YFC reports (From Gazette & Herald)

YFC reports

HELMSLEY

ON May 27, the club held its annual clay pigeon shoot at Hovingham quarry, by kind permission of the members of Hovingham Clay Club and organised by David Snowden. This was a new venue and all members had an excellent evening with private tuition for beginners. A pie and peas supper was held afterwards at the White Swan, Ampleforth.

On June 1, members had a farm walk at Mike and Gina Douglas's, near Pickering. Members were shown around the buildings and the cattle finishing enterprise and were very impressed by the standard of management and stockmanship. Attention to detail was also shown in the crops as well as the livestock. Gina finished the evening with a barbecue which was greatly appreciated by all members - John Douglas unfortunately had to be called away to the services of a demanding heifer.

June 4 was a glorious day for the County Rally, at Pately Bridge. It was an excellent setting for a wonderful event allowing members from a large county to show off their skills. After the club won the district rally on April 24 at Studford Farm, Ampleforth, by kind permission of Tony and Liz Fawcett, the county competition among so many clubs proved a bit more challenging. However, members had a great day and did well in certain entries and competitions. The rally dance was once again popular on the previous Friday night at the show ground. A coach took members from the Helmsley area but the return journey proved too much for one of our members and after too many hog roast pork sandwiches, volatile stomach eruptions occurred, and the rest is history!

On June 8, members visited Askham Bryan College and were shown around by the arable manager, Mervyn Lewis. Members were impressed by the input recently put into the college and were shown the new, recently-opened equestrian centre. The new cattle shed and milking parlour, which also housed the Lely Robotic milker, was very interesting. A beef-fattening unit is also nearing completion. The encouragement by such forward-thinking colleges is vital to attract students for further education, whether it be in agriculture or other rural-related subjects. A vote of thanks to Mr Lewis was given by Richard Fairburn.

SNAINTON

YOUNG Farmers took advantage of the good weather this week and spent their Monday evening meeting in Dalby forest playing rounders. The club is to continue its outdoor activities by going canoeing.

Updated: 12:55 Wednesday, June 16, 2004