National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

Northumberland

Northumberland YFC County Rally special

Over 500 Young Farmers' Club members and their families and friends flocked to Vallum Farm, Matfen, (by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Peter Moffit) for the Northumberland Federation's County Rally hosted by Stamfordham YFC. The event is the biggest day in the YFC calendar and included over 60 different competitions.

The rally committee, chaired by Richard Irving from Stamfordham YFC is made up of past and present members of Stamfordham YFC.

They have been working towards the rally since October and Richard said: "It has been hard work but we have enjoyed putting together the schedule and preparing for the day." Richard also praised the hard work and team work that each of the eleven clubs showed on Saturday.

"This is a day out for all the family and many of the classes on show promoted The Year of Food and Farming.

"Visitors were able to see the members' static exhibits including crafts, photography, cookery, art and floral art."

Competitions included stockjudging, tractor handling, flower arranging, cooking and banana eating, bolster and bar and tug of war.

The Rally Shield for the club with the least points was awarded jointly (for the first time) to Haltwhistle and Stamfordham YFC. Runners-up were Whitley Chapel YFC.

Northumberland YFC, County Chairman, Lindsay Carr said: “Today’s rally is all about our members taking part and pulling together as a team. By doing this they gain experience and it is amazing how you see members grow in confidence every time they take part in the rally.”

Winners of many of the events will have the honour of representing their club and county at the Northern Area Field Day on June 14 at East Riding which members from all of the North of England will attend.

Downloads

Photos from the rally

Competition results

75th Anniversary press release

Brecknock

Brecknock YFC Senior & Junior Member of the Year & Vera Jones Bursary Award

The competition was very hot for both the senior and junior member of the year. This year the event was kindly sponsored by the FUW who gave individual shields for the two awards.

The procedure involved the senior members completing an application form which asked questions on their history and YFC involvement. It asked them to give details of their proudest moment in YFC so far and to describe any ambitions they have within YFC. The Junior member had to produce a portfolio to include similar information. It also gave them the opportunity to include any information outside of YFC and photographs.

Part two of the competition involved a panel interview with two judges. The judges for the 2008 Member of the Year competition were Miss Gillian Carpenter and Miss Llinos Davies for the Junior section. For the Senior section the Federation invited Mr Dan Halliday National YFC Chairman and Miss Enfys Evans.

The FUW Shield for The Senior Member of the Year for 2008 was given to Sarah Price from Pontfaen YFC. Sarah has been an active member of Pontfaen YFC since the age of 11. She currently works as a Speech and Language Therapist in Carmarthenshire but still finds the time to serve as Brecknock’s Finance & Development Chair and joint Club secretary of Pontfaen YFC.

The FUW shield for The Junior Member of the Year for 2008 was given to Vicky-Lynn Healey from Erwood YFC. Vicky-Lynn has been an active member of Erwood YFC since the age of 10. She is currently studying at Builth Wells High School but also finds time to serve as Brecknock’s Youth Forum Chair and joint Secretary of Erwood YFC.

The new “Vera Jones Bursary” Competition was launched also with two clubs applying. The bursary has been set up by Mrs Liz Jones & Mrs Betty Jones as a result of donations made to the late Miss Vera Jones MBE. Vera served as Brecknock Young Farmers’ County Organiser for 29 years and was extremely dedicated to the organisation. Trecastle YFC was the very deserving winners and received a cheque for £100.00. The club will be using the money to assist them in setting about “Trecastle Operation Spring Clean”. The club hope to improve the overall appearance of the outside of Trecastle Community centre; where they meet on a regular basis. Runner up’s Erwood YFC also had a worth will project to put on an open air concert; “Music on the Lawn”. Both projects highlight how much valuable work the movement completes out in the local communities of Breconshire.

Clwyd

YFC Members raise cash for Clwyd RWAS 2008 Appeal

During a meeting of the Clwyd YFC County Activities sub-committee, held at YFC Office on 12th May, Gwen Davies, the 2008 Lady Ambassador for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, for which Clwyd is the Host County this year, was present to receive two cheques. Gwen is pictured holding a cheque from the Ruthin YFC Club, for £105, raised during a St. David’s Day Whist Drive and presented by Gruffydd Parry, and a cheque for £846.06, raised when the Wrexham, Cilcain, Northop and Llangollen Clubs joined together to organise an Easter Ball, and presented by Helen Davies, County Queen. In the picture also are other YFC members who were present at the meeting.

Devon

Outdoor Activities Day

Success in its Second Year!

Devon Young Farmers held their second ‘County Outdoor Activities Day’ at Bicton College on Sunday 27th April. The day was a fantastic success and hosted a whole range of competitions, many of which were national qualifiers. The fencing competition saw some tough competition, with 8 teams battling it out for 1st place, particular thanks goes to ‘Mole Avon’ for their sponsorship of this competition. Withleigh Young Farmers were the winners on the day, with their ‘B’ team not far behind them in 3rd place, congratulations also went to Tavistock Young Farmers who came 2nd, and to all the other teams for taking part.

Back by popular demand, we had ‘Pallet Recycling’, introduced last year as a new national qualifier. The aim of this competition was to completely dismantle 2 pallets and re-assemble them as something else, using as much of the pallets as possible. This year we had a fair selection of designs including windmills and garden furniture, but the winning design was a little wheelbarrow, created by two members from Roborough YFC.

Other competitions included Mini Digger Driving, ATV Handling and Tractor Handling, these competitions ran between 11am & 2pm and saw a continuous stream of members waiting to take part. A huge thank you must go to ‘MST’ for providing both the quads and the Mini Digger for the day. Also running throughout the day, we had Clay Pigeon Shooting, Stock Judging, Rounders, and the ever popular Tug ‘O’ War to finish.

Considering the horrendous forecast, we should consider ourselves very lucky to have had a mainly dry day, but those heavy showers couldn’t quite hold off, so the TOW finals were completed in the pouring rain, to be followed by the presentation of cups & prize cards. Congratulations go to our overall winners, East Devon Group with 187 points, with a special mention to Whimple & Broadclyst Young Farmers who gained 97 of those points! Devon Young Farmers would like to thank Bicton College for hosting the event and all their support in organising it, also a big thank you to all our sponsors, judges, stewards and supporters...and of course the competitors, who all made the day a huge success!

Hertfordshire

24hr Ploughathon

Supporting Herts Air Ambulance

We had a fantastic 24 hours, thanks to everyone who came along and supported and also those members who ploughed, especially the 24hrs ploughmen, who were James Williams (County Chairman), Jamie Burrows (Vice Chairman), James Watts, Will Lawton, Graeme Woodward and Paul Green. We had howling winds and driving rain but the ploughing went on, a big thank you to those members who braved the Friday evening weather to come and support. We had a variety of people come and visit on Saturday, ex-members, public and sponsors arrived. A bar-b-cue and refreshments kept us going throughout the day. Thanks to our main sponsors, John Wallace and family for allowing us to use their land and their kind donation, Buckles for the loan of their caravan and tractor, Frontier Agriculture Limited, Yara UK, NFU Mutual, KB Tyres, Dalgety’s, BWServices, Mark Weatherheads, A.T. Olivers, Savills of Bishops Stortford and everyone else who sponsored us.

£3,000 for Herts Air Ambulance.

Cumbria

Annual Field Day

Saturday 10th May 2008

Sorrowstones Farm, Santon

(By kind permission of Mr & Mrs Geoff Nanson)

A full day of Young Farmers Clubs competing in competitions such as cookery, stock-judging, floral art, line dancing, live craft demonstration, wrestling, woodwork, industrial, tug of war, ATV driving, Northern Areas got Talent & many more

Spectators Welcome

Refreshments available throughout the day

For more information contact:

Sal Fawcett (Secretary)

Telephone: 019467 28774

E-mail snorm2003@yahoo.co.uk

Suffolk

Suffolk’s First Junior Youth Forum is a Success

Fourteen junior members of Suffolk FYFC attended the county’s first youth forum on Sunday 9th March. Members arrived at 10.30am and spent the morning discussing the ins and outs of YFC before going bowling. The discussion was facilitated by five senior county reps who encouraged the members to openly talk about the good and the bad things about YFC, junior competitions and social events. The senior reps were also on hand to answer questions regarding county issues. The findings will be produced in a report and presented at the next Executive Committee. Plans are already afoot for the next youth forum meeting which will take place on the 6th July.

Northamptonshire

Charity classic tractor run

Saturday 10th May 2008

Raising funds for Northants YFC and Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance

Northants Young Farmers, friends and supporters will be driving classic tractors (pre-1990) 80 miles around Northamptonshire via each of our Young Farmers’ Clubs catchment areas – Oundle, Thrapston, Grendon, Towcester and Kelmarsh – in 24 hours. We’ll be passing through more than 30 villages, travelling on minor/back roads at no more than 18mph, starting at Lower Benefield and finishing at Cottesbrooke.

All vehicles must be taxed, insured, in a roadworthy condition and running on white diesel on the day.

All drivers must have a valid current driving licence.

There is a £20 entry fee per tractor, which includes a map of the route, sponsorship forms, a free commemorative t-shirt, burger & cold drink. A back-up vehicle will be provided.

If you’d like to join in this marathon fundraising event, or would like to sponsor any of the participants, please click here for Northampton county contact details

East Devon YFC's

East Devon YFC's Entertains Competition 2008

The Exmouth Pavilion was the venue for one of the most competitive dates in the YFC calender, the 'East Devon Group Round of the YFC Entertains Competition'. Hosted by Group Chairman Miss Georgina Gay.

Following two spectacular evenings filled by performances from each of the five Clubs within East Devon who took part, judges Mr Charles Clarke and Mr Nick Lawrence, selected the winner as Yarcombe & District YFC. Their entry entitled 'One Brick At A Time' wrote and produced by Steve Key was an excellently directed performance with slick timing which 'wowed' the audience. They had everyone on the edge of their seats with their remarkable dance routine using wheel barrows. The Judges were highly impressed and commented that they'd 'not seen anything quite like it before'. Yarcombe & District Club Chairman Mr Patrick Stevens received the trophy on behalf of the Club.

The overall Best Actress Award was won by Miss Caroline Dawes of Axminster YFC, who had everyone in fits of laughter in her role as a young women on a blind date,in their performance entitled 'Time On Time'. This beautifully choreographed production placed them as runner up in the Competition and won them the trophy for 'The Best Moment',

Mr Oliver Reed of Culm Valley YFC ws selected by the judges as the overall Best Actor in the Competition, for his enthusiasm and enjoyment throughout his role in Culm Valley's performance.

The prestigious Senior and Junior Member of the Year Results were also announced. Following much deliberation from the Senior Member fo the Year Judges, East Devon Group Vice President Mrs Babs Leach and County Chairman Mr Peter Reed, selected Miss Jenna Rosewell of Honiton YFC as the winner, second Mr Andy Broomfield of Culm Valley YFC and Miss Gill Manley also of Culm Valley YFC came third. The Junior Member of the Year Judges, Past County Chairman Miss Laura Hutchings and Group Vice President Mr Rob Summers chose Miss Sarah Spiller of Culm Valley YFC as the winner with Miss Mercedes Pemberton Finch of Whimple & Broadclyst YFC second and Miss Nicky Bishop of Culm Valley YFC third.

Leicestershire & Rutland YFC

Summer Ball 2008 and Retirement Party for Mr. Derek Kerr MBE

Saturday 28th June 2008

Rotherby Lodge Farm

Gaddesby Lane

Rotherby

Leicestershire

(Just off the A607)

(By kind permission of Mr & Mrs Machin)

Tickets: £10 Per Person And Children Under 12 Are Free.

Tickets Will Be On Sale From 1st April.

Event Begins At 5.30pm. Presentation At 8pm Prompt

Bar And Food Available.

Please pass on information to all past and present members

For more information contact Claire Atkins on: 0116 2871662 or Joanne Wilkes on 07773 335305

Devon

Oxford Farming Conference 'A Climate of Change, Agriculture The Solution'

County Chairman, Mr Peter Reed and County Representative Miss Vicci Camp had the great pleasure in attending the 2008 Oxford Farming Conference as delegates of Devon YFC kindly sponsored by the Louise Ryan Fund, co-ordinated by RASE.

The conference although very formal, was certainly a very inviting and friendly experience with the opportunity to meet many people from the industry with a wide range of associated links to British Agriculture. The message was very upbeat for agriculture in the UK with the recent increases in the wheat and milk price leading the way, there was however great concern for the meat industry, and its need to follow suit in the near future.

There were a wide range of speakers from within the UK and abroad. A few of the highlights were the 'Farming without Subsidies session' chaired by Philip Wynn. Farmers from the arable, sheep, dairy and horticultural sectors discussed how their businesses may fair post subsidies. The four individuals gave the audience an insight into their businesses and how they felt they could farm in the future without subsidies. They all thought it would be possible, although there was great emphasis in a need for collaboration with other farmers either to sell their products or to buy their inputs.

The 'Our Next Generation Panel' Chaired by Declan Curry, BBC Presenter, was also another very interesting session. The panel consisted of Christine Hope (founded Hopes of Longtown a village store and Post Office), Matt Naylor (a director of a farming business's producing daffodils for export, potatoes for M&S and cut Flowers for M&S, Waitrose and Sainsbury's), Ian Pigott (LEAF demonstration farmer, arable and organic farming in Hertfordshire) and Alexia Robinson (founder of the British Food Fortnight). The four panel members discussed and debated a wide variety of questions from the Audience.

Montgomeryshire

Anniversary Week for YFC

Seventy years of Young Farmers Clubs in Montgomeryshire was celebrated last week with anniversary events across the county.

The Montgomeryshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) turned 70 on Thursday (January 24). The occasion was celebrated with a reunion of over 150 officials and staff from across the decades.

At the event, an anniversary cake was cut by the current Montgomeryshire YFC Chairman Aeron Pughe, and Mr Hugh Astley, Chairman from 1952 who was the oldest former Chairperson present. Mr Astley, originally from Llanfair Caereinion, travelled from Anglesey especially for the event.

Members marked the anniversary weekend by erecting over 70 bird boxes around the county. The boxes were kindly donated by Bunners.

Saplings were also planted at Clewedog Dam near Llanidloes. Montgomeryshire YFC’s youngest member, 10-year-old Florence Turley from Dolfor, planted the first of the trees which will stand aside those planted for the organisations 50 and 60-year anniversarys.

Jonathan Pryce, Chairman of the YFC’s Anniversary Committee, said: “It’s been a great week of celebrations which has involved everyone from our youngest members right through to officials and staff from years gone by.

“I would like to thank all those who helped make the events a success. We now look forward to the remaining commemorative events which will take place later in the year.”

Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire Young Farmers Garden Project

Cambridgeshire Young Farmers took on a challenge to renovate a garden for a home accommodating adults with downs syndrome in St. Ives this weekend.

“The garden didn’t have much to offer in its existing state before we started; it was overgrown and unexciting. We were asked to undertake the garden makeover and readily agreed as Young Farmers are keen to take part in community projects.” Said Will Shephard, Past County Chairman.

The Young Farmers wanted to make the garden into a low maintenance and user friendly space with plenty of interest for the residents. They put in a raised herb garden as the residents are keen cooks and the herbs can be used in many of their recipes. Further raised beds were constructed for flowers, shrubs and grasses. They also made a bark mulch area and donated a swinging wooden bench seat for relaxing on and retained and extended the existing patio area so that the residents can enjoy al fresco dining in the summer.

The project would not have been possible without the fundraising and hard work contributed by the Young Farmers who would also like to thank the sponsors of the project:

Mick George for building materials, Robert and Christine Gilbert for railway sleepers and soil, Nick Grounds for plants, Edward Reeve for landscaping advice, Wyton Mower Centre for building materials, Sundown Products for wood chippings and G.C. Dixon & Son for material transport.

If you would like any information about Young Farmers locally please contact the YFC Office on 01223 862115 or visit the YFC website www.cambridgeyoungfarmers.co.uk

Derbyshire

Derbyshire AGM

Derbyshire YFC recently had is annual general meeting held at the County offices in Matlock. Peter Winfield retiring county chairman gave an overview off the counties achievements over the past year, these include the county celebrating it 60th anniversary with a dinner at the Palace hotel, Buxton. Derbyshire also celebrated receiving the NFU national competitions trophy at the national AGM in April, where Buxton YFC won the national Drama competition. Joe Dalton retiring county competitions chairman thanked all the judges and stewards over the past years that have helped with the many different competitions. The members of Derbyshire YFC were congratulated on their achievements over the past year including many first, seconds and thirds at a national level.

Victoria Moseley retiring social and general-purpose secretary gave an overview of the social events hosted by the county and urged more members to support them. Derbyshire YFC new County Chairman is Joe Dalton, Vice County Chairman Robert Platts, Treasurer George Adsetts, Assistant Treasurer Kate Wainwright, Competitions chairman Robert Dronfield, Competitions secretary Lorna Platts, Social and general purpose Chairman Jason Brown, Social and general purpose Secretary Jennifer Otterwell. If you are interested in joining young farmer please look at our website for your nearest club www.derbyshireyfc.org.uk or telephone county office on 01773 853821.

Montgomeryshire

Move over calendar girls...

Montgomeryshire now has their own calendar farmers!

The Montgomeryshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) has produced a 2008 Calendar as part of the organisations 70th anniversary celebrations.

Containing around 150 photos from across the decades, it catches some of the many YFC activities over the past 70 years, including entertainments, dramas, travel exchanges, Eisteddfods, charity fundraising, and sport competitions.

There are also montages of former Miss Dairy Maid and Miss Royal Welsh, previous County Chairman, and interesting YFC facts from the past 70 years.

“We thought a commemorative calendar would be a nice way to show the changing faces of YFC in Montgomeryshire over the years,” said Emma Savage, a member of the YFC’s anniversary committee.

The calendars cost £5 each and can be purchased through the YFC Office at the Old College in Newtown, telephone 01686 614028.

Devon

East Devon Group of YFC's AGM

East Devon Group of YFC's AGM was held at The Honiton Motel on 31st October 2007. Group President, Mr Raymond Taylor, chaired the meeting welcoming Members, Associates and County Representatives. Mr Taylor opened the meeting with a minutes silence in memory of the recent sad passing of Laura Persey, who had been Sports Secretary for the Group. Retiring Secretary, Mrs Pamela Rich, reflected on the many activities and competitions the Group had organised throughout the busy year. Outgoing Chairman, Mr James Burrough gave special thanks to Pamela for being an excellent secretary and went onto commend all group officers for the effort they put into their individual posts, making the year such a great success.

The Annual Sports report was read by Group Sports Secretary Mr Sam Parris who announced Honiton YFC as winners of the East Devon Sports Cup, beating the long reining Champions, Whimple & Broadclyst YFC by only 1 point. Sam also paid tribute to Laura Persy who had worked alongside him, praising her hard work and dedication in her Group Role and that she will be very sadly missed. County Representative Miss Vicci Camp congratulated the Group on a 'brilliant year' and was particularity impressed that every County Competition had had a member from East Devon YFC taking part. Miss Georgina Gay and Miss Karen Tonkin were welcomed as the newly elected Chairman and Secretary and were wished the best of luck for their year.

Pictured from left to right- Chairman Miss Georgina Gay & Secretary Miss Karen Tonkin

Devon

East Devon Group of YFC's After Dinner Speaking Competition

Yarcombe & District YFC were the overall victors at the East Devon Group of YFC's After Dinner Speaking Competition held at the Honiton Motel. Adjudicator, Mr Les Heywood, an experienced National Level Speaker, commended each of the Clubs for the high standard of speeches performed.

Five individual speakers were selected by Mr Heywood to form the East Devon team to go through to the County Round which was held at the Devon YFC Centre in Exeter. These were, Rob Broom of Whimple & Broadclyst YFC, Mark Davis of Culm Valley YFC, Phil Pearse of Axminster YFC, James Burrough and Sam Parris both of Yarcombe & District YFC. Reserves were Georgina Gay of Axminster YFC, Ashley Persey of Culm Valley YFC and Karen Tonkin of Yarcombe & District YFC. Up against tough comepetion at the County Round, The East Devon Team came a very credible 2nd place just one point behing the winners.

Sam Parris was awarded best Male Speaker of the evening and was chosen to be part of the Devon Team to go through to the South West Area Round, along with James Burrough. Mark Davis was selected as reserve.

Pictured East Devon Team, from left - Phil Pearse (Axminster YFC), James Burrough (Yarcombe & District YFC), Mark Davis (Culm Valley YFC) Sam Parris (Yarcombe & Distict YFC) and Rob Broom (Whimple & Broadclyst YFC)

Yorkshire

Young Farmers' win grant to promote healthy hearts

Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFYFC) have been awarded £5,080 from national charity, Heart Research UK’s Healthy Heart Scheme. The money will fund an innovative project entitled ‘Hearts of the Countryside’ which will promote heart health issues to the rural youth of Yorkshire.

Over 50 community groups and voluntary organisations from across the UK applied for the grants in August, and YFYFC was 1 of 7 successful organisations. Denise Armstrong, lifestyle manager at Heart Research UK, said, ”Heart Research UK was very impressed with proposal of the Young Farmers and their enthusiasm. They have come up with great ideas to promote the important issue of heart health among their clubs members.”