MAUREEN Boyren and Tracy Hodgson (pictured) were elected president and chairman respectively of the Cumbria Young Farmers' Club Southern District at its 34th annual meeting held in the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, on Friday.

Mary Gray was elected vice-president, John Longworth vice-chairman while Stephen Rowlinson agreed to continue as treasurer for the 28th year.

YFC members then proposed and seconded their officers for the ensuing year as follows: District

The trophies presented on the night were: Winter Competitions Trophy – Lowick YFC; the Barter Shield for Speaking Competitions – Lowick YFC; the Harper Trophy for crafts - Grayrigg YFC; the Andrew Wilson Trophy for the member contributing most to a club’s development - Lauren Knowles, Broughton YFC.

The Allan Wilson trophy for the most improved club was awarded to Broughton YFC and the NFU Cup for Young Farmer of the Year was presented to John Longworth, Lowick YFC. The ROC award for 'outstanding contribution by an out of age member' in recognition of the help and support was awarded to Linda Pigney.

Outgoing president Jonathan Mason spoke of a brilliant year in which he attended a wide variety of competitions and meetings. He thanked clubs for their hospitality and encouraged members to attend meetings and to put their ideas and views forward.

Lucy Mason, the Southern District chairman, gave her annual report outlining a busy competition year with many clubs competing at both northern area and national finals.

The annual Field Day hosted by Grayrigg YFC had been a huge success, with the host club also carrying off the Cock of the North Trophy. Lucy commented on the excellent performances in the Panto competition, particularly from Eden Valley who had taken the top spot.

Some of Lucy’s other competition highlights included the Southern District’s successes at the Northern Area Weekend, where Alice Longmire came first in the Junior Member of the Year Competition. At the same competition weekend, Kent Estuary were placed first in the Senior After Dinner Speaking and Lowick came first in the Junior Public Speaking. Cumbria A team, consisting of Southern District teams came first overall at the weekend.