The northern district of Cumbria YFC held their annual meeting at the Greenhill Hotel, Wigton, on Friday, with an audience of current members, officials and many young farmers from days gone by in attendance.
Northern district president Julie Bowker chaired the meeting and gave a lively account of her year in office, which, in true young farmer style, included a poem, an anecdote about a flat pick-up battery and great pride in the district’s achievements.
Julie commended district chair Ella Batey, vice-chair Meg Harrison and social and competitions secretary Sophie Jones, who had spearheaded the district’s fund raising activities over what had been a very busy and successful year.
Following on from Julie’s speech, Ella Batey, the outgoing chair, gave a whistle-stop tour of her year in office. Highlights had included attending the northern area weekend in Scarborough and the northern area field day at Darlington mart, where the district had achieved some notable results.
Success in national finals and at the YFC Achiever Awards had left Ella feeling proud of the district and its young farmers.
Ella had put fundraising at the centre of her year in office, organising a pre-loved fashion show which raised almost £2,000 for the district. Walking the Cumberland Way with others from the district was a accomplishment, raising funds for both the Great North Air Ambulance Service and the northern district.
For the first two weeks in May, the focus was on preparations for the northern district field day, organised by Greysouthen YFC and hosted by the Bowness family at Threapland Lees. The day was a huge success, with Raughton Head YFC claiming the winning trophy.
Next to speak was district treasurer Lisa Bowe, who reported that although the district had made a small loss, the young farmers and especially Ella Batey had worked hard to raise money. Lisa thanked the clubs and district for their work in helping to get the finances back on track and finished by saying she was looking forward to an even better year ahead.
Officers elected: President, Catherine Armstrong; vice-president, Kathleen Twentyman; chair, Meg Harrison (Skelton YFC); vice-chair, Jack Jenkinson (Egremont); treasurer, Lisa Bowe; independent examiner, Sarah Bell; social and competitions secretary, Ellen Elliott (Caldbeck); minutes secretary, Megan Bendle (Carlisle).
Following the election, special trophies were awarded as follows: Alan Bowe Trophy for the best young farmer — Megan Bendle (Carlisle YFC); William Whiteford Trophy for best club — Greysouthen YFC; Becklees Shield for winter competitions — Drigg YFC; RABI Trophy for club raising most money for charity — Raughton Head YFC; Dr Jim Cox Trophy for best speech at the meeting — Charlotte Wilson (Penrith YFC); Community Engagement Award — Egremont YFC.
Pat Bell called the Friends of Cumbria draw and reported that Friends of Cumbria were continuing to support the young farmers by providing a franking machine for the county office.
The vote of thanks was given by Charlotte, winner of the northern district junior member of the year competition.
