After such an unusual twelve months of virtual activities in Staffordshire YFC, including online Rally competitions and a virtual “Shoe Box Show Floats” Competition in 2020, members of the YFC clubs are all getting ready to enjoy the actual Staffordshire County Show this year.
The Federation is planning to host its usual and ever popular Pre-Show Reception, kindly supported by Abbotsholme School, HSKS Greenhalgh Accountants and RBA Wealth Management on Tuesday 17th August and at the reception, the YFC members from around the clubs will put on “YFC’s Got Talent” which has in the past included sketch show acts, synchronised swimming and some very funny comedy antics. Clubs will be also showcasing their achievements during the year, including Uttoxeter JNFU who will be presenting a cheque to The Farming Community Network following their Sky Dive and Ashley YFC who have supported the charity, CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) throughout the year. The reception is usually attended by much valued sponsors, supporters, members and invited guests of the Federation.
The following week, on Wednesday 25th August and Thursday 26th August, at the County Show, Staffordshire YFC will be displaying just what being a member of their organisation is all about inside their marquee which is erected to the side of their purpose-built office on the showground. The marquee is always a hive of activity, and the theme has been decided by the members, as “The Best of Staffordshire YFC” for 2021. Displays will include all the activities that the federation usually holds, what is coming up in the future, 70th Anniversary celebrations in 2022 and details of the forthcoming Christmas Shopping Evening and Christmas Tractor Run as well as looking back at how members showed great resilience, community spirit and continued enthusiasm throughout the pandemic over the last twelve months.
Shires Vets will be joining Staffordshire YFC inside the marquee and goody bags containing straw hats, air fresheners, sunglasses and pens will be available to visitors. The YFC members will also be serving refreshments to visitors at the show as well as selling catalogues on behalf of the show society.
Amy Boothby, County Chairlady said “After 14 months of a completely disrupted YFC calendar, we are super excited to hear that the Staffordshire County Show will be going ahead once again this year. The County Show is always such a huge highlight for our clubs and members will be extremely glad to return to some normality over the summer. The later timing of the show in the year will fall perfectly for our clubs, who will be looking to recruit members for the forthcoming membership year which will begin on 1st September 2021. Myself and the team of County Officers along with our clubs are all very excited to showcase the best of Staffordshire YFC during the week.”
As well as fully packed marquee, Staffordshire YFC members will also be taking part in their Annual Male and Female Tug of War Competitions on the Wednesday evening and then taking to the main ring on the Thursday with the traditional and ever-popular Show Floats Competition. Clubs are building their floats for this competition to try and win the top prize money of £125 as well as £75 for entering the competition, which is sponsored by BD Fuels of Hixon.
Clubs are now starting to meet on a weekly basis within their areas with main programming activities including Show Float Building, Sports evenings, and BBQ’s, taking into account covid awareness at all times. As the Staffordshire YFC new membership years starts in September and all clubs will be looking to recruit new members aged between 10 – 28 years to come and get involved in the largest rural youth organisation in Staffordshire. Each club offers unique opportunities on their weekly programme of events which is organised “by the members, for the members”. In addition to this, the County federation, Staffordshire YFC organises a programme of competitions and events for all ages and abilities throughout the year. All elements of YFC incorporate teambuilding, boosting confidence, leadership and fun and all you need to become a member of this organisation is a willingness to get involved, learn new things and enthusiasm!
For information on becoming a member or details of your local Club, or details on any of the YFC activities, please come and visit the YFC Marquee at the County Show where we will have many of our members who’d be happy to talk to you. Alternatively call 01785 248645 or email organiser@staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk for further information. Our website at www.staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk has updated information about Staffordshire YFC and the local clubs, including recent event photos. You can also follow the latest updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
