The 50th Anniversary celebrations went on with a birthday gathering organised by WWOOF UK in mid October. The date was picked to be as close to exactly 50 years after the very first WWOOF took place at Emerson College in Forest Row, East Sussex, in 1971.

Sue Coppartd with the birthday cake
Sue with the birthday cake

Sue Coppard was of course the star of the show, being our founder, and was on top form throughout the weekend. Sue is now 84 and is as passionate as ever about her love of the planet and WWOOF. Did you know Sue is an accomplished accordion player and is still playing gigs!?!

1971 – How it all begun

The event was a typically WWOOFy affair with organic homemade food a plenty and spades of laughter.

lunch at WWOOF 50th birthday party in the UK
WWOOF’s 50th birthday party in the UK

After lunch and a tour of @longviewlivinguk, the gorgeous organic permaculture smallholding in Shropshire hosting the event, the participants were treated to the rich sounds of Sue’s accordion playing as they sat around the fire.

Sue playing accordion at WWOOF50 celbration
Sue playing accordion next to the bonfire

Happy 50th Birthday WWOOF! 🎉