Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (SCFYFC) County Rally was held on Saturday, 13th May at The Hollies Farm, Woodseaves by kind permission of Sandra and Roy Hockenhull. The day was filled with warm sunshine and blue skies and is the highlight of the YFC competitions calendar with over 40 classes entered by the members from across Staffordshire. Competitions included Live Mocktail Making, Recycled Metalwork, Photography, Showstopper Cake, Festival Bunting, Items made from 3 Bottles, Wildlife Quiz and a Total Wipe Out Challenge in the Main Ring during the afternoon. Farm Safety skills were also put to the test with the Tractor Handling and Telehandler Competition.
The day was kindly sponsored by over 55 local companies and supporting organisations, with the main sponsors being IAE, Malcolm Harrison and Johnsons of Cheadle.
Two of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) Competitions were also held on the day, including the Floral Art. In the Junior Class, competitors were required to create an exhibit to the theme: ‘Caught in the Fishers Net’ with the winning entry created by Keira of Ashley YFC. In the Intermediate Class, the criteria was to create an exhibit to the theme “Steam Punk” and this was won by Rebekah of Eccleshall YFC. The Senior Class required competitors to create an exhibit to the theme “Upcycled Item destined for the bin”, which was won by Lucy of Eccleshall YFC. The three members will all go forward to compete in the NFYFC Finals held at the Malvern Autumn Show in September along with the runners up in each age category as well.
The main ring held a very wet and messy “Total Wipeout” Competition with teams of up to 6 members from each club taking part. This was a great success, with members loving the assault course of various activities including carrying the infamous Greasy Pole Challenge and a Buggy-Kart Race. All the main ring fun involved lots of water and enthusiasm from members with overall winners of the Sports Cup from this competition along with the Top Table Challenge being Chase YFC.
The evening began with the highly competitive Junior Tug of War competition, which is also a National Competition for 202. The highest two place teams go forward to the West Midlands Area round on 1st July. 6 teams took part with members aged between 12 and 17 years who have been training hard for many weeks. The team from Waterhouses YFC pulled their way to victory taking 1st place with Eccleshall YFC coming a close second. The day was rounded off by the ever-popular Mixed Tug of War competition, which saw 10 teams taking part, and Cheadle YFC, taking the silverware for the day, beating Leek YFC in the final.
The day was rounded off with announcement of the results from all the Rally Competitions and presentation of Trophies and Awards.
The Rally Day brings together the rural community of Staffordshire and could not run so well without the support of the judges, stewards and catering committee. Over 100 volunteers are behind the scenes ensuring that the day runs smoothly – made up of county officers, members, vice presidents and supporters of Staffordshire YFC.
Emily Cartmail, County Chairman of Staffordshire YFC said “I am really proud of all our members, their enthusiasm and talents on the day were well and truly on display. We had a brilliant turnout of supporters who enjoyed a great day of Staffordshire YFC at its best, complete with sunshine too. We are so grateful for all the support given by the sponsors, parents, members and helpers – we just couldn’t hold this kind of event without them!”
The federation currently has over 640 members aged 10 – 28 years, across 10 active clubs in Staffordshire. Club programmes are currently filled with busy preparation for the Staffordshire County Show being held 31st May – 1st June which is their main marketing event of the year. The YFC Marquee which is erected next to the YFC Office on the Showground will be filled with exhibits and displays from this year’s Rally as well as information about every club in Staffordshire and how to join. Competitions held in the Main Ring over the two days include the county round of the NFYFC Male and Female Tug of War Finals and the very popular Show Floats Competition which this year is themed as “A Day in History.”
For information on becoming a member or details of your local Club, contact Julia Taylor, County Organiser, on 01785 248645 or e-mail on countyoffice@staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk for further information. Our website at www.staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk has updated information about Staffordshire YFC and the local clubs, including recent event photos. We can also be followed on our Facebook Page – Staffordshire YFC or Instagram @staffsyfc