Wye College and the RCCs – with an Introduction by Dr Alan Rogers Particularly in the 1970s and early 1980s a significant number of graduates of Wye College, University of London, were employed by Rural Community Councils. Job opportunities were expanding, not least because of the Community Initiative in the Countryside scheme which had been introduced in 1973 and which in particular encouraged the creation of Countryside/Field Officer posts in the RCCs. And the 1970s was also a time when rural issues were centre stage politically and in other ways – concerns about rural deprivation, the environmental effects of modern farming methods, important research from the universities and more.  So jobs in the RCCs, which in their own turn were revitalised with new younger staff appointments, were an attractive proposition for new graduates. Wye College had been established in 1893 and became part of the University of London in 1898.  It developed an international reputation for research and teaching in agriculture and horticulture and from the 1950s onwards broadened its activities on the social science side to take in such areas as outdoor recreation, rural employment and urban growth.  And from the early 1970s this began to include an involvement

It’s been a long time coming, but we are making a tentative start by opening in the Wye College, Latin School Garden with our usual Coffee/ Tea and legendary brownies. We will have an outdoor display all about the history of Hops at Wye. In addition we will be happy to share with you the exciting future plans for the Wye Heritage Centre. We will be somewhat weather dependant – if it is tipping it down we will have to cancel – fingers crossed!