Accent is on fun for young farmers' club (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Accent is on fun for young farmers' club

IT is 70 years since a group of friends got together to form Moreton and District Young Farmers' Club, and the group continues to go from strength to strength.

It all began one January night in 1935 when 15 young people met at the Redesdale Arms and decided to form a club.

By the end of that year the club had 40 members and had started its tradition of success in county and national competitions, which continues to this day.

The club currently has more than 50 members aged between 12 and 26 from all walks of life. These days, young farmers' clubs emphasise that they are there to serve the needs of young people in the countryside, rather than only people directly involved in farming.

Club chairman Bryony Potter said the most important requirement for joining the club was the wish to have fun. "The club offers a huge variety of social, sporting and educational activities, with regular talks and trips.

"The club still retains strong links with the local farming community and some of its activities are related to agriculture, such as stock judging and ploughing competitions. But we also organise quizzes, skittle evenings, visits to farms - anything you can think of we do - even cake decorating and flower arranging."

She added that helping charity was also an important part of the club's role, with fund-raising events held throughout the year. Good causes supported by the young farmers include the county air ambulance, the Cobalt cancer unit in Cheltenham and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Hundreds of club members, past and present, are now preparing to celebrate their platinum anniversary with a black tie ball on June 17 in Icomb.

An appeal has been launched for any memorabilia of the club, such as old photographs or certificates, to display on the night.

To order tickets for the event at £40 or to help shed light on the club's past call Bryony on 01386 841469.

The Moreton young farmers meet at the Black Bear every Tuesday evening from 8pm. For more information about getting involved, contact Bryony or visit the website of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs at www.nfyfc.org.uk.