snow stops play for our weekend away

Apr 14, 2018

Every year we (WWOOF UK trustees and staff) gather at Redfield Community – one-time home of WWOOF UK – for a weekend in early March, to reconnect after the winter months and to think about the coming year. It’s nearing financial year end so we usually consider money, and we try and set a plan for 12 months ahead. This year the Weather Gods looked at our plans, laughed, and sent in a beast from the east.

On Tuesday we were getting twitchy, come Wednesday travel plans were looking interesting. By Thursday things were decidedly tricky so we had a virtual huddle and put in a call to Redfield. Oh dear, all the pipes have frozen so you can’t use the sinks and the heating isn’t warming the place properly…but it’s your call… We decided to cancel which was of course the right thing to do as, by Friday, several of the team were snowed in.

What to do, given that we had a bulging agenda? Rescheduling was a diary nightmare so the only option was online. And amazingly, internet connections held out and with some good self discipline, we were able to complete critical items in a just-about-OK way.

Importantly we officially welcomed a new Trustee – Emma Robinson – experienced WWOOFer and also a marketing expert. Happy days! We were also joined by potential Trustee Alice Law who, despite being 20 years old, is an experienced WWOOFer and host. Quite a coup! We’re feeling rather pleased with ourselves about Alice and are very much hoping it works out.


WWOOF UK co-ordinator Scarlett Penn, stranded in Shropshire

There were some bits of good news to be updated on, like the bursary we’re now able to offer to some 16 and 17 year-olds. Also we heard about the progress of the Common Web Platform (CWP), which will begin the long-overdue process of WWOOF around the world working towards a unified recognisable identity. However the hottest topic of conversation was inevitably the dive in WWOOFer numbers seen over the last few months, especially visitors from the continent. So…are we a victim of Brexit? European colleagues reckon there’s confusion over there; is Britain in Europe now or not? Can we travel there? Will we be welcomed there…?

It’s not even as though there’s an easy way to get the word out that it’s business as usual. Yes we can (and have) put something on the website, but you have to go to the website to see it in the first place. Continental WWOOF colleagues could be asked to help, but what would they say and where would they say it? And they are busy trying to promote their own countries in any case. Logically our best bet would be concentrating on attracting domestic WWOOFers i.e. from the UK. It makes a lot of sense too, because volunteers are then learning about growing methods and conditions in their own climate, and making valuable contacts along the way. So, this is doubtless where a focus will be in 2018, but if you have any other bright ideas – as ever – do let us know!

You can leave a comment below, if you’re signed in to your account, or contact us using info@wwoof.org.uk

photo 1: host Polly Bolton – her daughter gives us scale!
photo 2: Scarlett Penn

WWOOF UK needs YOU! We’re recruiting Trustees

WWOOF UK needs YOU! We’re recruiting Trustees

Would you like to join an existing group of five dedicated individuals who are committed to overseeing the direction of WWOOF UK? Do you want to help more people experience first-hand the meaningful connection to self, land and others that immersion in a low impact...

25% off WWOOF UK membership until 2nd April

25% off WWOOF UK membership until 2nd April

Use discount code DAFFODILS when you sign up before the 2nd April for a 25% discount on any WWOOF UK membership. Don't be an April fool and miss out on this great discount! We have lots of hosts eagerly awaiting new enthusiastic WWOOFers for the season, and plenty of...

Follow up ‘Rat Control’ responses

Follow up ‘Rat Control’ responses

Thank you all for such a great array of responses to the #PennToPaper Rat Control article in the last newsletter. If you didn’t get around to reading it or want to refresh your memory, then here’s the link. Read on to explore the answers you all contributed, and don't...

Lesley Gorski a WWOOFing legacy

Lesley Gorski a WWOOFing legacy

Last year, we received the sombre news that long-standing WWOOFer Lesley Gorski had passed away. We were very saddened to hear this news as Lesley was well known by WWOOF staff, and had been one of the last remaining old-school members still using the...

Member feature – Kristin, volunteer

Member feature – Kristin, volunteer

"WWOOFing is the experience of a lifetime. If you are currently WWOOFing, keep doing it! If you are considering WWOOFing, don’t hesitate! Do it!" Our member community is full of so many unique individuals, united by a shared devotion to sustainable growing and living....