Young Farmers in Cumbria raise more than £15,000 for charities (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Young Farmers in Cumbria raise more than £15,000 for charities

3:34pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News By Hannah Upton

MORE than £15,000 was raised for charity by Cumbria Young Farmers’ Club southern district during 2012.

The accomplishment was among many celebrated by 200 members at the 31st annual meeting, at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.

Outgoing president John Dickinson had particular praise for the juniors who he said ‘shone out’ at public speaking competitions.

“They were absolutely excellent and were a credit to the Young Farmers and advisory who trained them,” he said.

Chairman Tom Redmayne described a busy 2012 with many of the clubs competing at both northern area and national finals.

The annual Field Day hosted by Pennine YFC was a huge success, as was the Countryside Challenge in which members helped with work to extend the Hincaster Trailway.

In total young farmers clubs raised £15,242 for a variety of charities.

Officers for the coming year were elected at the meeting with Grayrigg’s Stephen Procter now district president.

The new chairman is Kelly Ousby of Eden Valley YFC, a teaching assistant at Appleby Grammar School, and vice-chairman is Kerry Procter from Grayrigg.

Vice president is Carol Barker of Eden Valley while Stephen Rowlinson, Crook’s president, agreed to be treasurer for the 25th year.

He said a lot had changed in the time since he was a member, most noticeably the standard of the youngsters’ public speaking.

“Over the years membership has changed as fewer people are involved in the farming community, though you find now there are people coming in from urban as well as rural backgrounds,” he said.

“Young farmers’ clubs have always moved with the times and managed to evolve to stay relevant. Nobody knows what the future holds, but hopefully it is in safe hands.

“It is of such social value to be involved with the clubs, and people often comment how grateful they have been to be a member for the life skills they gain.”

Trophies presented on the night included the Allan Wilson trophy for most improved club going to Crook, and the NFU Cup for Young Farmer of the Year presented to Mark Curr of Pennine.

The Winter Competitions Trophy went to Grayrigg, while the Barter Shield for Public Speaking was scooped by Lowick and Kent Estuary.

Grayrigg also won the Harper Trophy for craft, and the Andrew Wilson Trophy for the member contributing most to club development went to Tom Jackson of Lyvennet.

His father Jeremy Jackson was presented with the award for outstanding contribution to young farmers in recognition of his help and support.