Wales
Wales YFC at Royal Welsh Show
June 2009
Wales YFC activities at the Royal Welsh Show will be kicking off a full 12 hours before the show begins on Monday 20 July, with the Young People’s Village on the Sunday evening.
Fushanti, a young band from Ceredigion, will get the event underway on the Sunday evening, followed by Gwibdaith Hen Frân, who describe their music as folk and farcical, old and new.
On the Monday night, DJ Dave Pearce will host a set and foam party, while Gwent band Soul’d Out will get the party started on the Tuesday evening, followed by London-based band Your Mum.
Young People's Village line up
Goldie Lookin Chain, will bring the entertainment to an end on the Wednesday evening.
Those attending this year’s YPV will find a number of changes following a review of last year’s event. The dances will return to being held in a marquee, opening hours have been extended until 2am each night and there will be an electric hook-up centre.
“The YPV is an important part of the organisation’s work,” said Wales YFC board of management chairman Delme Harries. Not only does it provide good quality camping, caravanning and entertainment facilities for members and non-members during the Royal Welsh Show week, it is also a vital part of the organisation’s financial stability, so come along and join the fun.”
To reserve a tent or caravan plot and an entertainment package visit the Wales YFC website at www.yfc-wales.org.uk. The event is open to over-16s only and Wales YFC will be asking for photographic identification from everyone 21 and under.
Staffordshire
Staffordshire Young Farmers show off their pulling power
June 2009
Ridware YFC won the men’s tug-of-war (left)
Waterhouses YFC’s women came first in the female competition (right)
Twelve teams of Staffordshire Young Farmers took part in the tug-of-war competition at their county show this year, cheered on by a grandstand full of supporters for the fiercely fought battle that has seen many of the teams training three times a week since well before Christmas.
The final results were: male tug-of-war – 1st Ridware YFC, 2nd Waterhouses YFC and 3rd Chase YFC; female – 1st Waterhouses YFC, 2nd Ridware YFC and 3rd Stone YFC.
The first and second placed teams in both the male and female competitions will now go forward to the West Midlands round of the competition at the Three Counties Show, Malvern, on Sunday 21 June.
Wales YFC
Shearing success for Clywd YFC
June 2009
Success for Clwyd YFC in
their first ever shearing
competition in the Isle of Man
Thirteen proved to be a lucky number for Clywd YFC, who travelled to the Isle of Man in May to compete in the very first Manx International Shearing competition. Members were pitted against competitors from New Zealand, Ireland and the Isle of Man and, having fielded a competitor in every class, were delighted when all members qualified through to their final.
Click here to view the results
Yorkshire
Yorkshire Young Farmers go from oats to oat couture
June 2009
Yorkshire Young Farmers are all set
to strut their stuff on the catwalk
Young Farmers are all set for some model behaviour at the Great Yorkshire Show this year as they take to the catwalk in the Skipton Building Society Fashion Pavilion on Tuesday 14 July.
Under the banner of Oats to Oat Couture, seven finalists of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's Search for a Model Young Farmer will take to the catwalk during the four shows on the Tuesday. The winner will be chosen and announced at the 2.30pm show.
Young Farmers taking part are: Mark, 29, from Ossett, West Yorkshire; Christian, 19, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, Jimmy, 25, from Crook, County Durham; Stuart, 24, from Keighley, West Yorkshire; Robert, 19, from Oxspring, South Yorkshire; Thomas, 20, from Rathmell, North Yorkshire; and Stephen, 30, from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire.
The Search for a Model Young Farmer brings men's fashions to the catwalk for the first time at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Staffordshire
Children’s TV theme for Staffordshire Young Farmers’ floats
June 2009
Postman Pat delivers success for Eccleshall YFC (left)
while Bob The Builder puts Chase YFC in 2nd (right)
A Postman Pat float delivered the goods for Eccleshall YFC, who drove away with the Overall Float win for their county show float this year; with Chase YFC in hot pursuit in second place with Bob The Builder, Waterhouses YFC third with Magic Roundabout and Stone YFC coming fourth with Fireman Sam. Cheadle YFC took first place with the Best Name Board, with Waterhouses YFC voted runners up.
Yorkshire
A taste of country life with Worth Valley YFC
May 2009
An invitation to the Food, Farming and the Countryside exhibition organised by Young Farmers from Worth Valley was just the ticket for urban youngsters earlier this month.
Younger club members designed and handed out 10,000 free tickets for the event to under-16-year-olds in nearby Bradford and Keighley and provided free buses to enable them to enjoy a day in the countryside discovering where the food in supermarkets really comes from.
More than 4,000 people visited the Young Farmers’ section of the event and were guided through the journey food makes from field to fork, which was done using livestock provided by members and demonstrations from local butcher Chris Herd and the team from Alfe’s Restaurant in Keighley.
The concept for the exhibition came from the club’s open farm day 2008, when members realised that some young people in urban areas had never been to the countryside and many had little idea where food came from prior to its arrival at the supermarket.
Worth Valley’s younger members felt so passionate about this that they put in a proposal to Bradford Council’s Youth Opportunity Fund and, thanks to experience gained through YFC public speaking competitions, members Hollie Ogden and Alex Binns wowed a young person’s panel in a Dragon’s Den-style interview and secured an award of more than £30,000 to run their project.
Other events on the day included sheep racing, a mascot Olympics and a scrapheap challenge which saw the winning team fire an orange over half a mile. An evening wrestling show raised more than £500 for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder Care which will contribute to the club’s rural apprentice entry when the competition is judged at the YFYFC County Show on June 7 at the Nidderdale Show Ground, Pateley Bridge.
Exhibition working party chairwoman Hollie Ogden, 17, said: “Our young members should be proud of what they have achieved. It was one of the busiest sections of the entire show. An added bonus is that we gained at least five new members and raised the profile of Young Farmers in the West Yorkshire area immensely.”
Yorkshire
Yorkshire Young Farmers swap silage for signage
May 2009
A sign of the times for Yorkshire Young Farmers
Fields across the Yorkshire countryside have sprouted a new crop in recent times, as Yorkshire Young Farmers turn their hand to sign writing to promote their county show at the Nidderdale Show Ground, Pateley Bridge,
on June 7.
The making and displaying of the signs in fields all over the countryside is just one of more than 80 competitions between members of the 49 Young Farmers’ Clubs of Yorkshire which are judged at the county show, which is the main event of the year for Young Farmers’ Clubs.
With the non-stop action of 1,800 Young Farmers competing in a wide range of activities, the show is not just a day out for club members but an event that all the family can enjoy.
The show opens to the public at 11am and there will be attractions in two separate rings to keep visitors of all ages entertained until late afternoon. There are also sideshows, trade stands, craft stands, a food marquee, fairground rides and the usual fun and games. Admission is £3 for adults and free for under-10s and there is plenty of free parking.
For further information about the YFC County Show, contact Yorkshire Young Farmers
on 01423 865870.
Staffordshire
Five minutes of fame for talented Young Farmers
May 2009
Eccleshall YFC’s
Jenny Williams
Talents were showcased and achievements rewarded at Staffordshire Young Farmers’ Club’s pre-show reception.
Competitors enjoyed their five minutes of fame and showed off their range of talents, from singing to comedy sketches, in a contest so closely fought that it proved a tough task for the judges to find a winner.
Eccleshall YFC A team’s Jenny Williams finally stole the show by singing Hallelujah; 2nd were Waterhouses YFC’s Andrew Goldstraw, Will Shaw and Steven Harvey with an amusing sketch behind a stone wall; and Eccleshall YFC’s C team, of Steve Hill, Anthony Williams, Holly Blamire, Emma Johnson and Megan Parry, with a performance of Cinderella.
Mark Wilkins accepts a
cheque on behalf of
the Air Ambulance
The club display competition, to design a display no larger than 1m2, saw Stone YFC placed 1st, with Eccleshall YFC 2nd and Leek YFC 3rd. Cheques were presented to members who had been successful in gaining places on the NFYFC Discovery Programme, including Steven Hill, of Eccleshall YFC, for a Rural Youth stay in Europe; Katie Winfield, of Uttoxeter JNFU, for a Scotland Homestay; Donna Tavernor, of Eccleshall YFC, for team travel development to Kenya; Stuart Barrow, of Eccleshall YFC, for Ulster Homestay; Alex Mackellar, of Ridware YFC, for a Homestay in Switzerland; and Lauren Hawkins, of Ridware YFC, for a Norway Youth Exchange.
The under-18s committee presented a cheque for £1,500, raised through a sponsored bike ride, to Mark Wilkins from the county’s Air Ambulance service. More information and event photos are available online at www.staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk.
East Riding
Brandesburton YFC retain title
May 2009
Eight trophies for
Brandesburton YFC
More than 500 Young Farmers from the East Riding and their families and supporters gathered to enjoy the friendly rivalry of competing in more than 90 different challenges at their annual county rally at Riplingham Grange, Riplingham, near Little Weighton.
Active classes ran throughout the day and saw members undertaking skillful tasks such as flower arranging, stock judging and carpentry. Fun competitions included the yard of ale, pickled onion eating and welly walking and the judges said they had a hard time deciding the winners due to the high standard of competition.
For the third year running, the coveted Lady Katherine Phillips Trophy for most points on the day was awarded to Brandesburton & District YFC. Runners up were Beacon YFC, followed by Thorngumbald YFC in third place.
A further seven trophies went to Brandesburton for individual and team achievements. Bridlington & District YFC were the deserving winners of the trophy for clubs with under 23 members and Bainton & District YFC took the cup for clubs with under 28 members.
The winners will now be invited to represent their club and county at the northern area field day in June, when East Riding YFC will compete against YFC members from all of the north of England.
East Riding YFC county chairman Ell Proudfoot said: “I am always very proud to be associated with East Riding YFC and on days like the county rally it is great to see so many members having so much fun.”
East Riding
Riding rural roads to raise reserves
May 2009
Last year’s tractor road
run approaches Bracken
Tractor enthusiasts and members of East Riding YFC take to the roads on May 31 to raise vital funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).
Following the success of last year’s event which raised £1,046, East Riding YFC has organised a second charity tractor road run with support from local vintage tractor groups. The tractors will leave Laburnum Farm, Etton, near Beverley, for a trip of some 30 miles around East Yorkshire.
More than 50 tractors between six months and 70 years old have already entered the fundraising event and the two charities that have been chosen this year have particular relevance for YFC members and the rural community.
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a charity close to the hearts of many people who live and work in rural areas who never know when they may need the fast response emergency service, while the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is a grant-making charity that supports members of the farming community facing need, hardship or distress.
Collectors will accompany the parade as it follows the planned route and donations to the two charities will be gratefully received. The procession of tractors will pass through parts of Etton, Goodmanham, Market Weighton, Londesborough, Warter, Huggate, Tibthorpe, Bainton, Neswick, Bracken, Lund, Holme on the Wolds and South Dalton before returning to Etton.
Jenny Sleight, who is helping organise the event, said: “If you see the tractors please support them with a friendly wave. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of people last year and I am really excited to see if we can raise even more money this year.”
Further information can be obtained from Jenny Sleight on 01430 810281, 07801 414071 or by email at: jenbopeep@hotmail.com.
Cumbria
Young Farmers battle it out at field day
May 2009
Overall winners Kent
Estuary celebrate
Cumbria’s Young Farmers rose to challenges ranging from worm charming to wheel changing as they gathered for the Southern District field day at Low Foulshaw Farm, Levens.
Hundreds of members and spectators enjoyed more than 80 competitions between the 10 clubs. Highlights were the song and dance routine, won by Grayrigg; the boys’ hair styling, won by Kent Estuary’s David Wright and Naomi Boorman; and the sports day races, won by Kent Estuary.
Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron posed for the caricature drawing, which was won by Alice Batty, of Crook; while the girls’ wheel changing event was won by Lowick’s Steph Sykes and Cathy Edmondson; and the worm charming by Robert Hetherington of Lyvennet.
The tug-of-war was fiercely fought, with Lowick women pulling the Sedbergh team over the line; Sedbergh men beating Crook; and Kent Estuary juniors winning over Lowick juniors.
The 19 pre-field day craft classes were won overall by Grayrigg YFC, as was the industrial section. Kent Estuary won many of the stock judging classes and triumphed at the end of the day, winning the Cock of the North Trophy with 9,994 points, with Grayrigg 2nd on 9,509 points, Pennine 3rd on 8,712 points and Lowick 4th on 8,401.
Please click here to view the results
Staffordshire
Sun and fun for Staffordshire YFC county rally
May 2009
Ashley YFC ran rings around
the competition
More than 500 members and guests enjoyed the sun as Young Farmers rose to the challenge of the various events at their annual county rally at Grange Farm, Blackwood Hill, Endon, Stoke on Trent.
Members showcased their skills at ATV and tractor handling; burned some energy in the carpet squares race and cooled off competing to get the ball out of foaming water.
They also investigated how many members they could fit into a cattle ring, which was won by Eccleshall YFC, who managed to squeeze in 34.
Climate change was the main theme of the static competitions this year; and the competition to create a sculpture by recycling plastic bottles proved there is more to being environmentally friendly than just a trip to the recycling centre.
Ashley YFC celebrate overall victory
Following its success last year, Staffordshire YFC once again held a successful sheep shearing competition with 15 members shearing two sheep each, which proved popular with spectators and the sheep looked relieved to lose their woolly coats.
The day was rounded off by the popular mixed tug-of-war competition, which had 11 teams taking part.
The results and trophies were presented at the rally dance, where 300 members and guests celebrated a fantastic day of events.
Please click here to view the results
Staffordshire
Staffordshire YFC dairy stock judging results
May 2009
The annual dairy stock judging competition was held on April 23 at Home Farm, Rangemore, Burton-on-Trent.
In the junior section, Sam Wilson from Eccleshall YFC was placed 1st, Louise Sherratt from Leek YFC 2nd, and 3rd was Emma Elkin from Stone YFC.
In the intermediate class, 1st was Matthew Wright from Eccleshall YFC, 2nd Lucy Hill from Ridware YFC and joint 3rd were Tom Hill from Ridware YFC and John Cotton from Uttoxeter JNFU.
Senior section results were: 1st Rachel Cox from Eccleshall YFC, 2nd Reuben Moss from Leek YFC and 3rd Paul Fenton from Eccleshall YFC.
The overall winning teams were: 1st Eccleshall YFC, 2nd Leek YFC and Joint 3rd Ridware YFC and Uttoxeter JNFU.
Two composite teams will now represent Staffordshire in the national finals at the European Dairy Farming event at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, in September.
Pembrokeshire
Royal friends reunited for Pembrokeshire YFC
May 2009
There was a right royal party when former county queens and attendants of Pembrokeshire YFC were reunited recently.
Organised by county queen Ros Bushell as part of the county federation’s 70th anniversary celebrations, the reunion saw more than 100 people come together at the county show pavilion, in Withybush, to reminisce and share their experiences of one of the most prestigious roles in Pembrokeshire YFC.
As well as a cheese and wine reception, with the cheese kindly donated by the Pembrokeshire Cheese Company and a raffle of prizes donated by local businesses and organisations, there was a photographic display of the queens and attendants since the role began in 1952.
Ros gave a presentation on the history of the role and there were many dresses on display from throughout the past 50 years.
There are now plans to hold a reunion of former county officials later this year.
Pembrokeshire
Heat is on for Pembrokeshire YFC
May 2009
Things were hotting up in the kitchen when Pembrokeshire YFC held its pre-rally NFYFC cookery competition last week.
Teams of three members from ten clubs showed they could stand the heat and stayed in the kitchen to take on the task of preparing four dishes on the theme of climate change in an hour using just two gas rings.
Most teams focused on using local produce, cutting food miles and reducing their carbon footprint, and once again it was Keyston YFC who emerged victorious, winning the competition for the second year in a row, closely followed by the teams from Llysyfran and Tiers Cross.
Keyston will now go on to represent Pembrokeshire at the national NFYFC cookery finals in September.
Herefordshire
Herefordshire YFC’s 65th annual county rally
May 2009
Traditional skills, fun competitions and a packed programme of entertainment for members of the 18 clubs in the county are on the cards when Herefordshire YFC holds its 65th annual county rally on Saturday 23 May.
The county’s Young Farmers’ biggest event this year returns to Ballingham Hall, Ballingham, Hereford, and the programme reflects YFC’s nationally chosen theme of climate change.
Competitors will be exhibiting models made out of recycled plastic bottles, bags for life, designing recycling posters, preparing cookery and floral art to raise awareness of this global issue and a large number of entries have been received in all of the classes.
The main exhibit will depict a Great British Holiday and the theme will be carried through to the cake decoration depicting Weather Forecast. Hand-crafted metal barbecues and wooden dovecotes will be on display, and there will be non-stop entertainment on the stage with the YFC talent, cheerleading and dressing-up competitions, as well as the popular sheep shearing and beef stock judging classes.
There will be a men’s and women’s tug-of-war competition in the afternoon and the prize-giving will take place at around 5.30pm. The rally dance will start at 9pm until 2am.
For full details about the county rally visit www.hfyfc.org.uk or contact the county office on 01432 274187.
Essex
Essex Young Farmers set to tackle Three Peaks Challenge
May 2009
Essex Young Farmers are set to tackle the notorious Three Peaks Challenge to raise cash for charity.
The goal is to climb the three highest peaks in Great Britain – Scafell Pike in England, Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland – within 24 hours to raise money for the Essex Air Ambulance, Children’s Leukaemia Trust and the Essex YFC Mission Possible fund to help the Federation build a new county office and meeting room.
A trip to Wales for a trial climb of Snowdon in blizzard conditions dispelled any misconceptions about the scale of the challenge and spurred everyone on to start serious training for the event on June 3-5, which will involve 41 members.
Challenge organiser Alyson Starling said: “Young Farmers are always up for a challenge, and we’ve been amazed at the response. We all had a great laugh in Snowdon and have been training really hard since, but we are still a little wary of how hard climbing three mountains and travelling between each one in just 24 hours is going to be.”
If you would like to find out more about the challenge or support the fundraising, log on to the website at www.justgiving.com/essexyfc3peakschallenge
Cumbria
Cumbria YFC northern district field day
May 2009
Hundreds of competitors and spectators braved the weather for Cumbria Young Farmers’ northern district field day at Tarn Rigg Moor Farm, Oulton.
This year’s climate change theme saw imaginative interpretations in the flower arranging and cookery competitions, which were both won by Caldbeck.
The competition to design and build an eco house was won by Stuart Armstrong, James Bendle and Charles Ackerley, from Kirklinton YFC, who designed a house worthy of Grand Designs; and Stuart Hind, from Caldbeck, made good use of recycled plastic bottles in his climate change model.
Spectators were also treated to more traditional competitions, with James Hodgson, of Kirklinton, winning the hand sheep shearing and Phillip Hewetson, of Greysouthen, winning the machine shearing. Drigg YFC gained the most points in the industrial section and Caldbeck were the winning stock judging team. After tough competition, Brampton pulled the hardest in the men’s tug-of-war and Penrith in the women’s tug-of-war.
The final results were:1st Caldbeck (1085 points), 2nd Raughton Head (979 points), 3rd Carlisle (850 points), 4th Wigton (848 points).
Cumbria
400 Cumbrian Young Farmers attend annual convention
May 2009
Some 400 Cumbrian Young Farmers travelled to the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, over the May Bank Holiday weekend for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs annual convention.
A great time was had by all, with Lamplugh YFC competing in the national final of the Strictly Ballroom competition; and Brampton, Raughton Head, Lowick and Carlisle competing in the national final of the quiz.
County Chairman James Nicholson was presented with the Tug Wilson Trophy at the AGM. Cumbria were reserve champions in the NFYFC finals for 2007-8 having won nationally in the football, dodgeball, ATV handling, senior floral art and junior craft competitions.
James commented: “We had some excellent competition results last year and it is all down to the hard work and dedication put in by members throughout the year. We are all very proud to be Cumbrian Young Farmers.”
Clwyd
Clwyd’s Senior Member to represent Wales
April 2009
Clwyd Federation of Young Farmers Clubs’ Senior Member of the Year Caroline Dawson is celebrating after winning the Welsh title.
Caroline will represent her country after beating off competition from 12 others representing the other Welsh counties to become Wales YFC’s Senior Member of the Year.
The competition was held on April 25 during Wales YFC’s field day at the Anglesey Showground, and less than a week later Caroline is heading to Blackpool to compete for Wales against the English regions at the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs’ annual convention.
One of the judges who interviewed Caroline, Iestyn Pritchard, said she was a strong contender for a win at Blackpool. “Caroline was a strong competitor. She had it all on club, county and Wales level and came across very well and very confidently.”
Clwyd YFC county organiser Eleri Roberts said it was a well deserved win for the 25-year-old Flintshire County Council employee, who lives in Gwernaffield, near Mold.
She added: “Caroline came late to Young Farmers but has achieved so much. She has been secretary of her club, competed and won for Clwyd in the Royal Welsh Show in stock judging, carcass judging and craft, and taken part in an NFYFC exchange trip to Zambia, among other things.”
Caroline also currently chairs Cilcain YFC and Clwyd’s activities committee. She is vice-chairwoman of Wales YFC’s activities and international committee, Clwyd’s member on the national council, and she is also organising Cilcain YFC and District Horse Show.
She said: “I am delighted with being chosen as this year’s Senior Member for Wales. I almost didn’t try this year and now I am glad that I did!”
Yorkshire
Feast your eyes on Yorkshire Young Farmers
April 2009
If you see a giant crisp box heading west, you’re not hallucinating. It is Yorkshire Young Farmers on their way to the organisation’s annual convention, raising cash for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder Care as they go.
The tasty team, part of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFYFC), will don a giant, custom-made Seabrook Crisps box powered by a four-seat pedal vehicle as they travel from Scotch Corner, in Yorkshire, to the NFYFC’s AGM, in Blackpool, over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Along the way, they will stop to collect money for Sue Ryder Care, and Seabrook Crisps has given them a limitless supply of snacks to hand out or eat themselves to sustain them on their journey.
The prawn cocktail-flavoured team, made up of six male and female riders aged 18-26, began the four-day challenge on April 28 and aim to arrive in the Lancashire resort in time to join in the convention fun starting on May 1.
Andrew Wood, from Yorkshire YFC and Sue Ryder Care, said: “Nothing will give us greater pride and pleasure than to complete this challenge in a Seabrook Crisps box. It is a brand close to the hearts of many Yorkshire farmers, as the company goes out of its way to source its spuds from its Yorkshire heartland. “We aim to raise as much money as possible over the four days for the Sue Ryder Care charity, which provides compassionate care and support for people living with serious illnesses and conditions.”
Essex
Essex Young Farmers on track to achieve ‘Mission Possible’
April 2009
Essex Young Farmers are gearing up for their final fund-raising push to raise £350,000 to fulfil their 20-year dream of building a new headquarters.
The 11 Young Farmers’ Clubs in the county have been raising money for the project, tagged ‘Mission Possible’, since September 2006 and have already generated more than £200,000 through events as diverse as sponsored cycle rides, panto, calendars and the Great Grain Campaign, which saw members selling donations of wheat from local farmers.
The clubs bought a redundant building at Whitbreads Farm, Chatham Green and building work started in January thanks to an interest-free loan from the NFU Trust.
Next up is a charity race night, followed by an attempt at the formidable Three Peaks Challenge to climb the three highest mountains in Britain within 24 hours. More than 20 members are signed up and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/essexyfc3peakschallenge
If you would like find out more about helping Essex Young Farmers in their final push to raise the roof on a home of their own, contact the county office on 01371 859732 or visit www.essexyoungfarmers.com
Pembrokeshire
Fieldwork pays off for Pembrokeshire YFC
April 2009
Some of Pembrokeshire YFC’s most hardworking members reaped the fruits of their labours at the county Field Day.
The crowning glory went to new county queen Ruth Morgan, of Fishguard YFC, along with her four attendants, fellow Fishguard member Sara Morris, Mair Rees, of Hermon YFC, Brawdy YFC’s Lydia Salmon, and Sarah Edwards, of Llawhaden YFC.
Sarah also scooped the prestigious title of young farmer of the year, with Eglwyswrw YFC’s Mari Davies named junior member of the year.
Eglwyswrw were also overall winners of the Field Day, held at Ffynnonbrodyr Farm, Clynderwen, after they won the junior safety and nature trail competitions and member Tomos Rees was named junior stock judge of the year.
The senior stockman of the year title went to Llysyfran YFC’s Caroline Lewis.
Clynderwen YFC won the fencing and ATV challenge competitions to earn themselves joint second place overall with Keyston YFC; Llysyfran continued their domination of the efficiency with safety competition; the tractor handling went to Brawdy; and the 4x4 and livestock box challenge was won by Tiers Cross. Llawhaden YFC won a new competition to design a sign publicising the county rally, to be held on May 23 at the County Showground, Withybush.
The Field Day winners will go on to represent Pembrokeshire at the Wales YFC Field Day in Anglesey on April 25.
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire YFC mastering the Welsh language
March 2009
Young members of Pembrokeshire YFC demonstrated their wizardry with the Welsh language by picking up a trio of awards at the Wales YFC public speaking finals.
The junior reading team of Mared Harries, of Llysyfran YFC, Catrin Raymond, of Fishguard YFC, and Eglwyswrw YFC’s Hannah Watkins were placed first at the Welsh language competitions day held in Rhuthin.
Hannah was also named best reader, matching the success of fellow Eglwyswrw member Mari Davies, who was named best speaker in the junior speaking competition.
The junior speakers came a close second in their section, with the intermediate and senior Brainstrust teams both placed fifth.
The good results saw Pembrokeshire placed third overall.
In the Welsh language pantomime finals held later that evening, Fishguard YFC was placed sixth.
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire YFC digs in to mark 70 years
March 2009
Pembrokeshire YFC marked the county federation’s 70th anniversary by planting saplings at the picturesque Gwaun Valley.
A small band of 13 members, leaders and county officials took on the task of scaling a steep bank at Clun Woods, high above the valley, to create a living legacy commemorating the federation’s milestone.
The event was arranged by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ranger Geraint Harries and rural affairs specialist Ben Evans.
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire YFC bluffers are back
March 2009
Members of Pembrokeshire YFC nearly drove themselves ‘batea’ trying to sort out their ‘schoodics’ from their ‘suffibulums’ and ‘ablewhackets’ from their ‘mucka-muckas’ at the Call My Bluff competition held at Martletwy YFC Hall, Cresselly.
Ten teams of three members got their tongues in a twist bluffing their way through the rounds and trying to fool the opposition with their fabricated definitions of the weird and wonderful words chosen by judge Helen Hodges.
After ten tense rounds, Llawhaden YFC proved their skill for bluffing was as strong as ever as the team of Jessica Lewis, Alana McCarthy and Claire Thomas recaptured the title won by the club last year.
The Pembrokeshire team of Claire Thomas and Sam Kurtz, of Brawdy YFC, and Katie Davies, of Llysyfran YFC, then went on to the Welsh finals where they came seventh.
Bedfordshire
North Beds YFC do it in... the world's largest pair of wellies!
Members of North Beds YFC, part of Bedfordshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, have built a pair of10 feet high wellies to raise money for R.A.B.I's (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) Welly Week Campaign (11-18 October). The club raised funds to build the wellies from local agricultural companies’ sponsorship, with the surplus, as well as donations, also going to the charity. Money raised during Welly Week will be used for the purchase of special items to help give a better quality of life to those in need within farming communities.
The wellies will be taken to the East of England Autumn Show and the Bedford Fatstock Show to raise awareness of RABI’s work and promote the fantastic opportunities and experiences YFC can offer young people aged 10-26.
The photo shows one of the wellies at the Beds YFC Ploughing Match held on 28 September.
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.
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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
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.
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
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
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.
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.”
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Herefordshire
The Herefordshire federation of young farmers' clubs celebrate the involvement of two special people
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