: our six acre wildlife home in rural [email protected] [email protected] North Cornwall. No dogs. Email: [email protected]

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