I can hardly believe that nearly twelve months have passed since I wrote last year’s President’s message.
During the past year I have had the opportunity to travel to many parts of England and Wales, not only to meet and get to know many YFC members, but also to witness first-hand the immense talent that exists within YFC at all levels. Also, it has allowed me to view the wonderful landscape and areas in which many of you reside – for me this is priceless. I can only apologise to the county federations and clubs that kindly invited me to functions that I have not been able to attend.
I am sorry for all of you who have had your livelihoods and YFC events affected by the summer flooding and by foot and mouth restrictions. I know that in true YFC spirit all of you will rise to the challenges which this brings.
At long last, I do believe that for those of you who are making farming your career, the tide is turning. We are seeing milk and grain prices starting to rise and also, more people are now realising that home-grown produce not only tastes better, but is good for the environment. As we move into a new YFC year, the Year of Food and Farming will be launched, giving you a brilliant opportunity to raise your profile locally and boost club membership. YFC members are natural advocates of how to make food and farming fun and you do this by taking part in YFC activities. You can pass this message on by talking to school children about food and farming and helping with organised events or celebrating the year with existing YFC activities. For this reason, the YFC 2007-08
‘competitions’ programme is themed the
‘Year of Food and Farming’.
I was delighted when James Eckley was appointed as NFYFC’s Chief Executive as his ideas and dedication to the job are a breath of fresh air to our organisation. I would also like to record my sincere thanks to all the NFYFC staff including the
HOPS team for their hard work. Particular thanks to Pam Shields MBE, who has served our organisation for so long and retired in March and to Lin Smith, who has also worked tirelessly on our behalf for many years and leaves in September. I wish them both well for the future.
I thank you most sincerely for providing me with the great honour in being your National President for another year – it is a position I hold with immense pride and I look forward to having the opportunity of meeting many of you over the coming year.
Finally, I wish you, the members, your family and supporters good luck for the coming YFC year. ‘Fun, learning and achievement’ is what you will experience as well as the life-long friendships you make when you become members of YFC.
Very best wishes to you all
Lionel Hill MBE
NFYFC President
