Landmark events to celebrate 135 years of clubs

Members of Selby Young Farmers Club are celebrating the club's 65th anniversary with a show and dance on July 4.

Escrick Young Farmers Club is marking its 70th year today by holding an anniversary ball, following a church service at St Helen’s Church, Escrick last night which reflected on the club’s achievements over the years.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire neighbours, Selby YFC are preparing to toast their group’s 65th year by hosting an agricultural show which will be open to the public two weeks’ today.

Katie I’Anson, social secretary of the Escrick branch, said tickets had sold extremely well ahead of the ball this evening at The Oaks Golf Club and Spa in Aughton, with many past members joining her generation for the event.

On the club’s longevity, she said: “I think the club has lasted so long because of the strong friendship groups within the farming community. Past members are keen to still be involved with the club with many taking on advisory and club leader roles when they become out of age. “In addition, Frank Atkinson, Jean Daniel and Mark Headley have all been inspirational presidents over the years and their drive and enthusiasm has contributed to the success of the club as it is seen today.”

The Selby branch’s ‘Sizzling Show Day and Dance’ at Fir Tree Farm in Wistow just north of Selby on Saturday, July 4 will start with a day-time event, featuring displays of vintage tractors and combines dating back since the 1950’s, a young farmers’ tug of war competition, various demonstrations, crafts and local produce stalls, among other attractions.

Georgina Saxon, chairman of Selby YFC, said: “Our aim is to make it a great day out for all the family and showcase agriculture along with lots of other local groups and businesses.

“We will then go into a dance in the evening. For around the past eight years we have held our annual ‘Summer Sizzler’ dance which has always had a brilliant attendance, so it will be similar to this again but on the same site as the show. This again will be open to everyone.”

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Cancer Research.