BUCKINGHAM YFC

Here's to a successful and fun-filled 2010!

Please join us from 7pm onwards, for mince pies, mulled wine and, if you're lucky (or unlucky?!) carol singing. It would be great to see lots of old faces, as well as plenty of new ones!

All the family are welcome, so bring along parents, children, aunts, uncles and grandparents - the more the merrier!!

Competitions are an important part of Young Farmers, with members compete against the other clubs in the county. If successful, there is also the opportunity to progress to South East Area and even National rounds, competing against members from across the whole Young Farmers organisation (that's over 23,000 people!). The competitions are also a chance for members to get stuck into new things, developing skills as they go - and succeeding at the same time!

During the year, Buckingham YFC had an impressive showing in all county competitions, with successes including public speaking/debatng, stockjudging, sports and homecrafts.

Well done to all who took part in Club, County, Area and National competitions during the year! The challenge now is to match the success this year...

You can find another perspective of Young Farmers from members of the National Federation. The President and outgoing Chairman gave their personal views on YFC and how much they have got out of the organisation, in articles in a National magazine:

Lionel Hill - NFYFC President
Bryce MacKellar - NFYFC Chairman 2008/09

More articles and press releases regarding the wider Young Farmers organisation can be found on the Media pages of the NFYFC website (www.nfyfc.org.uk).

Helen & Douglas House provides respite and end of life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, as well as support and friendship for the whole family. The two hospice houses are bright, vibrant and positive places, where the emphasis is on living life to the full, even when that life may be short.

Club Chairman Tom Phillips commented, “Fundraising’s a really important part of Young Farmers and it gives us a chance to put something back into the local community. Where we can, we like to support local charities and, with an exciting year ahead of us, we look forward to supporting Helen & Douglas House.”

Last month, The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance visited the club to show how the money raised is used and to collect a cheque for £850. Based at RAF Benson and covering Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, the Air Ambulance is an extremely important service for residents, with the helicopter cutting patient transport time, as well as being able to reach remote locations – especially important in rural areas, where many of the club’s members live and work.

The PACE Centre, whose representatives were presented with a cheque for £238.45, works with children with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy. In a motivating and caring environment, families are provided with invaluable support, whilst the children are encouraged to find their own voice, walk their own steps and discover that they can fully enjoy everyday life and become active members of society.

Fundraising took place at a variety of events and activities, including the annual club dinner & dances; a ferret racing evening, which saw young and old screaming and shouting their chosen ferrets over the finish line; continuing the YFC tradition of fancy dress events, with members dressing up in a variety of costumes for the Buckingham Christmas Parade, as well as an evening of carol singing, when the residents may have been donating to stop the ‘singing’ rather than carry it on!

Members sported fluorescent yellow jackets and fluorescent pink leg warmers (yes, even the guys!) and cycled over 10 miles around Buckingham and the local area. Thanks to the generosity of those who came across the group en-route, over £200 was raised.

Any members wishing to take part will need to fill in a disclaimer (to be signed by a parent/guardian, if Under 18), which can be found here: Bike Ride Disclaimer

If you see us about, then give us a hoot...and some change!!

A great big thank you to everyone who attended Buckingham YFC's AGM last night!

A massive thank you to the 08-09 chairlady Heidi Baker and her outgoing committee, for a great year and a hello and good luck to new 09 - 10 chairman Tom Phillips and his vice Ed Lovelock and the rest of the new committee! Please support them and get involved with as much as you can - you will benefit from everything you do, at club, county and national level!! To get involved in competitions speak to Curtis as he will be organising the teams! Hockey, Pig Judging, Swimmign and Senior QUiz are already in the diary! Whether its meeting new friends, learning new skills or most importantly HAVING FUN!!!

I will try and post details of meetings and goings on regularly on here and on the website www.buckinghamyfc.co.uk but we will also send a text message about meetings to you at the beginning of the week!

I'm sure the programme team (Bianca, Kate & Caroline - overseen by Heidi) will appreciate any ideas you have for future meetings. And if you have any ideas for Social going's on / Birthday's / Fundraising please let Emily (social secretary) know!!

If you want to receive a text message please, please message me with an up to date mobile number!! Or just drop me Emma (secretary 09-10) a text on 07894 283255 and make sure it says who it's from!! Also email addresses are useful, as we will hopefully be producing a club newsletter, for current and past members as well as anyone else who has an interest in the club and wants to hear about our going's on!!

Please don't forget to pay your levies to Simon (09-10 treasurer)as soon as possible with a membership form!! This is really important as it means you are insured at all the YFC events you attend!!

Let's hope this is a fun and successful year!!