Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) held their fifth successful Christmas Shopping Evening on Thursday 7th December at The Ingestre Suite on the County Showground, Stafford. The vast room was filled with 65 stalls from across the Staffordshire selling local produce including “Just Crisps and Oils” based in Hill Ridware, Daltons Icecream from Wooton and the Weird and Wonderful Cheese Company. Local Uttoxeter JNFU member Shelly Spooner came along with her baking enterprise “Spoonerful of Sugar” which was very popular with some delightfully rich and chocolately creations. Over 300 people attended to support Staffordshire YFC with one of their major fundraising events of the year.
The YFC Office had to set up a waiting list during the month before as stallholders were desperate to secure a pitch at this growing and popular event. Doors opened to the public at 6.30pm with a brisk trade all evening. Visitors were greeted with a freshly baked mince pie and warmed mulled wine to set the festive scene for a great indoor shopping experience. The federation were well supported again by local turkey farmer Sandra Hopley of Brancote Turkeys based in Tixall, who kindly supplied hot turkey rolls on sale, which smelt delicious as everyone arrived.
New for this year was Twine Clothing, based at Denstone Hall. Local proprietors Judy and Gill are keen supporters of Staffordshire YFC and offered a great discount for our current members to use on their clothing and accessorises.
There was also a raffle held during the evening, kindly supported by many of the stallholders who donated prizes and manned very well by Nicki Mason of Barclays Bank who very generously agreed to match fund on the evening through the Barclays Bank community initiative.
County Chairman, Richard Mottershead said “Once again this year, our Christmas Shopping Evening has been a great success and we hope that everyone has enjoyed themselves. It is a great fundraising evening and appreciate all the support from the stalls and visitors on the evening.”
Staffordshire Young Farmers will be holding the evening again next year on Thursday 6th December as part of their vast calendar of events which raise funds for the organisation, which is a registered charity. This enables the organisation to provide support, training and competitions to its membership which is now over 600 young people aged 10 – 26 years.
Staffordshire YFC is the largest rural youth organisation in the county with weekly activities in its ten clubs. For more information please contact their County Organiser, Julia Taylor on 01785 248645 or email organiser@staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk
Ends
On Sunday 26th November 2017, over 162 members competed in 9 Competitions, Full results from the day can be found below:
Mark Sheet – Reading (14 & under) – 2017-18
Mark Sheet – Public Speaking (16 & under) – 2017-18
Mark Sheet – Disco Dance – 2017-18
Mark Sheet – Jump Rope (26 & Under) 2017-18
Mark Sheet – Member Of The Year (17 & under)- 2017-18
Mark Sheet – Member Of The Year (18 & over) – 2017-18
Warwickshire YFC members were a whopping 35 points ahead of fellow West Midlands Area county, Herefordshire taking the top spot for Overall Team at the English Winter Fair YFC Stock and Carcase Judging Competition held on Sunday 19th November. The members, from the Hall Family and Jeyes Family, fought off a very high standard of competition from over 140 young farmers’ members across 19 teams entered into this year’s English Winter Fair YFC Stock and Carcase Judging classes. The one day competition was hailed a great success with members praising the facilities, organisation and format of the competitions thanks to Staffordshire Young Farmers members and supporters who all give up their time to judge, steward and assist on the day. Staffordshire YFC County Organiser, Julia Taylor said “We had 19 teams entered from 16 counties across England and Wales this year and this resulted in a very high level of competition yesterday. The weekend has been enjoyed by all members, some of whom travelled to Staffordshire the night before and enjoyed a meal and disco at the YFC Dinner kindly supported by Bagshaws LLP.”
The English Winter Fair took place at the weekend, 18th – 19th November and the YFC classes were kindly sponsored by AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) with very generous prize monies on offer. Young Farmers were able to judge Live Lamb and Beef classes and Beef and Pork Carcase Classes thanks to support from the show organiser, Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society along with AHDB.
In the Live Lambs class, judged in Bingley Hall, with the lambs kindly provided by Mrs Madders & Mr Johnson, the highest scoring Senior Competitor was Rhiannon Philip of Glamorgan YFC with 94 points and in the Intermediate Section, it was Victoria Sercombe of Leicestershire YFC with 96 points. The highest scoring team in this class was awarded to Grace Hall and John Jeyes of Warwickshire YFC scoring a combined total of 177 points.
The Live Beef class was judged in the stalls, with some fine cattle provided by the exhibitors at the show. In a joint position, the highest scoring Senior Competitor was Alastair Hughes of Leicestershire YFC and David Jeyes of Warwickshire YFC, both scoring 90 points. In the Intermediate Section, Reece Howells of Shropshire YFC came first with 96 points. As a team, Warwickshire YFC took first place in this class, with members David Jeyes and Alexandra Hall scoring a combined total of 185 points.
The Carcase Classes were all judged in the excellent Carcase Hall facility with carcasses very kindly provided by Messrs Bradshaw Bros. In the Beef Carcase class, the Overall Senior Competitor was won jointly again by Rebecca Green of Shropshire YFC and James Jones of Herefordshire YFC with 92 points. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was local girl, Alice Baskerville of Staffordshire YFC with 83 points. . The Overall team in this section was won by the Herefordshire team, members Will Layton and James Jones had a combined total of 165 points.
The final class of the day was the Pork Carcase Class. The Overall Senior Competitor was won by James Hodgkinson of Derbyshire YFC with 98 points. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was Elizabeth Swancott of Radnor YFC with 94 points. The Overall team in this final class was won by Jamie Price and Elizabeth Swancott of Radnor YFC with a combined total of 186 points.
The Michael Bradshaw Award for the Overall Stockjudging Team was awarded to Warwickshire YFC with Shropshire YFC in second place and Radnor in third place. The Michael Bradshaw Award for the Overall Carcase Judging Team was awarded to Warwickshire YFC with Herefordshire YFC in second place and Radnor YFC in third.
After a full day of judging the Birmingham Agricultural Exhibition Society Silver Challenge Cup, for the Overall Team on the day was awarded to Warwickshire YFC after they gained a whopping 708 points in all the classes. They were followed by Herefordshire YFC in second place with 673 points and in third place, Radnor YFC with 660 points.
Stockjudging and Carcase judging competitions remain a very important and competitive sector in the Young Farmers Federations across the country, as this day has demonstrated so well. The facilities at the English Winter Fair are ideal for YFC to showcase this. Next year, the English Winter Fair committee will continue to host these competitions for YFC members and looks forward to welcoming the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs again, to take part in this very successful show, with their Live and Carcase Judging Competition Finals, which were also held again at the Show this year.
For a complete breakdown of all the results from the day please click here and for the list of awards given on the day, please click here.
It may seem like so far away, but the ‘yfcagm18 will soon be upon us. In the usual way, Staffordshire YFC have 150 confirmed places in the Metropole Hotel, Blackpool and our members can book direct via the County Office to confirm their place. We even organise your rooming, polo shirts and Entertainment Packages! The deadline for this years deposits to be paid is Monday 15th January 2018 but as we have limited places, we suggest you get sorted early!
So, to find out all the full details, head to our calendar section by clicking here
This year 12 teams competed in the Go Karting Competition held at Fast Lane Karting, Fenton.
1st – Leek A YFC
2nd – Eccleshall YFC
3rd – Uttoxeter B JNFU
Staffordshire Young Farmers made history at the County AGM held on Friday 10th November, when they elected Mrs Julia Taylor, currently the County Organiser to the Federation, as an Honorary Life Member of the Federation. Julia, who has worked for Staffordshire YFC for 14 years, was overwhelmed back in September at the County Executive Meeting when the organisation decided to bestow this honour upon her. The decision to award this position is a first, there is no other Honorary Life Member in Staffordshire YFC, and it was awarded in recognition of Julia’s hard work, commitment and unique input into the Federation. Jon Sarsfield, County Trustee said “We believe it is right and proper to say a big thank you to Julia for the way in which she has carried out her role over the many years.”
At the County AGM, George Goodwin, County Chairman proposed the motion that “In recognition of her enduring commitment to the development of Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs and the well being of its members, Mrs Julia Taylor be elected an Honorary Life Member of the Federation with immediate effect.”
This was seconded by Richard Mottershead, currently the Vice County Chairman who said “Julia makes the role of County Organiser look easy, she knows venues, judges, stewards, everything and anything to complete the YFC calendar. And she does it with a lot of enthusiasm!”
Julia, a former member of Cheadle YFC, gave an emotional thank you to the members and supporters of the federation for the humbling honour and described how being the County Organiser of Staffordshire Young Farmers is a “dream job” for her. She said “I cannot imagine life without StaffordshireYFC in it and now, I will never have to!”
On Friday 10th November, Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) held their County AGM in the Ingestre Suite, County Showground, Stafford. George Goodwin, County Chairman, gave his Chairman’s report on last year of activities. George, a member of Ridware Young Farmers said “One of my aims at the start of the year was to do as much as possible at every level of YFC, easier said than done with 10 active clubs, area meetings and competition’s, then National meetings, events and competitions. Hopefully, you’ll agree I have served you well, at times it has been the best feeling in the world, sometimes been hard work but you have to take the rough with the smooth!” George went on to report on a very successful year, highlighting key moments in the busy YFC calendar and finishing by thanking the membership for electing him to the position, which he has thoroughly enjoyed.
It was reported during the meeting that Staffordshire YFC has 665 members aged 10 – 26 years. The members have benefited from taking part in some amazing charity work and playing an active part in their local communities. From Eccleshall YFC who held their annual “Speed Shear” to Lichfield YFC who held a Charity Tractor Run raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. These are just two examples of the many ways in which the eleven clubs in Staffordshire, all of whom are charities themselves, take time and plan events in order to raise funds for other charities across the Country. In total this year, the Clubs in Staffordshire have raised over £5,500 for worthwhile causes.
David Heminsley was elected as County President for his second year. David, a past member of Uttoxeter JNFU since 1988, is a very active volunteer in the Federation, and currently updates the County Website, leads in all things “Health and Safety” and regularly helps with the upkeep and maintenance at the County Office. He is a past Club Chairman of Uttoxeter, past County Chairman and more recently, was the Club President of Uttoxeter JNFU. David works for JCB as a trainer.
Chris Hall, a Dairy, Sheep and Beef farmer from Croxden was elected the Senior Deputy President, for his second year. Chris is a past member of Dove Valley YFC and Uttoxeter JNFU and has held the positions of Club Chairman and Club President for both clubs. He was also the County Chairman of the Federation in 1988 and is currently a Governor at Abbotsholme School.
The presentations of awards were made by Mr Mike Heenan, Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society President, to the following Clubs and Individuals:
Most Outstanding Chairman: Winner: Gemma Brookes, Uttoxeter JNFU; Runners-up: Will Freeman, Chase YFC
Most Outstanding Secretary: Joint Winners: Beckie Phillips, Chase YFC & Rob Mollatt, Uttoxeter JNFU; Runner-up: Millie Fallows, Waterhouses YFC
Most Outstanding Treasurer: Winner: Sam Fowell, Eccleshall YFC; Runner-up: Jack Salt, Ashley YFC
Most Outstanding Club Leader: Joint Winners: Polly Baines, Lichfield YFC & Louise Crooks, Uttoxeter JNFU; Runner-up: Howard Kennerley, Ashley YFC
Club Efficiency Shield: Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU; Runner-up: Eccleshall YFC
Most Outstanding County Officer: Joint Winners: Jake Manning, Joint Competitions Chairman and a member of Lichfield YFC
David Palij Award: Awarded to the Club that has done the most for charity/community work during the last 12 months
Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU, Runner-up: Eccleshall YFC
Uttoxeter JNFU held a Murder Mystery, ‘Allo Allo’ themed evening raising £1300 for the Air Ambulance.
Manifold Marketing Award: Awarded to the Club who best promotes their Club and engagement in Club, County & Community Events.
Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU, Runner-up: Lichfield YFC
Scrapbook Award: Awarded to the Club who produces the most interesting and unique scrapbook based on the activities of their own Club over the past membership year.
Winner: Leek YFC, Runner Up: Stone YFC
Most Improved Club – Competitions Cup: Awarded to the Club that has achieved the highest improvement in points for competitions from the 2015/2016 year
Winner: Ridware YFC; Runner Up: Chase YFC
Small Clubs Trophy: Awarded to one of the five smallest Clubs in the County with regard to membership, that has achieved the most points throughout the year for competitions.
Winner: Chase YFC; Runner Up: Ashley YFC
Mr Ken Unwin MBE Memorial Cup: Awarded to the Club who most improves in Public Speaking, Stock Judging, Carcase Judging and Tug of War.
Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU; Runner Up: Leek YFC
Overall Competitions Cup: Presented to the club with the most points for the Competitions that have been held for the last 12 months:
Winner: Eccleshall YFC; Runner Up: Uttoxeter JNFU
W.H.D. Hobson Cup: Awarded to the Club with the highest increase in membership.
Winner: Leek YFC, Runner Up: Abbotsholme YFC
Newsletter Shield: For the best contribution to the Young Farmers’ Book of the Year
Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU; Runner Up – Lichfield YFC
Mr & Mrs W.A. Taylor Merit Award: Awarded to the most outstanding individual at Club or County level was presented Harriet Wilson of Eccleshall YFC. Harriet has worked extremely hard within her Club helping to organise their 60th Anniversary Dinner and also co-ordinating their Annual Speed Shear.
Junior Merit Award: This is presented to the most outstanding junior individual at Club or County level was presented to Meg Barnes, Leek YFC. Meg has continually supported her club by taking part in lots of Competition as well as organising the teams, including public speaking, YFC’s Got Talent and Junior Tug of War and encouraging other members to take part. Meg has produced a brilliant scrapbook for the year and sang her heart out at the recent Queens Award celebrations. At only 15 years of age last year, the federation hopes that Meg will undertake other YFC roles in the futures.
Trophy for the Most Embarrassing Moment: Winner: Harri Dunne, Lichfield YFC for his antics at a friend’s 21st birthday party.
YFC Travel Certificates are awarded to club members who had travelled through the YFC Travel Programme. Certificates were awarded to: Emily Cartmail (Eccleshall YFC) – USA, Montana, Christabel Wilson (Uttoxeter JNFU) – Argentina, Catherine Johnson (Eccleshall YFC) – Argentina, Emily Phillips (Uttoxeter JNFU) – South Africa.
Junior Stockjudging Cup: The winning club was Leek YFC and the runners-up were Lichfield YFC.
Intermediate Stockjudging Cup: The winners were Leek YFC and runner-up was Uttoxeter JNFU.
Senior Stockjudging Cup: The winner was Uttoxeter JNFU and the runner-up was Eccleshall YFC.
Overall Stockjudging Cup: The winner was Leek YFC and the runner-up was Uttoxeter JNFU.
Oxford Farming Conference: The Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society kindly sponsor two places for the Conference held in January 201, and following applications made by members, describing in no more than 500 words, why they should be chosen to attend. The two members awarded the places were: Matthew Lane of Lichfield YFC and Will Gallimore of Uttoxeter JNFU.
Twine Clothing based at Denstone Farm Shop, Nr Rocester are offering all current Staffordshire YFC members 10% off full price clothing purchased in store.
This offer is valid from 1st November – 31st January 2018.
Click HERE for more information.
The historic newsletter known as “Action Press” which has been a part of Staffordshire YFC’s office communication to its Club and County Officers, has gone PAPERLESS!
View a copy here
To subscribe, go to the end of newsletter and upload your details. The newsletter is emailed to all Club Presidents, Club Chairman, Club Secretaries, Club Leaders, County Officers and County Trustees currently.
This years Competition was held by kind permission of Sargeants at Bramshall, results for the evening were:
Junior Team – 1st Leek YFC, 2nd Waterhouses YFC & 3rd Lichfield YFC
Intermediate Team – 1st Uttoxeter A JNFU, 2nd Waterhouses YFC & 3rd Leek YFC
Senior Team – 1st Eccleshall YFC, 2nd Lichfield YFC & 3rd Waterhouses YFC
Overall Team – 1st Waterhouses YFC, 2nd Leek YFC & 3rd Lichfield YFC
