SURREY COUNTY FEDERATION OF YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS
AGM & Executive meeting - 1[st] Oct 2024
Head of Management report
Stuart Watson:
I would like to thank Lauren who joins me in trying to manage the yearly running of our County Office and attempting to sort any issues that arise as and when they do.
I would also personally like to thank Karen Edwards who has been on board for the last year or so for helping to promote Surrey YFC and increase membership numbers. Sadly though, Karen has to step down from her role and focus on other family interests which I wish her all the very best.
This year there has been a very good interest in County Roles, for which I can only say good luck to all and don't feel let down if the position you want doesn't come your way, there will also be another opportunity next time round.
A lot of the members don't really know what all the leaders and helpers do let alone who they are, so many thanks to them for their all-year help.
A massive thank you to Sandra for manning the fort. Basically, need something done and Sandra will get it done. No matter what it is, she always likes the challenge. Thanks Sandra.
Finally, all the best to everyone taking on County roles this year and thank you all for your commitment throughout the year.
Lauren Dawes:
It has been another action-packed year with a few challenges along the way, with lots of events happening at both club and county level. County events included the return of the county night hike, a Hollywood themed indoor rally and an interclub evening where 95 members from across the county took over AirHop in Guildford for an evening of trampolining.
Sadly, for a second year in a row we had to cancel Cowpie due to a very wet spring and a waterlogged showground. But all was not lost when once again we were able to run a member’s day at Lower Box Hill Farm with static competitions displayed in the barn, stock judging, mini digger, horse management and main ring competitions all taking place. It was a lovely sunny day, and great to see young farmers in action wearing their club colours having lots of fun. Thank you to all that made the day a great success, and to Luke and Georgina for once again giving us a superb last-minute venue for a second year.
June was a very busy month once again with South of England Show where we hosted a brilliant stand. We had a very busy few days in the stand, and our amazing team of helpers who always pop up at these events did us proud, and our young farmers were waving the
flag for Surrey YFC with their winning entries in the static, stock judging and auctioneering competitions - so once again we were at the top and won the champion county trophy. We ended the month with 36 members on the water at Thames Young Mariners for a weekend of water sports, a riverside walk and a campfire. A big thank you to our team - Josh, Chloe and Catherine that turn up each year to support Stuart and I with this, there are not many that can take on the sleepless nights year on year!
It has been great to see clubs having varied programmes of meetings and events, and to be out and about in their local communities, promoting YFC, fundraising and having fun!
Thank you to Stuart for leading the management team alongside myself, it really is a team effort. To Neil as our County Treasurer and Cowpie Chairman, to Karen who has supported us over the last year in the role of Development Officer and to Sandra for all she does to keep Surrey YFC going - so much goes on behind the scenes.
Also, a big thank you to our Club Leaders as without you and all you do we wouldn’t have our clubs, in particular to Nellie as my fellow Club Leader who holds the fort at Brockham while I run off to do a county job here or there!
Moving forward it is going to be an exciting time for Surrey YFC, with the 80th celebration in a couple of weeks, and for the first time in a long time all of our officer roles filled which is fantastic. We look forward to working with Chloe, Clara, Patrick and Charlie.