On Sunday 23rd June 2024 we gathered together for a Service of Celebration at St. Michaels Church, Kirklington, Bedale with Reverend James Gwyn-Thomas. The welcome was kindly given by County President Adrian Willis, with a bible reading given by Isabelle Bush of Farnley Estate YFC, a poem written and presented by Kelly Armitage, Lawkland YFC and prayers by Joe Holmes, Worth Valley YFC. After a beautiful service we were served afternoon tea in the village hall by Rosie, Emma and Erin from Lawkland YFC. It was lovely to get together to reminisce about times gone by, remember absent friends and wonder what the next fify years holds for YFYFC.

YFYFC Poem written by Kelly Armitage

Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers started in 1974 
Who knew what the next 50 years would have in store
Members came and members went
Being part of young farmers, is time well spent

Knaresborough House was the home of YFC
Then a move to YAS was the place to be
Embracing change is a very important thing
Encouraging new members and ideas they bring

Country President Adrian Willis is someone everyone knows
If he’s not giving advice, he’s embroidering clothes
A big thank you must go to all the volunteers
There’s been too many to mention over the years

YFC best known for a place to meet your husband or wife
A partner in crime or simply a friend for life
Competitions vary from Stock Judging & baking
Skills learnt from public speaking & minute taking

County Chairman Kirsty Chapple has gone the extra mile
Standing for a third time, giving support with a smile
Fun, Learning & Achievement has always been a YFC phrase
Fundraising events for charity always some of the best days.

AGM in Blackpool was a really great weekend
Members from up and down country would attend
Lots of fun was had and too much money spent
Swapping T-shirts on the Sunday was basically how it went

County Rally is the main event of the year
Tug of war is the place to be to shout & cheer
Competition prep causes lots of stress
What the judge will place 1st is anyone’s guess

A special mention to those no longer here
Take a moment to smile or shed tear
Thank you YFC for everyone we have met along the way
Once young and keen maybe some now old and grey

So here’s to a main advantage of YFC

Friends for life it’s simply the place to be
Let’s keep this movement alive and promote wherever
Young Farmers creates memories that will simply last forever