Young Farmers (From Gazette & Herald)

Young Farmers

RYEDALE

HAVING received an SOS from Mathew Rodgers and collecting an itinerary that included outdoor waterproofs, fancy dress, beer and wine, I wondered what I had just let myself in for.

Having arrived at noon on Saturday, October 4, at Wydall Hall, Scarborough, 19 members of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs embarked on what turned out to be a weekend full of surprises and memories to last a lifetime.

"Getting to know you" and lunch was first on the agenda - preceeded by a trip onto the moors to have an afternoon of dry-stone walling. That was a contradiction in itself, as it rained. On completion of the activity, members made their way back to our digs, for the academy workshop, "Saturday night live." However, somewhere in between we lost a male and gained a female. Neil, from Went Valley district, turned into Nigella and outshone us girls in his fashion and make-up skills. The quote of the evening was from Neil himself: "Come and feel the quality of those tights, best raffle prize I've ever won."

Supper was followed by evening entertainment when members danced their way well into the early hours of Sunday morning. An early morning breakfast call was supposed to happen, well some of us rose to the challenge. We proceeded with a varied discussion on a positive future to YFC, leading us onto questions and answers, finally finishing with lunch.

Thanks to Philip Mosley, Rachael Harrison, Rachel Wilson, Pam Wills and Debbie Philips for a unforgettable weekend. Not forgetting Matthew (Buck) Rodgers for providing me with the opportunity to attend. The general feel was that was everyone left with something constructive.

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Snainton Young Farmers bonfire is on Monday, November 3 at West Ayton quarry.

Victoria Coupe

HELMSLEY

ON Wednesday, September 17, Helmsley YFC met for the first meeting after the summer break and all enjoyed an evening at Stokesley Fair.

On Tuesday, September 23, a business meeting was held to discuss the winter programme and report on events during the summer break. After Ryedale Show, on Tuesday July 29, a dance was held at Wombleton Aerodrome by kind permission of Peter Teasdale. The music was provided by Disco DJ Buck and supper was provided by Debbie and Duncan Swift with their Burger Van. The evening was enjoyed by 300 young people who helped to raise money for Helmsley YFC and a good night was had by all.

A duck race took place at Helmsley Beck on Sunday, August 2, when 800 ducks paddled along the beck raising £800. The first duck home belonged to Rosie Till (£50), second Adrian Dowsland (£30) and third Frank Flintoft (£10). After reporting on summer events, the winter programme was discussed at length, including dinner-dance details.

Last week, YFC members enjoyed an evening at Pickering Cinema.

RILLINGTON

WELCOME back to all Rillington and district Young Farmers. After a long and successful summer, we are now back in business. After our break, congratulations are due to Daniel Maw who came third in the Yorkshire dairy final at Harrogate, and who went on to represent Yorkshire in the national YFC junior dairy judging final at the European Dairy Event at Stoneleigh where he came 20th. Congratulations also go to Sarah Naylor who recently won the Frank Flintoft trophy for stock judging.

Last weekend, the Yorkshire Young Farmers held their county ladies seven-a-side hockey tournament, in Keighley, where the following Rillington members took part: Rachel Prest, Lucy Witty, Alison Dale, Helen Webster, Clare Webster and Sarah Waterworth. They beat Ebor district in the final and will now represent Yorkshire in the northern area competition in March 2004. Well done to all those who took part.

The club's first meeting was the AGM on Wednesday, October 1. It was well attended by members, advisors and parents. The new offices are as follows: chairman, John Douglas; vice-chairman, Jane Savage; secretaries, Laura Witty and Sarah Naylor; treasurer, Julie Midgley.

The next meeting will be a business meeting, today, October 8, at Rillington church rooms at 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining the club please come along or phone Sarah on (07739) 687821. New members are always welcome.

Updated: 12:01 Wednesday, October 08, 2003