YFC news

Wales

posted 06 Jul 2010

Brecknock

Help us tell the story’ say YFC members

Do you have any pictures or memorabilia of the lost community of Epynt? That is the question the newly-launched Cofio’r Epynt (Remembering Epynt) Project is asking anyone and everyone who has any connection with the mountain community who were given 3 months to quit their farms at the outset of the Second World War.

‘Seventy years ago Mynydd Epynt was a strong community of 220 people inhabiting 54 farms’ says project leader John Davies whose family have their roots on the mountain. ‘In September, 1939 the people of Epynt thought that the war would have little direct impact on them. By March, 1940 a government letter changed that view once and for all. Despite united opposition on the part of the Welsh-speaking community and the support of a throng of Welsh MPs and leading national figures a deadline was set. By June 30th, each and every farm was empty. The community was no more.’

With the backing of the Heritage Lottery Fund Brecknock Young Famers’ Clubs will be organising 4 events – in co-operation with Gŵyl y Cyfarwydd (the Storytellers’ Festival) - over the summer months to ensure that the cost of World War II to the people of Epynt is not forgotten.

Says Euros Lewis (of Gŵyl y Cyfarwydd) ‘Seventy years doesn’t seem all that long ago. However, it is surprising how few people know the story of Epynt, whether Welsh-born or not. This is particularly so amongst the younger generation. That is why Cofio’r Epynt is putting together an exhibition of memorabilia that will tour Breconshire during August and September. Everyone who wants the Epynt story to be told and is willing for their photographs etc. to be professionally copied is invited to attend the Memory Gathering Day, to be held at Brecon’s Guildhall on Friday, July 30th.. All items copied or loaned will be carefully catalogued by Cofio’r Epynt officials.’

This initial event will be followed by a Story Trail on Epynt itself, Sunday, August 22nd. In the company of some of the last generation of children born and bred on the mountain the walk will start and finish near the remains of Capel y Babell – the lost community’s only formal meeting place. The event (organised with the co-operation of SENTA officials) will end with a tea party followed by a Cymanfa Ganu (Hymn Singing Festival).

In September primary school children will be invited to a Demonstration Day at the Disgwylfa centre, Epynt where traditional rural skills will be on display. These will include the hand-shearing of sheep, hay-making and bread and butter-making.

The Cofio’r Epynt project will close with a final performance of Golau’r Epynt – Brecknock YFC’s All-Wales winning production of a play that tells the story of Epynt’s last days from the point of view of one of its children. (Details to follow.)

The COFIO’R EPYNT calendar

• Friday, July 30 – MEMORY GATHERING DAY – Brecon Guildhall (1.00 – 4.00pm)
• Sunday, August 22 – EPYNT MOUNTAIN STORY TRAIL, TEA PARTY and CYMANFA GANU (afternoon and early evening event – details to follow)
• Wednesday, September 29 – SCHOOLS’ DEMONSTRATION DAY
• Saturday, October 30 - FINAL PERFORMANCE of GOLAU’R EPYNT (details to follow).

Further details:

• John Davies – 07791 158465 / 01874 690293
• Euros Lewis – 07813 173155 / 01570 471328
   

Royal Welsh Show

posted 06 Jul 2010

Wales YFC milk drinking boat race

A number of organisations showed off their milk drinking skills this afternoon (Wednesday the 21st July) during the Wales YFC milk drinking boat race sponsored by Daioni.

A number of organisations who have serious roles in agriculture and rural Wales, exposed their softer side in an event which highlighted the collaborative working between Wales YFC and these organisations.

In teams of five, representatives competed in rounds to establish the overall Milk drinking champion team and following a number of races NFU Cymru were crowned the Daioni Milk Drinking Champions.

Members were pleased to see that the organisations were more than willing to join in the fun event with Wales YFC members. Dylan Jones, the Wales YFC Rural affairs Committee Chairman commented,
“It’s excellent to get all these people together on the YFC stage to promote the partnerships that exist between Wales YFC and other organisations and having fun at the same time. It was also a great way of promoting Milk and buying locally. I would like to thank Daioni for kindly agreeing to donate the milk in order to make this activity possible.”
 

Click here to download the press release in Engligh and Welsh

Royal Welsh Show

posted 06 Jul 2010

Thanking sponsors and supporters!

A special reception was held today for members, friends and supporters of Wales YFC.

During the reception Tim John, thanked all of those that had supported the organisation in any way over the past year and noted that he hoped that the partnerships will continue to develop in the forthcoming year and for the future. He noted that the supporters and sponsors of Wales YFC were invaluable and without their support the organisation would not be able to continuing to offer as many opportunities and experiences to young people across Wales.

Tim John also took the opportunity to relay the message that the organisation continues to thrive, representing almost 6,000 rural young people, all of whom are very talented and active who lead their local clubs, their county organisation and also the organisation at a Welsh level.
 

Click here to download the press release in Engligh and Welsh

Royal Welsh Show

posted 06 Jul 2010

First day results from YFC section at the Royal Welsh Show!

Members of Wales YFC travelled from all corners of Wales to take part in the first day of YFC competitions under the theme of ‘Croeso i Gymru’ / ‘Welcome to Wales’ at the 2010 Royal Welsh Show. It was an action packed day with competitions ranging from capable campers to a craft competition.

“We’ve had an absolutely fantastic first day here, making all of the preparation prior to the show worthwhile,” said Wales YFC Chairman, Tom John. “Members have once again shown their various talents, and I look forward to seeing more of their work over the next three days.”
 

Click here to download the results in English and Welsh

Click here to download winners photos