Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (SCFYFC) started celebrating their Platinum Anniversary as the leading rural youth organisation in Staffordshire for 70 years, by holding a glamorous Dinner Dance on Saturday 5th March 2022, at the Ingestre Suite, County Showground, Stafford. The evening saw 450 guests including current and past members as well as many supporters of Staffordshire YFC, enjoy a three course Roast Dinner and then socialise and dance to music from The Sound Party Band. A fund-raising raffle and auction were also held on the evening, with the top item of a three-night stay in a holiday cottage in Cumbria fetching over £800. The event sold out within 5 days of tickets being released and all those who attended thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with old and new faces, after two years of events of this type not being held due to the pandemic. In addition to the fundraising for Staffordshire YFC, the auction also had a special donation from Amerton Farm, for an Alpaca Experience Day, which fetched £360 to be donated directly to help those in need in Ukraine.
The tables on the evening held photo displays of former and current throughout the 7 decades showcasing the different types of activities that members can take part in and in The Boden Room next to The Ingestre Suite, there were videos and more photo memorabilia on display to reminisce over.
Currently, the Federation has nearly 650 members across 10 clubs in the County – Abbotsholme, Ashley, Chase, Cheadle, Eccleshall, Leek, Lichfield, Stone, Uttoxeter and Waterhouses. The members who are aged from 10 -28 years enjoy a varied programme of learning activities and competitions including Public Speaking, Tug of War, Cookery, Rural Skills and a wide variety of Sports for all ages. Members can also gain developmental skills via free training and awareness evenings including Mental Health Awareness, Farm Safety, Team Building and Healthy Eating at their club meetings and via the County and National programme. SCFYFC has adapted over the last two years during the pandemic and as a county it continued to deliver activities and competitions including a Virtual “Show Floats Competition, the size of “shoe boxes” and two Virtual Annual Rallies with over 15 competitions in each. Clubs are now looking forward to a much more normal year, with the Annual Rally planned for Saturday 7th May with over 40 competitions taking place at Hall Farm, Pipe Ridware, by kind permission of R J Smith and Son.
County Chairman, Toby Hall said “After what has been a two-year period like no other, it’s amazing to say the next twelve months for Staffordshire YFC are looking very promising and I can’t wait to get started in living the dream! With membership consistently high throughout the clubs, it gives myself as County Chairman great optimism as we look ahead to our landmark days such as the Rally and County Show.”
Photos from the evening were kindly taken by Rocester and District Camera Club and can be viewed by clicking here
On Sunday, 27th February Staffordshire were proud to host the West Midlands Area Public Speaking day at Stafford County Showground. Well done to everyone that took part and huge thanks to those that judged, stewarded, catered, spectated or supported in any way – it is much appreciated. Good luck to the Winning Teams who now qualify for the NFYFC (National Federation of YFC) Finals later in the year. With 7 competitions making up the days timetable the results were as follows;
Situations Vacant
1st – Staffordshire (Natalie Bradley – Eccleshall YFC)
2nd – Warwickshire
3rd – Shropshire B
Junior Reading
1st – Herefordshire
2nd – Warwickshire
3rd – Staffordshire – Eccleshall YFC & Uttoxeter JNFU
Junior Speaking
1st – Shropshire A
2nd – Staffordshire – Eccleshall YFC
3rd – Warwickshire
Intermediate Brainstrust
1st – Warwickshire
=2nd – Herefordshire
=2nd – Shropshire A
Senior Debating
1st – Herefordshire
2nd – Warwickshire
3rd – Shropshire A
Cheerleading
1st – Warwickshire
2nd – Shropshire A
3rd – Shropshire B
Choir
1st – Staffordshire – Uttoxeter JNFU
2nd – Warwickshire
3rd – Shropshire
Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs are planning to hold a spring Tractor Run on Sunday 27th March, in memory of Mr John Meakin. Emily and Isobelle Meakin, John’s daughters who were both past members of Chase Young Farmers approached Staffordshire YFC to help them honour their dad’s memory, as he sadly passed away in March 2021 following a short and aggressive battle with cancer.
John loved tractor runs and ploughing matches from a very young age and during this time as a member of Staffordshire YFC, he loved to attend these kinds of events as well as always getting stuck in at the County Show, particularly with the YFC Show Floats Competition. The JW Meakin Tractor Run, will raise funds to be equally split between Staffordshire YFC and Katharine House Hospice, who looked after John during his illness. Emily and Isobelle are hoping that friends and family who were unable to attend John’s funeral due to the covid restrictions at the time, will be able to come along and share stories, celebrating their dad’s life in a way that goes some way to repay the kindness given by the hospice. Emily and Isobelle said “The doctors, nurses and home care team were incredible at Katharine House Hospice. They went above and beyond to help Isobelle and myself manage Dad’s condition at home, and more importantly they made sure Dad could enjoy his final months, remaining comfortable. They provided a hospital bed at the farm, by the aga so Dad could see all his friends and make the most of his final months and days, for which we will be forever grateful. No amount of money raised would be enough to repay Katharine House Hospice for the special moments we got to have due to their imperative hard work, and organisation, so it’s an honour to help towards their cause.”
The Tractor Run will start from Far Coley Farm, Little Haywood and takes a route passing through the villages of Little Haywood, Great Haywood, Hixon, Dapple Heath, Blithfield Reservoir, Admaston and Bishton. The finalised route will be confirmed working with the local authorities with signage confirming this two weeks beforehand and it is hoped that 50 tractors will take part. Farmers and friends of the family and Staffordshire YFC are invited to book in their tractor for the run, which for £20 includes a Bacon Bap and hot drink before setting off and a hog roast social afterwards.
Julia Taylor, County Organiser for Staffordshire YFC said “Organising this tractor run will be a pleasure to help the Meakin family remember John in such a special way. Knowing how popular tractor runs are in the area, we hope that the event will be a huge success for everyone and are very grateful that some of the funds will be raised for Staffordshire YFC as well as Katharine House Hospice.”
There is also a GoFundMe page opened by Staffordshire YFC to take online payments, which will also be equally distributed between the two charities. Details about the event and how to book your tractor in can be found on www.staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk/calendar/j-w-meakin-tractor-run . Anyone who would like more information about the tractor run, please contact Julia Taylor, County Organiser on 01785 248645 or email organiser@staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk
Find out more about why Emily and Isobelle wish to hold this event. We spoke to the girls and here’s what they said:
Why hold a tractor run?
Tractor Runs were a huge part of Dad’s life in his later days, where he would venture out with some of his pals and go and follow. He could tell you every tractor, the year make and model just by looking at it. Him and his friends would compare notes and stories just from the trigger of seeing a certain tractor in its vintage state. We saw this later in The Yorkshire Shepherd – when the son was doing up an old tractor in one of the episodes. Dad was actually bed bound at this stage but would love watching and more stories and details would follow, it was like a child at Christmas watching Santa clause, gripped with fascination. The picture on the poster of Dad was also taken at Young Farmers Ploughing Match showing his love and passion for tractors and farming right from his early days.
What are you looking forward to?
A huge part of this for us, is knowing that Dad would absolutely love this event! He would be so happy knowing that the tractor run was starting from the Farm, and that we will be putting on a celebration of his life! Due to COVID Restrictions, back on April 14th at Dad’s Funeral we couldn’t have a large gathering, so it seems fitting to do this now, and what better to do so, by gathering Staffordshire Farmers for a great cause.
Why raise funds for Staffs YFC and Katherine House?
Dad was part of Staffordshire Young Farmers from his early childhood, doing Ploughing Matches, and there are plenty of funny stories from Staffordshire Show, with the main ring floats, and water fights! He was a real agriculture man, so loved Young Farmers, and loved helping the next generation of Farmers, so they hold a big pace place in his and our hearts! Katherine House Hospice have been incredible to us all over the past year whilst Dad was ill, and even after to Isobelle and myself offering Counselling. The doctors nurses and home care team were incredible, and went above and beyond to help Isobelle and myself manage Dad’s condition at home, and more importantly they made sure Dad could enjoy his final months, and was comfortable. we had a hospital bed at the farm, by the aga so he could see all of his friends and make the most of his final months and days, which we will be forever grateful. no amount of money raised would be enough to repay them for the special moments we got to have due their imperative hard work, and organisation, so its an honour to help to their cause.
What can anyone do to help you?
Everyone who knew Dad is someway shape or form is welcome to join us at The Tractor Run, and we would love to share stories, even if they don’t know Isobelle and myself. We need some help stewarding the event, which Julia Taylor is managing, please contact her for any more information on how to help and please donate lots! We shall be setting up a GoFundMe Page for donations if anyone is unable to make it too.
Memories of your dad?
Some beautiful memories of Dad at the County Showground when we were young children (3years old) showing our calves in the young handlers and Dad helped us show our calves in the main ring. The Dad would love to help The Elkin’s buck rake the silage, he loved working with Annie Elkin, who was a young farmer at the time. Thanks to Katherine House Hospice, we got to enjoy Cheltenham Gold Cup as Dad was in his bed, but the local farmers came round, and we had tea and scones and did lots of betting, Dad loved this. Our last day out was at Cobwebs Cafe, at Abbotts Bromley where Isobelle and myself rode there on our bikes and Dad went with his carers. We had cake and coffee (with a glug in it), and Dad got Vegetables from the Farm Shop there, Meat from the Butchers, and saw owner Nick Philips who is a long-standing family friend, and Nicks Mother Rosemary’s handmakes all the cakes sold at Cobwebs, a lady Dad knows well from his childhood, this day will stay with Isobelle and myself forever.
Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (SCFYFC) are celebrating their Platinum Anniversary after running as the leading rural youth organisation in Staffordshire for 70 years, by holding a glamorous Dinner Dance. The celebration event is being held on Saturday 5th March 2022, at the Ingestre Suite, County Showground, Stafford. The evening will include a 3 course Roast Dinner, an Auction, Raffle, and music from The Sound Party Band who will be playing until 1am. Tickets are £36 per person and table bookings are filling up fast following its launch, which has a booking deadline of 7th February.
During the night there will be displays depicting a trip through the decades. The federation would like to ask any members past and present to look out for any memorabilia which they have including the famous Club Scrapbooks which normally contain plenty of photos and amusement from the year that the Club has had. Anyone who is willing to loan the Federation any literature display material or photos is asked to contact Julia Taylor at the County Office.
George Hawley, newly elected County President said “The dinner dance is my first big event of the year as County President and what a night it promises to be. We will be celebrating 70 years of Staffordshire Young Farmers with our many members, supporters, and friends old and new. After what we have all been through in the past couple of years it is a treat to have something to celebrate and to shout about. The clubs in our county are going from strength to strength bringing in new members and having fun along the way. This is not just an evening of celebration, but it will be a whole year.”
Currently, the Federation has nearly 600 members across 10 clubs in the County – Abbotsholme, Ashley, Chase, Cheadle, Eccleshall, Leek, Lichfield, Stone, Uttoxeter and Waterhouses. The members who are aged from 10 -28 years enjoy a varied programme of learning activities and competitions including Public Speaking, Tug of War, Cookery, Rural Skills and a wide variety of Sports for all ages. Members can also gain developmental skills via free training and awareness evenings including Mental Health Awareness, Farm Safety, Team Building and Healthy Eating at their club meetings and via the County and National programme. The County saw a drop in membership during 2020 – 21 as a result of the pandemic, which meant many clubs had no meeting place and a lack of connectivity, due to their rural locations. SCFYFC has adapted over the last two years during the pandemic, delivering activities and competitions including a Virtual “Show Floats Competition, the size of “shoe boxes” and two Virtual Annual Rallies with over 15 competitions in each. With the support of past members, Club Officers, Club Advisory, County Officers and the Staffordshire YFC Office, each club is successfully rebuilding and has remained resilient throughout.
County Chairman, Toby Hall said “After what has been a two-year period like no other, it’s amazing to say the next twelve months for Staffordshire YFC are looking very promising and I can’t wait to get started in living the dream! With membership consistently high throughout the clubs, it gives myself as County Chairman great optimism as we look ahead to our landmark days such as the Rally and County Show. I also hope to plan some more events to mark our Platinum year including a “YFC Does Take Me Out” and hopefully a few surprises for our members along the way – all I can is remember what S Club 7 said – ‘Reach for the Stars’!”
For any further information about joining Staffordshire YFC, attending the celebration Dinner Dance, or becoming involved in marking the 70th year, please contact Julia Taylor, County Organiser, on 01785 248645 or email organiser@staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk. To download a booking form for the Dinner Dance, click here
Staffordshire YFC has re-started its new membership year with a great influx of new and returning members aged 10 – 28 years joining one of the ten clubs across the County. The County would love to reach 601 members, the “magic” number in the YFC world as this will then secure two teams heading to the next round of competitions in the NFYFC Competitions Programme for 2022-23, giving more members opportunities to compete in skilled competitions including Public Speaking, Tug of War, Floral Art, Cookery and Stockjudging. This is looking highly likely as new members enquiries and joining up forms are becoming a daily occurrence.
Toby Hall, County Chairman said “A huge thank you to everyone in clubs and the County Office for making this happen. To reach 592 members is fantastic and we should definitely be reaching 601 soon. Its great to see Staffordshire YFC making huge progress following the pandemic, which is testament to everyone’s hard work and enthusiasm for our organisation.”
YFC Clubs have been busy recruiting their members since 1st September, the start of the YFC Membership Year and have been able to provide a full programme of weekly activities including talks, visits and social meetings, all ran in accordance with latest covid safety at the time. The federation saw a drop in membership during 2020 – 21 as a result of the pandemic, which meant many clubs had no meeting place and no connectivity, due to their rural locations, for online activities either. With the support of past members, Club Leaders, Club Advisory , County Officers and the Staffordshire YFC Office, each club is successfully rebuilding, which is great news as Staffordshire YFC is celebrating 70 years of running in 2022 as well.
For more information on how to join your local club, please email organiser@staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk or call 01785 248645.
Festive tractors take to the road in second charity event
The Staffordshire countryside saw almost 100 festive tractors take to the road in a charity Christmas convoy on Sunday 5 December 2021.
Arranged by South Staffs Water and Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs, this was the second time a cavalcade of tractors travelled the 20-mile route through the villages of Blithbury, Hamstall Ridware, Hill Ridware, Colton, over Blithfield Reservoir and into Abbots Bromley in aid of charity.
The first event was held in 2019, with 80 tractors joining the convoy and this year an extra 17 joined the fun with a decorated South Staffs Water van leading the way and another following at the end. The tractors were lit up with Christmas lights, inflated Santas and one had a rotating Christmas tree, with drivers wearing Santa outfits and a wide range of Christmas hats.
Donations received so far total £6,000, which will be split between two worthy charities; Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs and Midlands Air Ambulance and the event was been supported by many sponsors, including B&B Tractors, CH Froggatt and son, JA Bloor, EJC Contracting and Spectrum Print and Visual solutions.
Nina Yiannoukos-Benton, Senior Catchment Advisor at South Staffs Water, said:
“I’m so proud to be part of the tractor run. This was the second time we’ve held the event and this year was particularly special after the difficult time we’ve all had over the last couple of years. It was wonderful to be able to spread some cheer to our local communities and see the smiles on the people’s faces as we drove by. Some people may wonder why a water supplier is one of the organisers of the event; we work really closely with the Staffordshire Farmers, to ensure that we provide high quality water for our customers so it’s fitting that we work on that partnership to create such an amazing event like the tractor run.”
Julia Taylor, County Organiser at Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, said:
“I’m so pleased we could bring some festive cheer to the local community and I’m overwhelmed at the feedback and generosity of the people who came out to see the tractors. It makes all the hard work behind the scenes worthwhile. Donations are still being received but we have raised £6,000 so far which means £3,000 will go to each charity; the Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs and Midlands Air Ambulance. Thank you so much for the support from the spectators and from our sponsors!”
Jo Bailey, Events & Area Fundraising Manager at Midland Air Ambulance, said:
“It was amazing, we can’t thank you all enough. An absolutely incredible amount of planning and organisation has gone into this – thank you all so much.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for anyone wishing to make a donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/christmas-tractor-run
The Staffordshire countryside will see around 100 festive tractors take to the road in a charity Christmas convoy on Sunday 5 December.
Arranged by South Staffs Water and Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs, this will be the second time a cavalcade of tractors will travel the 20-mile route through the villages of Blithbury, Hamstall Ridware, Hill Ridware, Colton, over Blithfield Reservoir and into Abbots Bromley in aid of charity.
The first event was held in 2019, with 80 tractors joining the convoy. The tractors were lit up with Christmas lights, inflated Santas and one had a rotating Christmas tree. The 2019 event raised £4,138 which was split between three worthy charities, and was due to be repeated in 2020, before COVID struck.
This year’s event will be raising money for two charities; Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs and Midlands Air Ambulance and has been supported by many sponsors, including B&B Tractors, CH Froggat and son, JA Bloor, EJC Contracting and Spectrum Print and Visual solutions.
Nina Yiannoukos-Benton, senior catchment advisor at South Staffs Water, said:
“We work really closely with the Staffordshire Farmers, to ensure we maintain good wholesome drinking water for our customers so it’s amazing to be involved in the tractor run. We were so pleased at the numbers that took part in 2019 and to see the smiles on the people’s faces as we drove by was wonderful. We’d love everyone to get involved and watch the convoy along the route.”
Julia Taylor, County Organiser at Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, said:
“The Christmas Tractor Run was a first of its kind for us to organise, working alongside South Staffs Water. We were completely overwhelmed by the amount of people who came out to support and give generously in 2019. Our tractor drivers who have pre booked into the event are really looking forward to bringing festive cheer to the local community and presenting a positive image of the agricultural industry.”
The tractors will leave Longacre farm in Blithbury at 6.30pm and will pass the following locations (times are approximate):
6.40pm Hamstall Ridware towards Pipe Ridware and Hill Ridware.
6.50pm: Chadwick Arms turn right onto B5014 and left onto Stoneyford Lane then Hollow Lane.
7.05pm: Colton turn right onto B5013 and over Blithfield Reservoir.
7.20pm: Causeway at Admaston.
7.30pm: Abbots Bromley.
7.45pm: left at the old Bull and Spectacles pub and back to Longacre Farm.
More information can be found on the Facebook event including live update on the evening.
Glamorgan YFC members were ahead of Somerset YFC taking the top spot for Overall Team at the English Winter Fair YFC Stock and Carcase Judging Competition held on Sunday 20th November. The members, fought off a very high standard of competition from over 80 young farmers’ members across 14 teams entered into this year’s English Winter Fair YFC Stock and Carcase Judging classes. The one-day competition was hailed a great success following a very challenging year for YFC clubs across England and Wales. Staffordshire YFC County Organiser, Julia Taylor said “We had 14 teams and despite having a year of more virtual competitions, it was clear that Stock and Carcase Judging remains very popular with our members. We appreciate being able to hold this type of competition using the excellent facilities at the the County Showground in Stafford.”
The English Winter Fair took place at the weekend, 19th – 20th 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 team placed first were David Rees and Lauren David from Glamorgan YFC closely followed by Will Dale and Ollie Wilson of Shropshire YFC.
The Live Beef class was judged in the stalls, with some fine cattle provided by the very supportive exhibitors at the show. The team placed first were Caroline Perkins and Eleanor Price from Gwent YFC, closely followed by Molly Hamseley and Andrew Gregory-Campeau of Derbyshire YFC.
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 team were Zoe Stanbury and Verity Adams of Somerset YFC with Andrew Joseph and Rhianne Huntley in the runner up team position from Glamorgan YFC.
The final class of the day was the Pork Carcase Class. The overall team was won by Hannah Williams and Becca Garlick of Herefordshire YFC with the runner up team of Ben Goulding and Emily Bell from Somerset YFC.
The Michael Bradshaw Award for the Overall Stockjudging Team was awarded to Shoprshire YFC with Glamorgan YFC in second place and Derbyshire YFC in third place. The Michael Bradshaw Award for the Overall Carcase Judging Team was awarded to Somerset YFC with Glamorgan YFC taking second place and third place awarded to Worcestershire YFC.
After a full day of judging, The Birmingham Agricultural Exhibition Society Silver Challenge Cup, awarded for the Overall Team on the day went to Glamorgan YFC after they gained a grand total of 647 points in all the classes. They were followed by Somerset YFC in second place with 595 points and in third place, Worcestershire YFC with 589 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.
On Friday 5th November, Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) held their County AGM with County Chairlady, Amy Boothby rounding up her year in office with a very positive report on how Staffordshire YFC have managed to keep going throughout the pandemic. Amy, who took on her role as County Chairlady back in November 2020, just as the third lockdown was introduced across the country, reported to over 100 invited guests and members about how Staffordshire YFC embraced the virtual world and adapted their activities to online zoom evenings including “Would I lie to You” and virtual tours to local companies including Daltons Dairy of Wootton. Once restrictions started to ease in April, the federations membership were able to come together to enjoy activities including rounders, go karting, sports days and then the highlight of the calendar was the County Show held in August.
Although membership finished for the year 2020-21 on 31st August at 291 members aged 10 – 28 years, it was very positive that Amy reported on membership for the year so far from 1st September 2021 was already at 555 members aged 10 – 28 years, with ten active clubs all back up and running on a weekly basis. Amy said “My year has been unique, like no other Staffordshire YFC has ever seen. The last six months have been the absolute best. I’ve been honoured to watch and support Staffordshire YFC and the clubs within as they have bounced back to some form of normality and come back stronger than ever before.”
This years County AGM was kindly supported by Pickering and Butters Solicitors, a firm of Staffordshire Solicitors who were founded over a century ago, with offices based in Stafford and Rugeley. The County AGM most prestigious meeting of the Staffordshire YFC year where silverware is awarded for numerous competitions and achievements throughout the year. Although some silverware was not awarded, the meeting was still able to celebrate over 25 trophies being presented to members and clubs for their many achievements over the last 12 months.
Staffordshire YFC recognised the wonderful efforts of Jack Salt, Chairman of Ashley YFC during the last year, with the Senior Merit Award, which given to a member who is outstanding at Club or County Level. Jack led his club throughout the pandemic, holding covid secure events when possible and encouraging members to get involved. With his fellow officers, Jack took the club through a Covid-19 days of Christmas, not only as Santa on a sleigh, but also as a master of the Catchphrase night on zoom, raising funds for CRY. Jack also organised a very positive and much needed “fireside chat” evening to bring some much needed face to face socialising back when restrictions started to ease. The Club Efficiency Judges said “When looking for an all-round club officer to lead a club, this member ticks all the boxes – good communication, great rapport with members, advisory and county officers and they are happy to go the extra mile. They represent their club well in meetings and are not afraid to challenge and ask questions as well as take on board advice when offered.”
The Junior Merit Award was also presented for outstanding efforts made by a young member of Uttoxeter JNFU, Ed Townsend, for his consistent attendance at their club meetings, including zoom nights. Ed always made a great contribution to his club by taking part in as many competitions as possible, again on zoom, virtual rallies and in person. He committed a lot of their time to tug of war training and float building this year and the Club Efficiency Judges said “Ed is the kind of member every club needs – one who will volunteer straight away and give something new a go.”
Also, during the meeting, Mr George Hawley was elected as County President for his first year. He has been very involved in Cheadle YFC as a member, club officer and went onto be County Chairman of Staffordshire YFC back in the 90s. George is well known by many members as he has always helped at the Annual Rally with main ring commentary and more recently has been a Club Efficiency Judge. On election, George said “Let’s make Staffordshire young farmers stronger than before, it has so much to offer! Life skills, Education, competitions, YFC travel, social events, friendships for life and much more.”
Mr John Stone was elected the Senior Deputy President, again for the first year. John is a former member of Derbyshire YFC from the age of 14. He has been a Vice President of Staffordshire YFC for many years and has been very involved in supporting Waterhouses YFC with his children being members of the club. John and his family have enjoyed hosting many many events at their farm for Staffordshire YFC including 2 County Rallies. John said “I’m a great believer in encouraging and supporting young people to join the Young Farmers Organisation and I look forward to meeting members.”
The presentations of awards were announced by Philip Bourne, retiring County President and presented by Mr Peter Atkin, County Chairman of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society. The results were as follows, to the Clubs and Individuals:
H.D. Hobson Cup (for the Club with the highest percentage increase in membership, first presented in the Federation in 1975)
Winner – Stone YFC
Newsletter Shield – Kindly donated by the Staffordshire Newsletter and first presented in 1978
This is presented for the best contribution to the Book of the Year
Runner-up – Cheadle YFC and Chase YFC Winners – Ashley YFC
County Chairman’s Trophy for Outstanding County Officer
Winners – Hannah Britland and Beckie Phillips, as the joint Development Chairladies of Staffordshire YFC.
David Palij Award: Awarded for Charity/Community Work done in a particular year, but not necessarily based on the amount of money raised. The Trophy was presented in memory of the late David Palij, a severely disabled victim of thalidomide who worked in the YFC Office during 1983 until his tragic death in a road accident at the age of 21.
Runner up – Eccleshall YFC; Winners – Ashley YFC
Manifold Marketing Award:
A trophy awarded by Norman Manifold, and first presented in 1995. This award is presented to the Club gaining the highest number of points within the Club Efficiency Competition for the following element – Promoting your Club and Participation and Engagement in Club, County and Community Events.
Joint Runners-up: Cheadle YFC, Chase YFC and Uttoxeter JNFU; Winners: Ashley YFC
Scrapbook Award: First presented in 1992 and given to the Federation by the Vice Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Mr J E Roberts.
Runners up: Cheadle YFC; Winners: Ashley YFC
Overall Competition Cup for the County Show: Presented to the Federation by Mr R Tonge in 1967 for the best exhibits at the County Show. It is now awarded for the Club who collates the highest number of Competition Points at the County Show Competitions.
Runner-up: Uttoxeter JNFU Winners: Stone YFC
Most Improved Club – Competitions Cup (This is an award given to the club that has improved the most in Competitions from the 2016/2017 year). First presented for YFC use in 1996 and was given to the Federation by the Staffordshire branch of the NFU.
Runner-up: Lichfield YFC; Winners: Stone YFC
Small Clubs Trophy (This is an award given to the club out of the five smallest clubs in the County with regard to membership, who have achieved the most points throughout the year for competitions.) Trophy given to the Federation by the County NFU in 1996.
Runner-up: Chase YFC; Winner: Cheadle YFC
The Ken Unwin MBE Memorial Cup (donated to Staffordshire YFC by the Staffordshire NFU and is given in memory of Mr Ken Unwin MBE and first presented in 2011)
Runner-up: Ashley YFC; Winner: Stone YFC
Overall Competitions Cup Runner-up: Eccleshall YFC; Winners: Uttoxeter JNFU
The final awards of the evening are the most prestigious to receive and are judged throughout the year as a “Club Efficiency” Competition, which encapsulates all aspects of a YFC Club. The aim of the competition is to encourage members and Club Officers to work together as an effective team for the benefit of all. Judges look for all aspects of how the clubs are run and hope to see good club administration and record keeping, strong leadership and governance and active promotion of the clubs through publicity and community engagement. They also want to see teamwork, ideas and enthusiasm from all club members. Also taken into account during this unusual year, was how Clubs adapted and embraced the challenges of the year. From this competition, the following awards were presented:
Most Outstanding Chairman: Joint Runner-up: Jack Salt, Ashley YFC & Toby Hall, Uttoxeter JNFU
Winner: Sarah Bourne, Cheadle YFC
Most Outstanding Secretary: Runner-up: Hollie Kelly, Chase YFC
Winner: Liv Larsson, Ashley YFC
Most Outstanding Treasurer: Runner-up: Kate Oakes, Chase YFC
Winner: Bella Lucas, Ashley YFC
Most Outstanding Club Leader: Runner-up: Phil Wilson, Uttoxeter JNFU
Winner: Sarah Hope, Ashley YFC
Club Efficiency Shield: Runner up: Uttoxeter JNFU
Winner: Ashley YFC
As can be seen from the above, Staffordshire YFC is an organisation for any young people between the ages of 10 and 28 who would like to learn new skills, take up opportunities not available through mainstream education and to become part of their local community with like-minded young people. Despite the Covid19 pandemic, Staffordshire YFC has managed to adapt its youthwork service and keep going, holding activities online and keeping in touch with all members and is now increasing membership on a weekly basis as more young people chose to join their local club for much needed weekly activities and opportunities.
Announced at the Staffordshire YFC County AGM held on Friday 5th November 2021:
H.D. Hobson Cup (for the Club with the highest percentage increase in membership, first presented in the Federation in 1975)
Winner – Stone YFC
Newsletter Shield – Kindly donated by the Staffordshire Newsletter and first presented in 1978
This is presented for the best contribution to the Book of the Year
Runner-up – Cheadle YFC and Chase YFC Winners – Ashley YFC
County Chairman’s Trophy for Outstanding County Officer
Winners – Hannah Britland and Beckie Phillips, as the joint Development Chairladies of Staffordshire YFC.
David Palij Award: Awarded for Charity/Community Work done in a particular year, but not necessarily based on the amount of money raised. The Trophy was presented in memory of the late David Palij, a severely disabled victim of thalidomide who worked in the YFC Office during 1983 until his tragic death in a road accident at the age of 21.
Runner up – Eccleshall YFC; Winners – Ashley YFC
Manifold Marketing Award:
A trophy awarded by Norman Manifold, and first presented in 1995. This award is presented to the Club gaining the highest number of points within the Club Efficiency Competition for the following element – Promoting your Club and Participation and Engagement in Club, County and Community Events.
Joint Runners-up: Cheadle YFC, Chase YFC and Uttoxeter JNFU; Winners: Ashley YFC
Scrapbook Award: First presented in 1992 and given to the Federation by the Vice Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Mr J E Roberts.
Runners up: Cheadle YFC; Winners: Ashley YFC
Overall Competition Cup for the County Show: Presented to the Federation by Mr R Tonge in 1967 for the best exhibits at the County Show. It is now awarded for the Club who collates the highest number of Competition Points at the County Show Competitions.
Runner-up: Uttoxeter JNFU Winners: Stone YFC
Most Improved Club – Competitions Cup (This is an award given to the club that has improved the most in Competitions from the 2016/2017 year). First presented for YFC use in 1996 and was given to the Federation by the Staffordshire branch of the NFU.
Runner-up: Lichfield YFC; Winners: Stone YFC
Small Clubs Trophy (This is an award given to the club out of the five smallest clubs in the County with regard to membership, who have achieved the most points throughout the year for competitions.) Trophy given to the Federation by the County NFU in 1996.
Runner-up: Chase YFC; Winner: Cheadle YFC
The Ken Unwin MBE Memorial Cup (donated to Staffordshire YFC by the Staffordshire NFU and is given in memory of Mr Ken Unwin MBE and first presented in 2011)
Runner-up: Ashley YFC; Winner: Stone YFC
Overall Competitions Cup Runner-up: Eccleshall YFC; Winners: Uttoxeter JNFU
Most Outstanding Chairman: Joint Runner-up: Jack Salt, Ashley YFC & Toby Hall, Uttoxeter JNFU
Winner: Sarah Bourne, Cheadle YFC
Most Outstanding Secretary: Runner-up: Hollie Kelly, Chase YFC
Winner: Liv Larsson, Ashley YFC
Most Outstanding Treasurer: Runner-up: Kate Oakes, Chase YFC
Winner: Bella Lucas, Ashley YFC
Most Outstanding Club Leader: Runner-up: Phil Wilson, Uttoxeter JNFU
Winner: Sarah Hope, Ashley YFC
Club Efficiency Shield: Runner up: Uttoxeter JNFU
Winner: Ashley YFC
