It’s been 75 years since a member of Edw Valley YFC stepped into the role of County Chair for Radnor – but this year, Sian Davies not only volunteered for the role, she’s also leading the celebrations for Radnor’s 80th anniversary.
Sian, who joined YFC when she was 10 years old, has supported her club and county in multiple roles over the last 17 years. Her impressive voluntary work for YFC was recently recognised by the Royal family, with a special invitation to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, along with County Vice Chair Elizabeth Swancott, County Organiser Delyth Powell and long-time YFC supporter Howard Nixon, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Powys.
“It was very special to get recognised for our voluntary work for Young Farmers. To have four representatives from Radnor YFC at Buckingham Palace was incredible,” said Sian about her experience which involved afternoon tea in the Palace gardens and a glimpse of the King and Queen.
This isn’t the first time Sian has led during a major celebration. “I was lucky enough to be club chair of Edw Valley YFC during its 70th year, would you believe? So, I feel very fortunate to be County Chair during Radnor's 80th anniversary year.”
While anniversaries are exciting, they also come with a lot of extra work – something Sian has never shied away from. Despite working full time on the family farm, Sian has managed to fit in a large amount of volunteering for various YFC committees over the years.
“When I stood for County Vice, I didn’t even know it would be Radnor’s 80th year in my year as Chair, so it was a bit of a shock that it was that on top as it’s a jam-packed calendar as it is,” said Sian who has helped to set up an 80th year choir, launched anniversary clothing, organised tractor runs, a chair’s ball and a celebration lunch in July, for which they have sold 400 tickets already.
“You’ve got to commit to doing it – it’s not a half-hearted job. I have been to three YFC meetings this week already and I have a rally site meeting tonight. I attend lots of county meetings so I know what’s going on in areas such as competitions, social and fundraising, as well as with the Board of Management,” explained Sian who knows how much responsibility is attached to the role as a trustee.
The challenges facing County Chairs can be hard. As volunteers they’re often responsible for managing the county office and ensuring demands from clubs are met.
“Things have changed in YFC since I started. Our County’s funding has been cut so there is a lot more fundraising that must be done. Fundraising is getting harder and harder,” said Sian.
“We’re very fortunate to have our county organiser Delyth Powell and admin staff too. Some counties have a different situation and are coping without staff. Radnor has an office open five days a week, but I know not every county is in that fortunate position due to local funding cuts.”
Delyth’s support was also recognised by the Palace after she was nominated for the work she has done with YFC over the last 12 years. The royal engagement held even more significance for Delyth, as visiting the Palace had always been a dream of hers.
“My grandmother went to Buckingham Palace twice and I always remember as a child seeing her invitations and thinking it was a very exciting thing to be able to do. I didn’t think I would ever actually be invited as it’s not something many people get the opportunity to do,” said Delyth who was impressed by the beautiful gardens and the food.
“It was a lovely experience. We were stood at the front as the King and Queen walked by. It was surreal really – a once in a lifetime experience.
“The four of us just felt it was nice that people thought that what we did was of value and that it made a difference to our local rural communities.”
That difference is being felt by more than 400 young people who are involved in Radnor’s 13 YFCs. Without the support from the many volunteers who have given back to the county over the last 80 years, Delyth says they simply wouldn’t be there.
“I have often said if we had to pay the people to do the voluntary piece of YFC we wouldn’t last 12 months! Their knowledge and the hourly rate you would have to pay people to do that work… well we wouldn’t manage,” explained Delyth.
“We need 24 stewards for the rally dance – can you imagine paying for that? There would be no rally dance!”
It’s often thanks to former members, such as Howard, that those roles are filled. Described as an integral part of the county federation, Howard has been giving back to Radnor for decades – including being treasurer for 20 years, sitting on the Board of Management and continuing to volunteer at YFC events.
“He has given hours and hours to YFC, and still does. If I phone him up and say I’m stuck – he’ll come,” said Delyth who also acknowledges how much work is done by the county and vice chairs.
“When you’re a county chair and vice you give an awful lot of time as a volunteer, and it can be quite stressful.”
But there are rewards to be had for volunteering too. Not least the extra skills it provides.
Managing teams has developed Sian’s leadership skills, as well as improving her financial knowledge.
“The role has given me more confidence, especially because of the public speaking, and I have also gained friendships,” said Sian “One of the greatest reasons to be involved is to mix with your YFC family. I am still friends with people who I started with in YFC.”
As a young farmer, dedicating time to other interests has also helped Sian reduce the impact of rural isolation.
“Having a role really helps you get out seeing people. I enjoy attending meetings and finding out what everyone is doing across the county. Volunteering commitments can motivate you to get off the farm and do something different for a while,” explained Sian.
“The problem with farming is you can just keep going. I love summer and the lighter nights but suddenly it’s 10pm and you realise you’re still doing something outside. Being a YFC volunteer lets me switch off from work and give something back — supporting the growth and future of my County Federation."
Radnor YFC’s Annual Rally will be on Saturday 14 June.
