Farmers to reunite after 35 years of friendship
A retired UK farm manager with connections to Guernsey is bringing 20 industry friends and colleagues to the island next month for a reunion, more than 35 years after they first met.
David Bowyer, 74, lives in Alton in Hampshire, and has been involved in farming for more than 50 years.
He first came to Guernsey in 1973 and spent a few months milking cows at Sous L’Eglise Farm in St Saviour’s, which at the time was owned by Dick and Betty Fooks.
‘After I finished agricultural college, I was working for a relief milk agency in north Devon, and was asked if I fancied going over to Guernsey for a period to work,’ he said.
‘I said yes, and during that time I got to know Dick and Betty, plus their children, and I kept in touch with them after I left.’
Fast forward to 1988, and Mr Bowyer, along with a group of farmers from all over the UK and abroad, attended a three-week advanced course in agriculture and business management at Wye College in Kent.
The course was run by the Worshipful Company of Farmers, a professional association which provides leadership and management training for those involved in the agriculture industry.
At the end of the course, the group agreed to keep in touch, and a reunion has taken place every year since, with members taking it in turns to host.
When the time came to plan this year’s reunion, Mr Bowyer put his name forward to host, and thanks to his Guernsey links, a trip to the island soon materialised.
‘My wife and I spent new year in Guernsey with Dick and Betty’s daughter, Sue, and her husband. Mike, and I mentioned that I was hosting the reunion this year,’ he said.
‘They very kindly offered to have everyone come over to Guernsey for a few days, which will be a new experience for almost everyone, as I think only one other member besides me has been before.’
The group’s trip, which will take place between 12 and 15 June, will include a visit to Sark’s dairy farm, owned by Jason and Katharine Salisbury, as well as more leisurely activities such as a round-island coach tour.
While Mr Bowyer always looked forward to the group’s reunions, he said that this one would have more personal significance because it is in Guernsey.
‘My daughter also came to Guernsey and worked with Ray Watts for a year on his farm while she was at university, so it’s become a bit of a family affair for me.
‘The reunions always bring the group back to life and it’s something we all get very excited about, so I can’t wait.’
