Bethan Anthony from Eardisley YFC in Herefordshire wanted one last opportunity to go on a YFC Travel trip and jumped at the chance to visit Slovenia and take part in Rural Youth Europe’s Rally.
It was one last opportunity to do YFC Travel as I was turning 30 and this trip is open to associate members up to the age of 30.
I wanted to go to the Rally as I have had friends who went a couple of years ago when it was in Scotland and they have always raved about it. I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet people from different countries and visit Slovenia.
That was one of my favourite parts – meeting people from different cultures. When we did the talent shows, I found it amazing to see how cultured some other countries are – their dancing and clothing. So many of them wore traditional dress.
I met people from across Europe – in my little buddy group there were people from Germany, Ireland, Estonia and someone from Poland. That’s not a group of people who would necessarily meet in other circumstances.
I met one girl from Germany who was from the Black Forest and now I know that’s where the Black Forest gateaux comes from!
I have stayed in contact with quite a few people since we’ve been back.
I could see how the workshops would be of real benefit to lots of people to bring back fresh ideas to their counties and clubs. As a former County Chair, I found I was able to share a lot of my experiences and ideas with others.
I think it was interesting learning from other people about some of the struggles they face in their community and actually find out there are similarities to some of the challenges we face.
For example, the way in which people manage with their different age brackets is really interesting. I liked their ideas about hosting an earlier meeting for juniors and then having everybody to a later part of the meeting.
I also learnt a lot about fundraising and how other groups were applying for grants and entering competitions to raise more funds. There were some opportunities that weren’t open to us because we’re no longer in the EU.
Quite a few people were interested in the political situation in the UK and wanted to discuss the Labour government’s decisions around Inheritance Tax.
I really enjoyed the talent show and the buffet evening, where everyone shares food from their country. You got to try food that you would probably never usually eat in those countries even if you visited.
We took dairy milk chocolate, Pimms, wine from Devon and Herefordshire apple juice.
Although the buffet and the talent show were the fun parts, I think you learn about cultural differences from those as well.
I always gain confidence going on these trips. It doesn’t matter how old I am I always feel nervous to go on the trips by myself. You gain confidence travelling by yourself as well.
I gained connections with new people and gained an understanding of rural policy work as we attempted to write our own policy and now I understand how difficult that can be! I had a greater appreciation of what is in place and why it’s there.
The Rally is a unique experience. Before you go, everyone always says it’s really good but they can’t explain it, and a friend who had previously been on the trip just told me to throw myself into it!
I would describe it as a unique way to experience a country while meeting new people and developing skills.
I would definitely encourage people to apply for YFC Travel trips. It’s a great way of meeting new people from different places.
Rural Youth Europe offers three trips for YFC members to apply to go on – the spring and autumn seminars and the European Rally. Trips will be advertised in September.