01 June 2022

It’s National Volunteers Week (1-7 June 2022) and NFYFC President Nigel Owens pays tribute to the many volunteers who have helped make YFC happen over the past 90 years.

Young Farmers’ Clubs are so important to our rural communities. They give young people opportunities, confidence, and safe spaces to socialise. They help combat isolation in remote locations and celebrate all that is great about the British countryside, food and farming.

And without the generosity and goodwill of hundreds of volunteers across England and Wales, they simply would not exist.

As a member-led organisation, it is young people who step up and volunteer to chair our clubs and county federations. They take leading roles in running their charities and providing valuable experiences for nearly 23,000 rural young people.

They lead and inspire their volunteer teams of secretaries, treasurers, club leaders, trustees, advisory committees and parents. All of whom play vital roles in the running of our 580 clubs and 46 county federations.

We are indebted to all our volunteers for the time they give to YFC and for helping NFYFC deliver its charitable objectives.

As we celebrate NFYFC’s 90th Anniversary year, it’s also an ideal time to reflect on the many thousands of people who have volunteered over the past nine decades to support this organisation.

The dedication of those who have served, and continue to serve, as club, county and national chairs, vice chairs, presidents and life vice presidents have made an indelible mark on YFC’s history. Thank you for your passion and commitment.

And, it feels poignant that in our 90th year, we are also celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of our Patron, The Queen. NFYFC is extremely proud of its Royal association that officially started in 1957. As someone who works incredibly hard in the areas of public and charitable service, The Queen is a true inspiration to YFCs. Thank you to The Queen for her public support of YFC and congratulations on the last 70 years.

And finally, thank you to everyone who has volunteered for YFC in whatever capacity over the last 90 years. Be proud of what you have helped the organisation – and so many thousands of rural young people – achieve.

Diolch yn fawr.

Nigel Owens
NFYFC President 2022-23