Eurolink was created over thirty years ago. It was the brainchild of an established Sussex farmer, launched with the help of a small enthusiastic Committee and myself, as an executive with international experience and contacts. It was supported and sponsored by the South of England Agricultural Society, a well-known bank and a shipping line.
John Cyster blazed the trail by journeying to Libramont in the Belgian Ardennes, where there was and is a large agricultural show similar to Ardingly. After many glasses of wine he persuaded the officers of the show to participate in the new scheme, whereby Belgian farming couples could stay with English farmers for a week at Showtime and return the hospitality at some time during the year. This was a unique concept in the U.K. and allowed farmers of different nationalities to have an in-depth experience of each other's farming methods, to discuss their problems in a relaxed manner, and to help with solutions.
A similar visit was made to the agricultural show in Rennes, resulting in French farmers participating in Eurolink, and later included in the Netherlands, and in due course, Germany, Spain and Hungary. The buzz in the International Pavilion at the Ardingly Show grew and grew and attracted important visitors from ambassadors and royalty from this country and dignitaries from abroad. Prime Ministers gave it their blessing.
In order to facilitate the continuation of contacts made during the exchanges, the EUROLINK AGRICOLAE CLUB was formed for those have taken part. It arranges annual reunions in the different countries, with agricultural and cultural interest, and keeps everyone in touch through regular newsletters.
As the years went by the supply of farmers with the interest and spare time to enter the original Eurolink scheme dried up, due to the many difficulties besetting the industry. A new scheme was then devised, with grants given by the South of England Agricultural Society to groups of farmers for a short visit to another country to study the specific aspect of a land based industry. The International Farmlink Committee was formed to manage this.
The Eurolink Club, however, continues in the same format and has expanded to include anyone with an interest in meeting farmers from other countries. As they have not had the experience of a Eurolink exchange they are known as Associate Members.
The Eurolink Club welcomes new members of any age and invites anyone to get in touch.
Alison Woodhead
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