The significant contribution of one Eden Valley young farmer to her club has been recognised.
Jade Pearson received the Andrew Wilson Trophy for the member contributing most to a club’s development at the annual meeting of Cumbria YFC’s southern district.
Outgoing district chairwoman Emily Armer said: “Jade was chosen due to the commitment and dedication she shows to Eden Valley Young Farmers’ Club. She spends a lot of time co-ordinating club activities and members to enable them to compete in any kind of competition, from walling to public speaking and of course the field day.
“Jade has been attending committee meetings on behalf of Eden Valley for many years, where she has been able to speak on behalf of members and give their opinion. Jade has been fundamental in the development of Eden Valley YFC.”
Members and guests from all over the south of the county attended the annual meeting, which was held at Kendal Cricket Club.
Southern district president Neil Sowerby welcomed those present, including the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, and Mrs Dorrie Galbraith, district honorary life vice-president.
Neil thanked supporters and funders of the southern district, including Cumbria County Council, F. C. Scott Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation, Denneys Abbatoir and Westmorland County Agricultural Society.
He commended Pennine YFC for their successful field day and their success in winning the Cock of the North Trophy for gaining most points at the event.
He said it had been good to see when he attended competitions that traditional crafts such as walling and hedge laying were still very much alive in the district, with very healthy numbers of young farmers taking part.
Emily Armer, who chairs the southern district, outlined some highlights from her year in office, including being secretary for the northern area weekend committee. The weekend had been a great success, with Cumbria YFC winning first place.
Mrs Olive Clarke’s 100th birthday afternoon tea at Kendal Cricket Club had been a great gathering of young farmers, young and not so young, with speeches from Robbie Tuer and Alice Longmire.
The district had raised £30,766 for charity. Crook YFC raised a staggering £18,432 for their chosen charities to show support for one of their own members who fought his own battle with illness during the year.
Emily went on to say the district still had much to look forward to, including the NFYFC Achiever Awards in February. Vice-chairwoman Georgia Hunter and Cartmel YFC have been nominated for awards. She asked those gathered to remember those who are no longer with us, including Tom Allan, a much loved and active member of Sedbergh YFC .
District treasurer Stephen Rowlinson thanked the district’s independent examiner, Mrs Christine Knipe, for hard work checking the accounts. He highlighted the success of the field day and commended clubs for the completion of the £50 challenge, which boosted the district’s finances.
The Westmorland show dance had made a smaller profit than in previous years due to its rescheduling following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Although the district had made a loss, Stephen was confident that with the continued enthusiasm and energy of young farmers, the corner had been turned in terms of recovering financial stability.
Officers elected were: President, Phil Slater; vice-president, Stephen Park; chairwoman, Chloe Dawson; vice chairwoman, Georgia Hunter; treasurer, Stephen Rowlinson; independent examiner, Christine Knipe; minutes secretary, Hayley Simpson; competitions secretary, Jade Pearson; social secretary, Tim Horsfall.
New president Phil joined Furness YFC at 14 years of age and met his wife Sarah through the movement.
He grew up on a 150-acre family farm on the outskirts of Dalton-in-Furness where he has a herd of 50 suckler cows and 250 lambing ewes.
Chloe Dawson, the new chairwoman, lives in Carnforth and works in a school just outside of Lancaster. She started her YFC journey when she was 18 and, although not from a farming background, she instantly fell in love with the YFC community.
Awards presented at the meeting were: Barter Shield for public speaking, Lowick YFC; Harper Trophy for crafts, Grayrigg; Winter Competitions Rosebowl, Lowick; Allan Wilson Cup for most improved club, Furness; ROC Award for outstanding contribution by out of age member, Rachel Dodgson; Andrew Wilson Trophy for the member contributing most to a club’s development, Jade Pearson (Eden Valley); Maureen Boyren President’s Award Trophy, Lewis and Callum (Crook); Neil Sowerby I Love YFC Trophy, Amy Wood (Crook); NFU Cup for young farmer of the year, Will Knipe (Kent Estuary); John Longmire Trophy for best speech on night, Will Knipe (Kent Estuary).
