Rural women toast a proud achievement

This year marks the pearl anniversary of the formation of the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association (YCA).

Three decades after the organisation formed, 4,000 women are members of a network of 107 branches operating under North, East and West Riding committees and supported by a York head office.

Offering companionship to women who may otherwise feel isolated living in rural parts of the county, branch members meet monthly, support local community events, fundraise for charity, host speakers to address topical issues, embark on group trips and run activity sessions to introduce and support members’ pastimes, such as embroidery, sewing and knitting.

Branches are free to tailor their own programme according to the tastes of members.

Senior women do account for a significant proportion of the YCA’s members but age groups vary between branches and many include working mothers.

Self-employed property lawyer, Barbara Jacobs, 58, is chairman of the 40-strong Sutton-on-the-Forest branch near Easingwold, North Yorkshire.

She said: “We have a modern outlook and a can-do attitude. It’s a village that we live in and we try to do things to support the community. I work full-time so it gives me an opportunity to mix socially with people in the village. A lot of members are retired but a lot are people working across a wide range of professions.”

Retired restauranteur and mother of two, Helen Taylor, 55, who used to run The Forge, a hugely successful restaurant in Tickhill, Doncaster, set up the Roche Valley and Firbeck branch near Rotherham with her friend Sue Drohan on a whim last year after the idea came to them over a cup of coffee.

Her branch’s 28 members are preparing to cater for 150 guests at a fashion show at the Sandbeck Estate near Maltby, home of the Earl of Scarborough. Proceeds from their service will go to Cancer Research UK.

As an epilepsy sufferer Mrs Taylor said she had learnt great empathy for others and it drove her towards doing something to support other women.

She said: “I’m a great believer everyone should be made to feel welcome.”

The Firbeck branch is one of three new YCA branches to open in the last year. County chairman Glenys Harrison said: “We have survived for 30 years and to be in this position is something to be proud of.”