Vegetarian News - Belgium/Flanders Vegetarian Association 20th Anniversary Year

Belgium/Flanders Vegetarian Association
20th Anniversary Year

from EVU News, Issue 1, 1996

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After a modest start in 1976 we felt strong enough to organise - since 1980 - a yearly Vegetarian WorldDay. Under the good leadership of our President Jan Dries, who is an excellent organiser, we opted for the formula of a colloquium. Every year we choose a different topic. During the morning session, the public (members & visitors) is listening to 3 lectures, followed by question time.

• 1980: "Vegetarian for Love of Animals"
• 1981: "Living Food" Kristina Nolfi, at 100 years.
• 1982: "Vegetarianism and Peace"
• 1983: "Food for all"
• 1984: "Vegetarianism and Tolerance"
• 1985: "Herbs" Commemoration of Flemish botanist Dodonaeus (1585).
• 1986: "Man and Nature"
• 1987: EVU Congress Ostend: "Friendship among all Vegetarians"
• 1988: "Vegetarianism and Stress"
• 1989: "Vegetarianism and Allergies"
• 1990: "Vegetarianism and Environment"
• 1991: "Health in our own Hands"
• 1992: "Vegetarianism and Rheumatism"
• 1993: "Vegetarianism: a Nutrition Trend"
• 1994: "Vegetarianism and Cancer"
• 1995: "Vegetarianism = Health, Environment and Animal friendly"
• 1996: ?

In the afternoon, there are workshops and simultaneous activities to choose from like:

• Visiting historic cultural site or museum
• Film, slide or video-session
• Nature walks: dunes, forest, park, herb garden ...
• Miscellaneous workshops e.g.: Raw food / Food combination rules / Sleeping problems / Allergies / Organic gardening and composting / Civilisation illness / Tooth-hygiene / Immunity / Pregnancy / Positive mind / Fundamentals of acid-alkali balance / Slimming / Ecological kitchen and household / Vegetarian meals in collectivities / Healthy construction materials / Man and animals ... And many more.
• Kitchen demonstrations: preparing salads, desserts, fruit meal, sprouts, natural food, herb remedies.

A great attraction is the exhibition hall, with its many stands and booths with brochures, books, produce from 3rd world farmers, tropical fruit, non-leather-shoes ... You-name-it-they-have-it.

People are so eager to learn about vegetarianism!

In order not to become too predictable for 'regulars' we always have a different surprise element like a lottery, a special guest reciting appropriate poetry, a musical performance, a nature quiz, a homage of Senior V. members, 5 o'clock herbal tea ...

In order to permit young parents to participate, we arrange for volunteers to play with the children.

We usually rent a part of a 'Cultural Centre' and make arrangements with the restaurant owners for a festive meal for up to 400 people: quite a sight in the large dining hall!

The last few years this traditional World Vegetarian Day has become famous and TV-cameramen drop in for interviews.

We have come a long way with our initially small group, but certainly it is rewarding!

- Diane Hebbelinck