It has been announced today that Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The award is given in recognition of the tremendous amount of work which this rural youth organisation does through its ten active clubs for young people aged 10 – 26 years.
George Goodwin, County Chairman said “Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) are absolutely delighted to win the Queens Award for Voluntary Service this year. It is wonderful way for our organisation to be recognised and to thank all our members who volunteer in their clubs on a weekly basis to give young people aged 10 – 26 years a great social life, endless opportunities and equip them with skills which will serve them so well for the rest of their lives. It is also an opportunity for us to say thank you to the wider network of volunteer supporters, past members, advisory committees who commit so much time and energy into ensuring that our clubs continue to grow and we remain one of the strongest YFC federations in the country.”
Jeremy Lowe, NFU Staffordshire adviser, said: “Having nominated Staffordshire YFC for this award I’m obviously delighted that they have been successful. The hard work county organiser Julia Taylor puts in, alongside the rest of the team, is exemplary and it’s more than fitting that she and the young farmers have been recognised in this way, they are worthy recipients. NFU members and everyone involved in the agricultural industry appreciates that it’s been a tough few years, nevertheless, I am always inspired by the energy and enthusiasm shown by Staffordshire Young Farmers in the wide range of events and competitions the county team organises. I am reassured that the skills and confidence these young farmers are developing will hold them in good stead for their future careers in the industry, as the next generation are vital for its success and we will continue to work closely with them in the months and years ahead.”
Chief Executive Principle of South Staffordshire College, Graham Morley said “I’m delighted that Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs have received this Queens Award in recognition of the outstanding service they provide for young people across the County. The work they do, often unseen, has a massive positive impact upon the young people in our rural communities and I congratulate all those involved”.
George Goodwin along with Richard Mottershead, County Vice Chairman, were invited to attend the Queens Garden Party a few weeks ago as part of the achievement and enjoyed a wonderful day in London and inside Buckingham Palace Gardens.
Staffordshire YFC will be organising a fitting celebration later in the year to mark the occasion where the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire will present a Crystal Award and Certificate signed by the Queen.
