News and Other Busyness

NFU Condemn Countryside Movement

Squall 14, Autumn 1996, pg. 08.

A LEADING member of the National Farmer’s Union condemned the Countryside Movement of “inertia selling” at a county NFU meeting.

Jeremy Walker, vice chairman of the Somerset NFU, was annoyed after receiving a mailshot from Countryside Movement executive Sir David Steele, telling him if he didn’t reply he would be considered a member.

The Countryside Movement is designed to protect the interests of hunters, shooters and landowners, but masquerades under an environmental and educational image.

In January, the Crawley and Horsham Hunt sent a circular to members and supporters urging them to join the Countryside Movement.

Hunt chairman Lesley Weller said they had agreed to find 2,500 supporters.