Derby and District Young Farmers' Club
Spring Newsletter, March 2008.
Chairman - Stacey Bush
Secretary - Cordelia Cudworth
Treasurer - Helen Archer
Social Secretary - Stewart Archer
Programme Secretary - Stacey Bush
Hello Members and friends of Derby and District YFC! Welcome to our spring newsletter which will bring you up to date with what's been happening since you last heard from us in summer 2007.
The first difference you may notice from above is that the committee has changed slightly following the AGM held in September. It's good to see some of the younger members now going solo with the posts they held jointly last year and new additions to the committee include: me; Faye Russell as Press Officer, Sean Brister as Vice Chairman and Kelly and Zoe Hawkins, jointly as Competitions Secretary. Lynne Goodall has now become Club Leader as this year she is officially too old(!) and Jean Goodall continues as Club President. Many thanks on behalf of the club to Stewart Archer who has put in a huge amount of effort over recent years and is also now too old(!), not to mention slightly busy (see Congratulations!). Stewart continues to organise the Snow ball and be joint Social Secretary with Stacey bush.
Charity Fundraising
In August, 8 club members and Jean participated in a sponsored 'ram' push around Carsington Water. The ram was constructed on a small shopping trolley and to keep him company, a lamb was constructed on a small 'garden centre' trolley. Complete with buckets and plenty of water, as we chose one of the hottest days of the summer holidays, we set off around Carsington following the cycle trail. Having scared many dogs and caused many second looks and after much sweating and regretting we arrived back at the start almost four hours later where we celebrated with a picnic! Sponsorship was collected in advance and people added to our buckets on route, also, the ice cream man gave most of the small change from his till! Many thanks to anyone who contributed in any way, whether with the modelling or the sponsorship. The money raised has been split between Arthritis Research, Derby YFC and Mr Bale's charity of choice.
Ploughing Match
In September, Derby YFC held its annual ploughing match at Woodhouse Farm, Dalbury Lees by kind permission of T.E. Potts and Son. There was a good turn out of both ploughmen and hedge cutters and some good entries in the tent classes. The weather held although it was more than a little windy at times and everyone had a good day out. Many thanks once again to anybody who helped to organise the event and of course those who participated.
Bonfire Night
Many thanks to the Ford family who hosted the annual bonfire and fireworks again which was enjoyed by many members as well as a few visitors.
County AGM
At the County AGM, held at County Hall, Matlock on 15th November, 2007, Sean, Stacey and Faye all received certificates following their competition success and Faye received a Trophy for the female junior member who had shown outstanding achievements. Lynne Goodall also received a County Trophy in recognition of all her effort to make the rally the success that it was in 2007.
Ploughmen's Dinner
Friday 16th November saw some of the ploughmen, hedge cutters and current young farmers attend Sutton Village Hall for a lovely meal kindly produced by the Goodall family (with the washing up skills of Robin Goodall and Michael Parnell well demonstrated!).
Christmas Meal
As the year end neared, 29 members and friends (plus Lucy Archer) attended the Christmas meal at The Rose and Crown, Brailsford. It was great to see so many there enjoying themselves.
Competition Success
Derby has been successful in many competitions at County level and there will be 7 members representing the club at East Midlands competitions weekend (some in more than one competition). There were also 3 members at the National debating final last autumn and a few more competitions to go this year so hopefully the winning streak continues.
Congratulations
Congratulations have to go to Stewart and Helen Archer whose daughter, Lucy, was born in September 2007 also to Andrew and Gillian Burton whose third daughter, Hannah, was born in November and to Gerald Hawksworth and Rosie Strutt whose son, Robert, was born in December.
Congratulations to Lynne Goodall and Michael Parnell who announced their engagement in November and are now busy planning for a June wedding.
Finally, congratulations to Jean Goodall who celebrated her 60th birthday on New Year's Eve.
Forward Planning - Dinner and Dance
Stacey is currently looking into venues for this year's dinner and dance which will be held in September. Following last year's very successful 70th anniversary dinner and dance, we are hoping to have some of the past members return this year. We also thought the dinner and dance would be an opportunity for many of the parents to come along, enjoy a night off cooking, see who their sons and daughters spend so much time with and watch the trophy presentations. Stacey will let everyone know a date as soon as possible so you can keep it free if you would like to join us.
Forthcoming Dates for Your Diary
3rd, 4th & 5th May 2008 - National AGM, Blackpool.
17th May 2008 - County Rally. Dunsa Farm, Chatsworth Estate.
