Join in the NFU Norfolk centenary celebrations

Here’s how members can join in the celebrations during NFU Norfolk’s centenary year.

3 December 2018

South Norfolk branch - Christmas drinks and canapes evening
Kick off the centenary celebrations in style with a special event organised by Diss NFU branch at Lyng Farm, Garboldisham, by kind permission of the Gooderham family. This Christmas drinks and canapes evening will include food made from Norfolk produce, as well as locally-sourced beer. Contact Joanna Johnson or Maria Jones on 01379 651800

8 May 2019

Norwich branch – Norwich Cathedral tour, reception and service
The Dean has kindly invited members to attend the Evensong, which is held in the Cathedral starting at 5.30pm. During the service, the Dean will give thanks to the farming community and recognise the centenary of NFU Norfolk. From here, members will be treated to various tours around the Cathedral before coming back to enjoy the surroundings of the Weston Room, where drinks and canapes will be available. Contact Nicky Savage on 01603 304949.

21 May 2019

Mid-Norfolk and Watton branches – Houghton Hall farm tour, deer park, gardens and afternoon tea
We’re celebrating 100 years of NFU Norfolk, as Houghton Estate is developing a sustainable farming system for the next 100 years. It has a diverse organic farming operation including a new Jersey-cow dairy herd, combinable crops, beef, sheep, and a deer park. Land is also rented out for organic vegetables, pigs and chickens. A farm tour will be followed by afternoon tea and the opportunity to visit the Formal Gardens at Houghton Hall, all by kind permission of Lord Cholmondeley. Contact Amy Walker at the NFU Hethersett office on 01603 810310.
 

1 June 2019

East Norfolk branch – dinner with speaker, The Boathouse, Ormesby

The East Norfolk branch of the NFU is celebrating the Norfolk Centenary by holding a dinner at the Boat House at Ormesby, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. NFU Deputy President Guy Smith has kindly agreed to speak. Invitations will be sent out in early 2019 and members will be invited to arrange tables of 10. Proceeds from fundraising events on the evening will be donated to RABI, Air Ambulance and Nelson’s Journey. Contact Christopher Deane on 01692 402929 to find out more.

26 and 27 June 2019

NFU at the Royal Norfolk Show
We’re joining forces with Norfolk YFC at the Royal Norfolk Show to mark two special celebrations – the centenary of NFU Norfolk and the 75th anniversary of NYFC. Planning is underway for a pageant in the Grand Ring which will showcase the past, present and the future of farming in the county.

Autumn, date tbc

North Norfolk branch – Raynham Estate, visit and afternoon reception in the grounds
Members will have the chance to visit Raynham Estate, where ‘Turnip’ Townshend introduced a new type of crop rotation that revolutionised agriculture. The farm operation includes arable cropping, a beef herd, a broiler business, an anaerobic digestor and land rented out for a solar farm. Invitations and more information will be sent out by the branch when the details have been finalised. Contact Julie Frost on 01263 712306.

1 November 2019

NFU Norfolk annual county meeting, John Innes Centre, Norwich
Join us for this very special annual county meeting, marking the centenary of NFU Norfolk. The event will start with a buffet lunch of locally-sourced produce before the annual county meeting, which begins at 2pm. Guests at this high profile event will include past officeholders and staff of the NFU in Norfolk, MPs and representatives from Norfolk businesses and organisations. More information is available from John Newton on 01638 672123.
 

11 December 2019

West Norfolk Branch – Festive Soiree, the Red Barn, Runcton Holme

This event will bring together the West Norfolk branches of Downham Market & Southery and Kings Lynn & Swaffham. It will be held in the beautiful medieval tithe barn, lovingly restored by the Rockcliffe family. Come along and enjoy food sourced from a host of local producers and festive entertainment provided by a brass band. Contact Patrick Verrell on 01760 724888.

Branch events are open to all NFU Norfolk members. Please call the local office for more information and to book your place.

Find out more about NFU Norfolk's first 100 years by clicking on the links below: