Builth Wells YFC-Who are we?

 

What are we?     Builth Wells YFC is one of over 700 young farmers clubs (YFCs) located throughout England and Wales .  We are based in mid Wales and are open to anyone between the age of 10 and 26.  An interest in Agriculture is not essential. We currently have approximately 50 members, with over half not being from a farm or with a farming background.

Where are we?

 

We regularly meet on Wednesday nights at 7.30pm in Maesmynis Church Hall, situated two miles from the Mid Wales market town of Builth Wells, Powys.  Builth Wells YFC is one of 14 clubs situated within the Brecknock Federation of Young Farmers Clubs.  If you don’t want to come along on your own, then bring a friend!

 

Who are we? 

 

 

We know what you are thinking.  Young Farmers: full of sad farmers who meet up to discuss the weather and the latest livestock prices.  But, honestly, you couldn't be more wrong!  We are called YFC because that is who we were originally aimed at, but now anyone can (and do) join, from all walks of life!  To prove the point you don't have to be a young farmer to be a young farmer, our member's job occupations include a trainee teacher, civil servant and website designer.  We have all heard the stereotypical view that Young Farmers wear green wellies and chew straw, but YFC is not what you think.  Come and see for yourself. 

 

What do we do?

 

Life in YFC is always fun – it doesn’t matter if you just interested in the social side of club life or want to get involved in community and environmental issues – it’s all about meeting new friends and enjoying yourself.

 

There’s no set agenda, It’s up to the members to decide what they are all about and what they enjoy doing – it’s a team thing!
 
The variety of things you can get involved in is huge.  It may be pub quizzes, ten pin bowling, dances, pub crawls, sport, public speaking, international travel (fancy a trip to New Zealand ? Our international exchange programme can take you anywhere you want to go), community projects, fundraising events… need we go on?

 

We also take part in as many County competitions as possible and also have been fortunate enough to compete at Wales level and National events.  We have a strong reputation in drama and have competed in the 2005 & 2006 National Convention weekends in the Entertainment and Pantomime Competition. 

 

 

Why should you join?

 

By joining Builth Wells YFC you will belong to an organisation of 20,000 members in England and Wales , therefore giving you the opportunity to make new friends and develop a dynamic social life.  You can learn new skills and take part in a National Competitions programme.

 

We are constantly aware of the changing needs of rural young people and the club programme reflects the fact.

 

 

How can I join and how much will it cost me?

 

Joining Builth Wells YFC is a fairly straightforward process if you are aged between 10 and 26 you are halfway there.  

 

 

Basically all you have to do is turn up to one of our meetings, sign a simple form, and pay the membership fee. Currently annual membership stands at £8 per member, whatever your age.  This is a fee that is subsidised by the Club. Club fundraising events such as the annual concert help raise money towards the affiliation fee that is paid to Brecknock Federation of YFC’s.  If you are a past member, over 26 and wish to renew or retain your connection with the Builth Wells YFC, you are invited to renew your membership as an Associate Member.  For further details of when are next event is please see the Calendar Page or fill in an enquiry. 

 

Why should I have to pay - where does the cash go?  

 

 

Builth Wells YFC is a registered charity. This means that we have no funding sources other than what we ourselves raise.  However, we do not keep all of the money we make, some of it goes to other charities and sometimes we are fortunate enough to obtain grants to help fund our activities.  In addition to this, BWYFC has to pay a membership fee to the Brecknock FYFC, which in turn has to be affiliated to National YFC. Through this system, all benefits, insurance, training and competitions that National & Wales YFC negotiate and organise for its members are passed on to us via the County organisation.  Brecknock FYFC is very lucky to be partially funded by Powys County Council and is able to employ two full time members of staff to provide a full winter competitions programme.

 

Who's in charge?

 

The members! Each year, at the club AGM, members elect a committee from themselves. These people accept the responsibility for the running of the club, including dealing with the finances, press, organising events & parties, and basically everything else involved in ensuring the continuity and vibrancy of the club.  We also have four club leaders to keep an eye on things and to aid them; former members make up the Advisory Committee. There is the Brecknock Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, Wales YFC and the National of Federation Young Farmers Clubs who are all on hand to help too, but help is the operative word.  What the club and committee members decide goes!

 

 

What are the main events during the Year?

 

It’s all a matter of personal opinion, but the events to look out for are:

 

• The National Convention also known as the National AGM. An amazing event where as many as 4000 YFC'ers arrive at a seaside resort and party hard!

   

• The Royal Welsh Show, an event to meet up with old and new YFC members and compete against other clubs in Wales .  The Young Peoples Village is a popular place to hang out every night!

   

• The Brecknock YFC County Rally. Not just a fun day for members, but a great day out for the public to come and see what we do.   The day finishes with the Rally Dance!  Builth Wells YFC last hosted the rally in 2007 at Penmaenau Farm. 

   

• And any number of the hundreds of events that happen throughout the year. YFC is what the members put into it, and everyone get something special out of it.