Working Weekends on Organic Farms as it was back in Brandeau days

WWOOF or Willing Workers or as it is now World Wide Opportunities is a fab network. I've been a volunteer and a host.

The thrill of heading off to the great wide world with nothing but a letter and a few sketchy details of what to expect is something very special. As it happened this was down to Bordeaux to clear the previous years growth from 20 acres of vines in a cold January and I still remember the kiwi guy who whittled his ivy lampshade until the early hours.

Wild Garlic pulling and wild leek digging were among the bonus points, there were very many.

As it happened I was invited back and stayed for a month or more each year for the next 10 years as it became a regular holiday (never keen to simply sit on a beach) and part of me remains out in those vines.