Ulster Farmers' Union wants to hear your stories and memories

UFU president Barclay Bell is encouraging farmers and their family members to share their stories and memories of the UFU for its centenary.

“The UFU has been around a long time, thanks to the support of our members and their families and we want to share their stories and memories to honour their contributions over the last 100 years,” said UFU president Barclay Bell.

Mr Bell says that farmers have long memories and are great story tellers so there should be no shortage of material.

“We want to give the history of the union a personal touch with the help of our members.

“We are keen to collect all kinds of stories and memories.

“Funny stories about farming, particularly if it relates to the union; interesting stories about your involvement with the union; how the union has helped you; how farming has changed over the years; and stories relating to major agricultural events.

“Anything you think helps show the history of the Union, we want to hear it.”

The union is planning to share these stories and memories through its website, social media, and some will be included in a centenary book to be published in 2018.

“For 100 years our members have been at the heart of everything we do and this is an opportunity for us to mark their contributions and achievements,” said the UFU president.

If you would like to contribute to this historic project, contact UFU HQ on 0289037022 to register your interest.

Or you can visit www.ufuni.org and complete the expression of interest form.

* Founded in 1918, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is the largest democratic voluntary organisation representing farmers and growers in Northern Ireland.

Its central objective is to promote their interests both at home and abroad through professional lobbying.

The UFU takes a close interest in rural affairs and services, and works with politicians both in the U.K. and Internationally, and other groups and organisations to advance rural interests.

It has particularly close links with consumer groups, countryside and wildlife bodies, animals welfare organisations and academics.

The Union works closely with the National Farmers’ Union’s in England, Scotland and Wales, and the Irish Farmers’ Association in Dublin.

Collectively the UK Union’s support the Bureau de l’Agriculture Brittanique, giving local farmers a permanent staff presence in Brussels.