The seaside and young farmers are ideal match

Street dancing and a competition called “jump rope” don’t exactly sound the kind of thing young farmers clubs rehearsed when they started 70 years ago. But next weekend these are two of the activities that may bring palpitations to those who once saw the movement in terms of stock judging for the chaps and cake making for the ladies.

Over 3,000 young people from Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria and the Isle of Man will join together with the East Riding Federation of Young Farmers Clubs at Bridlington to compete in an event that will see them take over the Spa complex for their Northern Area weekend.

Gemma Woodall, 24, of Beacon YFC, chairman of the “Bridlington Rocks” committee, explains why they had to move with the times:

“Nationally the movement is trying to spread its appeal. A typical YFC member today isn’t necessarily someone from a farm any longer. At my club the mix of membership is about half and half.”

Simon Walgate, 17, of Bainton YFC is a farmer’s son in the truest tradition of the organisation. He came into his young farmers’ club when he was 12 and is now vice chairman. He farms with his parents on a mixed sheep and arable farm at Tibthorpe and finds the new YFC movement combines both the traditional values and modern approach he is looking for.

“It’s great there’s a good mix. If you live in a rural area but are not from a farm you still have an affinity with farming. The young farmers clubs show that you can have fun in a villages without having to go into big towns, and being a member allows you to meet people you might not otherwise get to know. At the Northern Area YFC event last year I got talking with a young farmer from Northumberland who also keeps sheep. He mentioned something about the way he wormed them. I found it useful information and put it into practice back on our farm. That’s where the YFC movement can really help and establish links you can use throughout your life.”

Some of the competitions next weekend may seem out of step with the old guard. The public speaking competition however has been proven to be one of the movement’s big success stories:

“I don’t think young people realise just how much they will benefit from taking part in these events,” says Jenny Sleight, a membership development and training officer for the East Riding Federation. “I am now able to speak in front of 500 people without it fazing me.”

Debating competitions are another hotly contested area. But there are sports and a pantomime competition too.

“Putting on a village pantomime is one of the many annual events in the countryside and getting young people producing their own is another way in which village communities still benefit from YFC life,” says Gemma.

The East Riding Federation of YFC has lost its local authority grant and is now self-funded. An increase in membership subscriptions has helped but Gemma is grateful to Bishop Burton College for sponsoring next weekend’s event.

One of the aspects that hasn’t changed with young farmers clubs is match-making. “We have a number of potential weddings which may be announced this year,” adds Gemma. “There are probably now more members marrying club members from another club.

“And that shows that YFCs are still a place where you can meet your future husband or wife.”

Bridlington Rocks weekend

The East Riding Federation of YFC has a 400-strong membership through its 15 clubs.

There will be eight pantomimes performed across the two days at Bridlington Spa, with four each day.

Tickets to see them will be sold for £7 each day.

Performances will start at 11am and run throughout the afternoon.

YFC Northern Area Weekend – Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4.

Public entry for pantomime competitions starting 11am

Further details: 07756 263169.