The theme for this years County Ball will be Tuxcedos and Tiaras...tickets on sale now
07.11.2008.....Young Farmers ’ start their new competition year!
LATEST NEWS
21.01.10.......Farm Health and Safety Day
Thursday 18th March 2010 - Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge
The event is aimed at young agricultural employees and YFC members aged 16 – 30. By attending the day and providing the farm holding number of your employer – you are providing evidence on the HSE database which will indicate your holding is a low priority for an HSE farm visit.
We highly recommended that members on the Club Development Programme attend as well as ALL other members who live or work farms.
Click here for further information and booking form.
30.07.09........Sun shines on Young Farmers’ Rally
Last Saturday the prayers of the members of Cornwall Young Farmers’ Clubs were answered when the sun shone on their Annual County Rally which has been for the past four years a complete wash out. The day was held at Higher Resparva Farm, Summercourt by kind permission of Malcolm and Margaret Chegwidden, whose daughter, Nicola is the current County Chairman . The Rally is a day for all Cornwall YFC members to compete in static classes such as cookery, handicraft, art, photography and flowers as well as take part in various sports and practical competitions. The standard of the static classes was once again very high with trestle tables groaning under the weight of scotch eggs, sausage rolls and cream teas and smiles on faces as they observed the photography classes with titles such as “Some Mothers do ‘ave ‘em” and “You’ve been framed!” The star of the day was without a doubt the Lawn Mower racing which saw 12 lawn mowers in all shapes and sizes line up for most exciting competition of the Rally. Strict rules meant that the engines could be no bigger than 21hp but despite this the speeds reached were rather surprising. Both a male and female member from each Club was required to drive and it appeared that there are a number of potential Lewis Hamilton’s within the YFC ranks. As the laps continued it was obvious that there was a clear leader, the machine from Warleggan YFC not only had speed but their drivers demonstrated some skillful maneuvers, at the other end of the spectrum St Columb YFC’s lawn mower more resembled a mobility scooter and was left to bring up the rear but in true YFC style, St Columb were cheered on and encouraged until they crossed the finishing line. Another hotly fought contest was the Tug-o-War where recently crowned champions Helston & St Keverne YFC took on Launceston YFC, who were keen to reclaim their thrown but they were denied a win as Helston & St Keverne YFC took the final end. This final was the last competition of the day and so shortly after the prizes and cups for the day were awarded. One of the Clubs with younger members, Roche YFC was thrilled to find out that they had won the car cramming competition, they had managed to fit 19 members into the Citroen AX. Some of the older (and bigger) members jovially complained that the Roche YFC members being younger should only count as a ½ but this was overruled and Roche YFC were awarded the £50 prize money that had been kindly provided, along with the car, by Clock Garage, Summercourt. The overall cup for the most points gained during the day went to Launceston YFC and a very proud Clubman, Jonathan Shute and Secretary, Charlotte Parker collected the trophy. Cornwall YFC were thrilled with the support that they had received from local companies considering the current economic climate but all were keen to advertise in the Rally programme and to provide what they could with Vincent Tractors lending their famous hospitality double decker bus and Mole Valley Farmers once again offering to be the main sponsor of the day.
23.04.09.........Cornwall YFC members cycle for charity at home and abroad!
This Saturday will see 28 members from the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs set off on a 400 mile adventure. They plan to cycle from ‘Tower to Tower’, departing from Tower Bridge in London and making their way to Blackpool Tower in Lancashire in time for the Annual General Meeting of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs . The Cornwall Federation has been undertaking similar endeavors for over 20 years and has nicknamed the annual event the ‘WotNot’. Every year the County Chairman has to decide in what form the WotNot will take, usually by bike but occasionally on foot or a combination of both, the WotNot has travelled to Northern Ireland , France , Belgium , Ireland , Holland and Majorca . This year’s County Chairman , Nicola Chegwidden says that she had been thinking about ‘her’ WotNot for years, “When I agreed to be Junior Vice Chairman 3 years ago I knew the time would come when members started asking me what I would be doing for my WotNot. I toyed with the idea of doing an outdoor adventure week such abseiling or rock climbing on Dartmoor but we ask other members, family and friends to sponsor us so there needs to be an element of hard work to a WotNot, hence the 400 miles of cycling!”
While these 28 members have been busy preparing for their escapades on the other side of the world in New Zealand, Cornwall YFC member, Steve Butter from Launceston has just finished completing a WotNot of his own having cycled the length of the North Island. In his own words Steve said “I like cycling, think it’s a good way to see a country, had a week on my hands and hadn’t had much adventure since I’d left Asia ”. So he posted his rucksack to a hostel at his destination and set off on his 430 mile journey. Averaging 70 miles a day Steve’s week was anything but uneventful, after just 10 minutes he was pulled over by the police for taking a shortcut on a motorway and his first night was spent in a borrowed tent with no bedding only to awake to find his only spare t-shirt had been stolen from the campsite’s washing line! Steve’s exploits also demonstrate the strength of the rural youth network of Young Farmers’ Clubs across the world as on his second night he was able to stay with a New Zealand member that had visited Cornwall last summer – it’s a small world!
This year the WotNotters are raising money for ‘ Epilepsy Support for Young People in Cornwall ’ and ‘Epilepsy Action’, if anyone would like to support the youngsters they should contact the County Office on 01208 893080.
06.03.09.......Cornwall YFC’s Youth Forum tackles young people and alcohol.
This week saw the inaugural meeting of the Cornwall YFC Youth Forum where the topics discussed ranged from the content of the YFC programme in Cornwall to the affects of alcohol on young people. The latter subject arose as part of the contribution to the Secretary of State, Ed Balls’ consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol. Mr Balls had written to Cornwall YFC inviting the Federation to stimulate debate and provide opinions at a grass roots level on young people drinking. The members of the Youth Forum whose ages range from 12 to 18 were asked to examine a range of statistics and health and lifestyle facts as well as attitude and social statements. The themes resulted in lively debates between the groups and excellent data and feedback was collected to supply the government’s consultation. It is hoped that the triumph of the first meeting of the Youth Forum will ensure its success in the future.
02.03.09......It's Panto Season...Oh no it isn't....oh yes it is!
This weekend saw the final round of the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers ' Clubs (YFC) Pantomime competition with the best teams going on to fight it out for the title this coming Sunday at the Hall for Cornwall . The winner will be crowned the Cornwall YFC Pantomime champion and will go on to represent Cornwall YFC at the South West Area competition later this month. The first two rounds held at the end of February saw teams enter from Launceston, Liskeard, Wadebridge, St Mabyn, Camelford and Lostwithiel at Liskeard Town Hall, whilst this weekend saw a team from Helston & St Keverne, Madron and St Buryan take on the Falmouth, Praze, St Columb and Threemilestone team in St Johns Hall, Penzance. The judges Ian Davey and Julie Damont expressed what a difficult job they had with the standard of all 6 pantomimes being very high but a decision had to be reached. Three pantomimes go forward to the final this Sunday, they are the team from Helston & St Keverne, Madron and St Buryan followed by Launceston and finishing with Wadebridge. As far as these 3 teams are concerned they are all on a level playing field as the judges results of exactly how they were placed in the rounds will remain a secret – all they know is obviously they were in the top three! Cornwall YFC County Chairman explains the reasons behind this, “the scores stay secret so that the team’s motivation is kept high, for example if you knew you were in third place and there was 25 points between you and 1 st place, you might think it was a lost cause to keep rehearsing as the top spot may seem too out of reach – by not knowing the results, teams keep rehearsing to try and better their previous performances” This obviously makes the final performances to be of an extremely high standard and promises the three new judges a difficult job and the audience an afternoon of excellent family fun. The final at the Hall for Cornwall on Sunday 8 th March is open to members of the public and everyone is welcome – doors open at 1.30pm and the performance starts at 2pm .
20.01.09.....Theme for 2009 County Ball unveiled
The theme for this years County Ball will be Tuxcedos and Tiaras...tickets on sale now
07.11.2008.....Young Farmers ’ start their new competition year!
This week the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers ' Clubs (YFC) began their new calendar of competitions, beginning with the Junior Public Speaking competition, open to members aged 16 and under. The final took place at Fraddon Village Hall with Clubs from all over the County taking place. Subjects spoken about varied from the more traditional “Activities on an organic farm” to the more unusual topics of “Scuba diving” and “My creative writing”; in the case of the last subject James Bullock from St Columb YFC spoke of his fondness for creative writing and his ambitions for one day being a famous author. The standard of speaking was excellent which made the judges task of placing the teams all the harder, Judge Grace Stewart commented on the high level of speaking, “the quality of speeches heard this evening has been outstanding, it is necessary to keep reminding oneself that these young people are aged not more than 15 or 16”. In the end it was Madron YFC that took the top spot with a speech entitled “My rare breed sheep”. St Columb YFC were placed second with Praze YFC claiming third position. Madron YFC will now represent Cornwall YFC at the South West Area final in March.
24.10.2008.....Young Farmers ’ Celebrate Win
This week the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers ' Clubs (YFC) are celebrating a win at the National Speaking Competition in Staffordshire. The ‘After Dinner Speaking’ competition was originally invented by Cornwall ’s County Organiser is the 1980’s, who suggested it to the National Federation as an ideal competition. After some resistance the contest was put into programme and has been popular ever since. Ironically this is the first time the Cornwall Federation has ever won the Trophy. The team comprised of members from across the County, from as far west as St Buryan as to the north of the County in Camelford. The Cornish team fought off Competition from Essex and Carmarthenshire as well as old rivals Devon to take the top spot, Fiona Jacobs from St Buryan YFC expressed the team’s delight at winning “after taking the top spot at the South West Area competition back in March the final has been a long time coming. When the results were read out and we didn’t come 3rd or 2nd, we knew we’d done it.” Team Chairman, Oliver Whitehead from Pelynt YFC added, “as the result for 1 st place was read out, the biggest roar went up, we were all just so ecstatic “. The team returned to Cornwall with their National Trophy triumphant in the thought that the Trophy had finally come home to the County where it should belong.
15.10.2008.....Young Farmers ’ 71st Annual General Meeting
This week the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers ' Clubs (YFC) held their 71 st Annual General Meeting at the new Pavilion Centre on the Royal Cornwall Show ground. The Pavilion Centre is also home to the Cornwall YFC County Office, having moved from Agriculture House in Truro , their home since the 1960s. The meeting reviewed the excellent year that the Federation has enjoyed, including the move to the showground prompting a visit from HRH The Princess Royal as well as being crowned National winners of the YFC Entertainments competition final in Blackpool . Another highlight was for recognition of the marvelous fundraising that Cornwall YFC does; the County was awarded the Prince of Wales Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Charitable Fundraising for raising the most money per member throughout England & Wales . The total amount raised was £52,000 with most of the money being donated to local, Cornish charities. Last years County Chairman was able to donate £10,500 to his chosen charity, the Arthritis Research Campaign, with the money being raised through his sponsored cycle ride along with 60 other members, through Northern Ireland .
The meeting introduced the newly elected County Officer team made up of County Chairman , Nicola Chegwidden from St Columb YFC, County Vice Chairman , Jennifer White, Camelford YFC, County Junior Vice Chairman, Anthony Ellis, Liskeard YFC as well as Oliver Whitehead, Pelynt YFC as General Purposes Chairman with Claire Worden, Lostwithiel as the General Purposes Vice Chairman. Also welcomed to the Federation were two Vice Presidents, the Hon. Evelyn Boscawen and Peter Hardaker, both saying that they felt honored and privileged to become part of Cornwall YFC.
With YFC being naturally competitive, silverware formed a large part of the evening with Clubs and members being awarded for their hard work during the year, including Stuart Retallack who was awarded for achievements in Public Speaking and Launceston YFC who were awarded for having won most competitions in the year.
The meeting closed with an address from former National Federation of Young Farmers ’ Club, Chief Executive, Tanner Shields OBE who urged members to look forward to the future but not to forget the old systems of YFC that produces self-confident young adults and develops strong community leaders.
10.10.2008.....Cornwall YFC wants you!
The Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers ’ Clubs have announced that they are holding a New Member’s Fortnight from 20th October to 2nd November. During these two weeks the existing 600 members in the 20 Clubs countywide, will be opening their doors and inviting young people from all walks of life to their meetings; they are keen to emphasise that you do not have to be a farmer, to be a Young Farmer! Newly elected County Chairman , Nicola Chegwidden explains, “of course, many of our members do come from farms but an equal amount are hairdressers, bankers, teachers or accountants. At the end of the day a keen interest in having fun and socialising along with a willingness to achieve and contribute to the community is all you need!” Whilst it is the socialising aspect of YFC that often hits the headlines, YFC are keen to promote their other attributes, County Vice Chairman, Jen White expands, “The thing about YFC is that we work hard and play hard – last year we raised over £52,000 for local charities”. So if an active social life involving sport and a diverse range of competitions from as public speaking and flower arranging to performing arts and handicrafts then perhaps YFC could be for you. For details on what your local club is up to visit the Cornwall YFC website and visit the New Members page or telephone the County Office on 01208 893080.
09.10.2008.....The Prince's Trust
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust has formed a new partnership with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) to get unemployed young people into farming. The youth charity will help aspiring farmers to develop skills to get into farming-related education, training or work or start their own farming business. NFYFC is helping to circulate information about this new initiative during its pilot period.
Cash Awards of up to £2,500 are available to young people aged 14-25 for tools, equipment, course fees and work placements to support them to get into farming related training or jobs. Free business advice, low-interest loans of up to £5,000 and start up grants of up to £2,000 are available to young people aged 18-30 who would like to start up in Business, as well as ongoing advice from a business mentor.
Eligible activities will include the growing of crops or fruit, the rearing of livestock or the maintenance and activities associated or supporting farming. The initiative will first be piloted in the North West and South West of England. Young people can get more information or sign-up at www.princes-trust.org.uk/kanabus or by calling 0800 842 842.
The Prince’s Trust helps change young lives in the UK through practical and financial support, developing skills as well as confidence and motivation. Since the charity was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1976, it has helped over 575,000 young people across the UK and continues to support 100 more every working day. Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at www.princes-trust.org.uk or calling 0800 842 842.
08.10.2008.....NFYFC Sports and Speaking Weekend
At the weekend there will be many Cornwall members travelling up to Staffordshire to take part in the NFYFC Sports and Speaking Weekend. We wish them the best of luck.
06.10.2008.....News from NFYFC
At the weekend Brian Harvey attended the National Council Weekend to make sure you were represented at the highest level. A new officer team was elected namely NFYFC Chairman, Bryce Mackellar, Staffordshire YFC and Vice Chairmen, Helen Roberts, Wales YFC and James Chapman, Warwickshire YFC. NFYFC have looked into suitable venues for the National AGM and it seems that the weekend is just too successful and that there isn't anywhere other than Blackpool, big enough to house 5,000 YFC members jumping up and down to Chesney Hawkes! Therefore it looks like we'll be visiting Blackpool for the next couple of years at least. It should be noted that the age limit for the 2009 AGM weekend has been raised to 17 with a view to raising it to 18 for the 2010 AGM. The theme for the Competitions prgramme in 2009/10 was unveiled as "My Home County" (we're onto a winner there!).
22.09.2008.....Autumn's Ten26 out now
You should have received your latest edition of Ten26 with news of YFC countrywide. Also included was the Discovery 2009 flyer, illustrating the trips avilable for 2009. Applications need to be with the County Office by 20th November 2008. Interviews will be in Stratford on the 6th December. More information on Discovery can be found here
10.09.2008.....New County Officer Team Elected
At last nights Executive meeting, the following team were elected to steer the big ship that is Cornwall YFC. County Chairman, Nicola Chegwidden, St Columb YFC, Vice Chairman, Jen White, Camelford YFC, Junior Vice Chairman, Anthony Ellis, Liskeard YFC, GP Chairman, Olly Whitehead, Pelynt YFC and GP Vice Chairman, Claire Worden, Lostwithiel YFC. We wish the team good luck for an amazing year.