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2022-08-31-accounts

HEREFORDSHIRE FEDERATION OF YOUNG FARMERS' CLUBS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Charity Registration Number: 520998

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Reference and Administrative Information

Herefordshire County Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

Name Herefordshire County Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Other names Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs HFYFC Registered number 520998 Registered address YFC Centre Beech Business Park Tillington Road Hereford HR4 9QJ

President Mr David Morgan Chair of Executive Committee Miss Bethan Anthony Vice - Chair of Executive Committee Miss Imi Manning Chair of Management Committee Mr Robin Knott Treasurer Mrs Heather Hadley Trustees To 24 January 2022 From 24 January 2022 Miss B Anthony Miss B Anthony Mrs P James Mrs P James Miss L Legge Miss L Legge Mrs V Lilwall Miss I Manning Miss I Manning Mrs A Rees Mrs A Rees Mrs R Wall Mrs R Wall Mr A Baker Mr A Baker Mr R Knott Mr R Knott Mr S Rogers Mr S Rogers Mr E Turner Custodian Trustees Mr N Evans Mr R Knott Mr C Mayson Bankers HSBC plc. CAF Bank Ltd Scottish Widows Bank 35 High Town 25 Kings Hill Avenue PO Box 883 Hereford Kings Hills Leeds HR1 2AQ West Malling LS1 9TY Kent ME19 4JQ

Independent examiner M. A. Williams Accountancy Ltd 7 Cottons Meadow Kingstone Hereford HR2 9EW

1

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 August 2022

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the Federation for the year ending 31 August 2022. These have been prepared in accordance with the governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019

Structure, governance and management

The charity was established by a constitution adopted in 1960 and adopted a new constitution on 3 September 2007, which was amended on 16 April 2012

The Management Committee, who are the trustees of the Federation, are appointed as follows:

The Management Committee appoints Holding Trustees to act as custodian trustees, who hold that office at the pleasure of the Management Committee.

The Executive Committee is appointed as follows:

All of the above serve on the Executive Committee for one year and are eligible for re-election, except custodian trustees who hold office for such time as the Management Committee determines

The trustees have considered the major risks to which the Federation is exposed and are satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to minimise exposure to such risks

Objectives and activities

The objects of the Federation are

Achievements and performance

The Annual Report details the activities undertaken by the Federation during the year

Financial review and policies

The financial statements detail the financial performance of the Federation during the year

The trustees:

2

Independent Examiner's Report on the Financial Statements

Report to the trustees of

HEREFORDSHIRE COUNTY FEDERATION OF YOUNG FARMERS' CLUBS

Registered charity number 520998 On accounts for the year ended 31 AUGUST 2022 Set out on pages 4 TO 11

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be

Name M. A. Williams Accountancy Ltd

Relevant professional qualification MAAT Address

7 Cottons Meadow, Kingstone, Hereford, HR2 9EW

3

Independent Examiner's Report on the Financial Statements

Report to the trustees of HEREFORDSHIRE COUNTY FEDERATION OF YOUNG FARMERS'
CLUBS
Registered charity number 520998
On accounts for the year ended 31 AUGUST 2022
Set out on pages 4 TO 11
Respective responsibilities of The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the
trustees and examiner accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for
this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act)
and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions
-
given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of
the Charities Act), and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my
i

Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Name M. A. Williams Accountancy Ltd

Relevant professional qualification MAAT

Address 7 Cottons Meadow, Kingstone, Hereford, HR2 9EW

3

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2022

Unrestricted
funds
2022
Note
£
INCOME FROM:
2
Voluntary income
3,748
YFC activities and events
63,840
Other incoming resources
3,405
Membership
1,639
Investments
73
72,705
EXPENDITURE ON:
3
Staff and volunteers
17,241
YFC activities and events
26,066
Cost of the YFC programme
7,289
Equipping and running the YFC Centre
14,366
Governance costs
1,955
Other costs
688
67,605
NET INCOME / (EXPENDITURE) AND
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
4
5,100
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
137,541
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
142,641		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
Note
£
INCOME FROM:
2
Voluntary income
3,748
YFC activities and events
63,840
Other incoming resources
3,405
Membership
1,639
Investments
73
72,705
EXPENDITURE ON:
3
Staff and volunteers
17,241
YFC activities and events
26,066
Cost of the YFC programme
7,289
Equipping and running the YFC Centre
14,366
Governance costs
1,955
Other costs
688
67,605
NET INCOME / (EXPENDITURE) AND
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
4
5,100
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
137,541
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
142,641		 Designated
funds
2022
£
-
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
funds
2022
£
3,748
63,840
3,405
1,639
73		 Total
funds
2021
£
15,137
13,662
4,295
5,572
79
72,705 - - 72,705 38,745
17,241
26,066
7,289
14,366
1,955
688		 -
-
-
186
-
-		 -
-
4,616
-
-
-		 17,241
26,066
11,905
14,552
1,955
688		 14,324
7,563
6,188
9,225
4,053
170
67,605 186 4,616 72,407 41,523
5,100
137,541		 (186)
9,796		 (4,616)
88,518		 298
235,855		 (2,778)
238,633
142,641 9,610 83,902 236,153 235,855

4

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2022

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
8
Intangible assets
9
Investments
10
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock
11
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
13
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE
YEAR
14
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
15
Unrestricted income funds
General funds
Designated funds
Restricted income funds
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS		 £
£
£
£
92,768
93,057
779
-
84,712
84,653
178,259
177,710
2,129
3,060
2,153
2,215
63,011
58,347
67,293
63,622
(9,399)
(5,477)
57,894
58,145
236,153
235,855
142,641
137,541
9,610
9,796
83,902
88,518
236,153
235,855
2022
2021		 £
£
£
£
92,768
93,057
779
-
84,712
84,653
178,259
177,710
2,129
3,060
2,153
2,215
63,011
58,347
67,293
63,622
(9,399)
(5,477)
57,894
58,145
236,153
235,855
142,641
137,541
9,610
9,796
83,902
88,518
236,153
235,855
2022
2021
177,710
58,145
67,293
(9,399)
235,855
137,541
9,796
88,518
235,855

5

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2022

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting convention

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to the financial statements.

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019 (the SORP), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity is a public benefit entity as defined by the SORP.

Income

Income is recognised in the period in which they become receivable, which is when the trustees deem that they have become entitled to the resource with reasonable certainty and they are reliably measurable.

Income received for the general purposes of the charity are recognised as unrestricted funds. Income received under restrictions placed under the terms of the receipt of the resource are recognised as restricted funds.

Donated services and facilities are included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) when the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material, and valued at the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Income is grouped using a natural classification without apportionment.

The value of voluntary help received is not included in the financial statements but is described in the Annual Report

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised in the period in which a legal or constructive obligation arises which commits the charity to pay out resources.

Expenditure which relates to the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, meetings of trustees or legal advice relating to governance or constitutional matters are recognised as governance costs.

All other expenditure has been grouped using a natural classification, without apportionment.

Fixed assets

Fixed assets are recognised at their purchase cost less accumulated depreciation. It is the policy of the trustees to capitalise tangible fixed assets when their purchase cost exceeds £100.

Depreciation and amortisation are calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets less their estimated residual value over their useful lives. Depreciation is provided on equipment using the following rates: Equipment 5 years straight line Fixtures 10 years straight line

No depreciation is provided on freehold land. The trustees consider that freehold buildings are maintained to a standard such that their residual value is greater that their cost. For these reasons the trustees believe that freehold buildings should not be depreciated as any depreciation charged would not be material.

Amortisation of intangible assets is provided on the straight line basis over 5 years.

Investments are recognised at their market value.

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable amount.

6

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2022

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Financial instruments

The charity holds basic financial instruments only. Basic financial instruments are recognised and subsequently measured as set out in Module 11 of the SORP.

Funds

Unrestricted funds are those which can be applied for the charitable objects of the charity.

Designated funds are those which can be applied for the charitable objects of the charity, but have been set aside for a specific purpose or purposes.

Restricted funds are those which can be applied for particular restricted charitable objects of the charity. Restrictions may be placed by the donor or grantor when funds are raised, donated or granted for specific

2 INCOME

Unrestricted general funds
Grants
Donations
Sponsorship
Membership
Events
Other activities
Hire of facilities
Other income
Investment income
Designated funds
Donations
Restricted funds
Grants
Total
Coronavirus Job Retention
Scheme		 Voluntary
income
£
-
948
2,800
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,748
-
-
3,748		 YFC
activities
and events
£
-
-
-
-
49,646
9,785
-
-
-
-
59,431
-
-
59,431		 Other
income
£
-
-
-
-
-
153
3,232
20
-
-
3,405
-
-
3,405		 Income from
members
and
investments
-
-
-
1,639
-
-
-
-
73
-
1,712
-
-
1,712		 2022
£
-
948
2,800
1,639
49,646
9,938
3,232
20
73
-
68,296
-
-
68,296		 2021
£
-
4,978
870
5,572
11,439
2,233
583
5
79
3,697
29,456
9,289
-
38,745

The charity has directly benefited from assistance from central and local government amounting to £Nil (2021 7,498)

7

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2022

3 EXPENDITURE

Staff
costs
Events and
activities
Other costs
Depreciation
and
amortisation
£
£
£
£
Unrestricted general funds
Staff and volunteers
13,481
-
3,760
-
YFC activities and events
-
26,066
-
-
Cost of the YFC programme
-
4,959
528
120
-
-
11,686
2,680
Governance costs
-
-
1,955
-
Other costs
-
-
688
-
13,481
31,025
18,617
2,800
Designated funds
Competitor expenses
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
186
-
-
-
186
Restricted funds
Staff costs
-
-
-
-
Other costs
-
4,616
-
-
-
4,616
-
-
Total
13,481
35,641
18,617
2,986
4
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
The net movement in funds is stated after charging:
Staff costs
Amounts payable to independent examiner
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
Amortisation of owned intangible fixed assets
5
TRUSTEE EXPENSES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
Number of trustees to whom expenses were payable
Total trustee expenses
Equipping and running the
YFC Centre
Equipping and running the
YFC Centre		 2022
£
17,241
26,066
5,607
14,366
1,955
688
65,923
-
186
186
-
4,616
4,616
70,725
2022
£
13,481
432
2,866
120
2022
No.
2
2022
£
1,192		 2021
£
14,324
7,563
2,500
9,197
4,053
170
37,807
-
28
28
-
3,688
3,688
41,523
2021
£
13,440
420
3,034
-
2021
No.
4
2021
£
1,316

The expenses are in respect of travelling and out of pocket expenses. Trustees received no remuneration in the current or preceding year.

Trustees, members of committees and volunteers were reimbursed costs of events and activities undertaken in the normal course of activities of the Federation.

8

6 STAFF COSTS

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2022

6
STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Social security costs (net of employment allowance)
Other pension costs		 2022
£
13,300
-
181
13,481		 2021
£
11,729
-
163
11,892

The average numbers of persons employed by the charity during the year was 1 (2021 - 1). All employees are primarily engaged in charitable activities.

No employee earned more than £60,000 in the current or preceding year.

The charity contributed to the money purchase pension scheme of its employee. There were contributions outstanding of £69 at the end of the year (2021 £40).

7 GOVERNANCE COSTS

Expenditure relating to meetings of trustees
Trustee liability insurance
Independent examination of the accounts
Professional fees, including maintenance of accounting records and data protection
8
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Land &
Buildings
Equipment
£
£
Net book value
At 1 September 2021
82,636
5,465
Additions
-
1,391
Depreciation
-
(2,250)
At 31 August 2022
82,636
4,606		 2022
£
1,193
330
432
-
1,955
Fixtures
£
4,956
1,186
(616)
5,526		 2021
£
1,246
331
420
2,056
4,053
Total
£
93,057
2,577
(2,866)
92,768

All tangible fixed assets are primarily used for charitable purposes.

9 INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Net book value
At 1 September 2021
Additions
Amortisation
At 31 August 2022		 Website
£
-
899
(120)
779

All intangible fixed assets are primarily used for charitable purposes.

9

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2022

10 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT INCOME

Cash equivalents on deposit

2022
£
84,712		 2021
£
84,653

The investment is unquoted and in the form of deposits with financial institutions in the United Kingdom which cannot be converted to cash without notice. The charity's investment income arises entirely from interest on cash in these deposits and on deposits disclosed in cash at bank and in hand.

11
STOCKS
2022
£
Branded goods
1,527
Consumables
602
2,129
Consumables include postage and stationery, heating oil and items used for competions and events.
12
DEBTORS
2022
£
Trade debtors
1,055
Prepayments and accrued income
986
Other debtors
112
2,153
13
CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
2022
£
Cash in hand
299
Cash at bank
62,712
63,011
Cash at bank is held with banks and building societies in the United Kingdom.
14
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN DUE YEAR
2022
£
Trade creditors
1,904
Accruals and deferred income
5,743
Taxation and social security
263
Other creditors
1,489
9,399
No amounts relate to restricted funds in the current or prior year.		 2021
£
2,059
1,001
3,060
2021
£
2,045
-
170
2,215
2021
£
429
57,918
58,347
2021
£
581
3,709
67
1,120
5,477

No amounts relate to restricted funds in the current or prior year.

10

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2022

15 FUNDS OF THE CHARITY

Current year
General - unrestricted
Designated - unrestricted
Competitors Expenses Fund
Total designated funds
Restricted
Headquarters Fund
Total restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Prior year
General - unrestricted
Designated - unrestricted
Competitors Expenses Fund
Total designated funds
Restricted
Headquarters Fund
Total restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Chairman's Ball Fund
The Prince's Countryside Fund
The Prince's Countryside Fund
Chairman's Ball Fund		 At 1
September
2021
£
137,541
535
9,261
9,796
81,193
7,325
88,518
235,855
At 1
September
2020
£
145,892
535
-
535
81,193
11,013
92,206
238,633		 Income
£
72,705
-
-
-
-
-
-
72,705
Income
£
29,456
-
9,289
9,289
-
-
-
38,745		 Expenditure
£
(67,605)
-
(186)
(186)
-
(4,616)
(4,616)
(72,407)
Expenditure
£
(37,807)
-
(28)
(28)
-
(3,688)
(3,688)
(41,523)		 Transfers
between
funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Transfers
between
funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 At 31
August
2022
£
142,641
535
9,075
9,610
81,193
2,709
83,902
236,153
At 31
August
2021
£
137,541
535
9,261
9,796
81,193
7,325
88,518
235,855

The Competitors Expenses Fund was designated from monies received as penalties from members, and is used for funding expenses incurred by competitors in competition finals.

The Headquarters Fund is to be applied to the provision of a permanent headquarters building for the charity.

The Chairman's Ball Fund was designated from monies received from fundraising events held by Chairs of the Executive Committee over a number of years and is used to purchase fixed assets.

The Prince's Countryside Fund was granted to fund a training programme for members and former members in agricultural and rural skills through a joint project between the charity and The Herefordshire Rural Hub. This project is administered by The Herefordshire Rural Hub.

16 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Funds at 31 August 2022 are represented by

Tangible and intangible fixed assets
Investments
Net current assets / (liabilities)		 General -
unrestricted
£
11,338
84,712
46,591
142,641		 Designated -
unrestricted
£
1,016
-
8,594
9,610		 Restricted
£
81,193
-
2,709
83,902		 Total funds
£
93,547
84,712
57,894
236,153

11

HEREFORDSHIRE FEDERATION OF YOUNG FARMERS' CLUBS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending 31 August 2022 Unrestricted Fund

Note
INCOME
Levies
Grants and Donations
1
Rally and Dance
2
Drama
2
Dances and Events
2
Chairman's Ball
2
Sponsorship
Net Surplus on Hire of Facilities
Net Surplus / (Deficit) on Publications
Net Surplus on Catering
Net Surplus on Branded Goods
Sundry Income
3
Investment Income
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
EXPENDITURE
Salaries and Employment Costs
Administrative Support
Officers Expenses
Travelling Expenses
Events and Activities
Website
Light and Heat
Rates and Water
Insurances
Property and Equipment Costs
Printing and Stationery
Computer Software and Applications
Telephone and Internet
Postages
Professional Fees
Governance Costs
Sundries and Cleaning
Training
Trophies and Engraving
Trailer Costs
Bank Charges and Interest
Depreciation
NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT)		 £
£
1,639
948
15,178
3,816
9,566
3,339
2,800
3,232
664
5,211
3
20
73
-
46,489
13,481
1,682
3,492
268
4,650
555
1,322
1,002
608
2,413
1,329
957
1,256
146
432
1,523
2,526
309
93
249
296
2,800
41,389
5,100
2022		 £
£
5,572
4,978
2,181
-
3,855
-
870
583
(22)
85
1
5
79
3,697
21,884
11,892
76
2,416
16
1,657
107
591
481
596
1,616
538
796
689
96
2,057
1,577
1,066
660
-
217
84
3,007
30,235
(8,351)
2021		 £
£
5,572
4,978
2,181
-
3,855
-
870
583
(22)
85
1
5
79
3,697
21,884
11,892
76
2,416
16
1,657
107
591
481
596
1,616
538
796
689
96
2,057
1,577
1,066
660
-
217
84
3,007
30,235
(8,351)
2021
21,884
30,235
(8,351)

1

2

3

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Notes to the Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending 31 August 2022 Unrestricted Fund

Grants and Donations

Grants and Donations
Hereford Corn Exchange
Herefordshire Council
West Midlands Area YFC
National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs
Other		 2022
£
-
-
-
750
198
948		 2021
£
100
3,801
350
-
727
4,978

Fund Raising Events

Rally and Dance
Drama
Chairman's Ball
Dances
Other Events		 Income Expenditure
£
£
29,279
14,101
7,913
4,097
4,409
1,070
9,754
1,681
2,700
1,207
54,055
22,156
2022		 Net
£
15,178
3,816
3,339
8,073
1,493
31,899		 Income Expenditure
£
£
7,584
5,403
-
-
-
-
2,815
-
1,040
-
11,439
5,403
2021		 Net
£
2,181
-
-
2,815
1,040
6,036

Sundry Income

Fines, Penalties and Entry Fees

2022
£
20
20		 2021
£
5
5

Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending 31 August 2022 Designated and Restricted Funds

INCOME
Grants and Donations
Fines and Penalties
EXPENDITURE
Training
Depreciation
Administration and Co-ordination
Promotional Costs
NET (DEFICIT) / SURPLUS		 2022 Total
£
-
-
-
3,560
186
1,056
-
4,802
(4,802)		 2021
Total
£
9,289
-
Competitors
Expenses
Fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Chairman's
Ball Fund
£
-
-
-
-
186
-
-
186
(186)		 Princes
Countryside
Fund (2)
£
-
-
-
3,560
-
1,056
-
4,616
(4,616)
9,289
2,940
28
748
-
3,716
5,573

County Chairmans Report I can hardly believe it has been 12 months since I last sat down to reflect on a year of being HFYFC Chairman. The last 12 months have flown by and I can scarcely believe my time as Chair has come to an end.

As promised at every AGM last year, HFYFC was back with a jam-packed calendar. We kicked off the year with the Ploughing Match over in Pencombe. A manic day where we saw parts of Pencombe we never knew existed, with tractor rides going up and down to Ploughing from the Village Hall. We knew from that day on it was going to be a very busy year. We had 47 Ploughmen enter and a Domestic Section that filled the playground, carpark and Village Hall. My personal favourite was ‘Dress up as the County Chairman’ where we had members dressing up like a can of baked beans thanks to the nickname and those who seem to think I dress like someone resembling Lady Gaga. Next up was Autumn Stockjudging and although we wanted to put the dreaded Coronavirus behind us, it was still rearing its ugly head, the first competition of the new year and I missed it during my 10-day isolation stint. Not to worry as the new County Team were raring to go with a full day of excited competitors despite there not being the opportunity to judge carcass this year.

In late October, Imi and I had the opportunity to attend the NFYFC training weekend for Chairman and Vice Chairman in Cardiff. I think Imi will agree with me that we did our bit to keep up the reputation of Herefordshire loving a good time. As much as were enjoying our time away County called and with a 90th Birthday and Hereford Stockjudging to get to as we made our way back home. Hereford Stockjudging was a fantastic event where we roped in a new Comps Vice and even had a film crew attend talking to some members about what YFC is and what it had done for them. By the time November rolled around we were back on track and all ready for the Junior Quiz. With 50% of the membership this year being junior we knew it was going to be a big quiz. Back to a faceto-face quiz meant, much to everyone’s delight, the return of everyone’s favourite bit – the Tuck Shop. Here the Juniors loaded up with jelly brains and white mice and then got sent back home for the parents to deal with the sugar high!

Next was English Winter Fair, with Stockjudging back up and running and popular as ever we had two full teams head off to represent us, Herefordshire B came first closely followed by Herefordshire A coming second. With a wealth of team and individual Prize Cards coming home it was great to see our enforced break from Stockjudging hadn’t inhibited us too much!

It’s not all about competing – the end of November saw a once-in-a-lifetime event. Bean and Ern’s Big Bash, or as it is more commonly known in other years – the Chairman’s Ball. After the last two years of zoom, cancelled dates and isolations. Ernie and I decided there was only one thing for it. We were going to have a party and there was only one location for us. Members turned up in bus loads and Clyro was fit to burst at the seams. Making just over £3000 it was a massive success. December was soon here and we started off our Public Speaking Competitions. With After Dinner Speaking being a Senior favourite, it was great to see a range of members competing at a very chilling evening at the Swan in Letton. A special mention must go to our OAPs (Uncle Roger and Dad) who stepped in to help the scratch team – who knew the French language could sound quite so rustic? The same weekend we headed off to Ledbury at Loxhill Farm where members competed in a wide range of Public Speaking Competitions and Cheerleading. It was a great day with lots of members heading off to the West Midlands Area.

One of my favourite times this year was Christmas. It was so lovely to see clubs being able to get together this year, whether it was Carol Singing, club meals or even selling Mistletoe. It was just clubs in the festive mood. County put on North vs South at Greyhounds followed by a night out in all of the favourites, Play. With the event being such as a success we subsequently took over Play another two times this year, always proving to be a hit with the members.

With Christmas behind us, we were rapidly heading into the Panto season. I, like many members, was practising with my Club several times a week ready to take to the stage yet again. During practice, we managed to squeeze in a Senior Quiz held at Ledbury Rugby Club.

Panto week finally arrived and this year we went back to an old venue, Kingstone High School. With enough One Pluses from Welsh Newton to last a whole night, we were set for a busy week! We had 5 pantos and it was great to see some of our smaller clubs’ pair up and perform on the stage, Wednesday-Saturday were sell out nights. This is my favourite competition to bring clubs together and it didn’t fail, the cherry on the top being my club winning and heading on that famous bus to the next round a few short weeks later, and placed 2nd in the Panto. Some of our one pluses came to compete as well, Woolhope winning with their Synchronised Swimming. During this weekend we also had Paige Williams competing in Junior Member of the Year placing 5th and myself in Senior Member of the year placing 2nd.

With barely time for a good night sleep, the following day many of our members headed to Stafford to compete in the next round of Public Speaking & and Cheerleading. The Junior Readers from Eardisley securing 1st place and going on to compete in the National placing 2nd, a fantastic achievement. The Seniors didn’t do too badly either, sleep deprived and a little loopy, we went on to win the competition dressing up as Bear Grylls, Fab Ric and Crazy Scientist. When we got to National, we didn’t do half as well as the Juniors placing 6th overall.

March was all about sports! The return of Sports Day at Queen Elizabeth High School in Bromyard was much anticipated by all the members and another fantastic day of competing. The Juniors got very into Ultimate Frisbee whilst the men slipped and slid around the school hall playing Dodgeball, without a doubt some of the best entertainment I have seen this year. Herefordshire then went onto host the WMA Sports Day at Hereford Sixth Form College, where we had teams placing 2nd and 3rd across the board.

During April we ventured over to Townsend Farm for the Spring Stock Judging Competition. This was another day jam packed with competitors (a trend throughout the year) and 37 juniors in the Sheep class. I’m not sure even George Legge quite knew what he had signed up for when he said he would judge. The popularity in Stockjudging became even more evident at this year’s Pre-Rally where was the return of the Horse Stock Judging competition. Despite half our members in being in Blackpool we had a brilliant day at Pre-Rally where we saw everything from Fencing to Poultry Boning and Jointing. With only one minor explosion in catering, we were on a roll.

As May finally rolled around it was time for the big one – Rally. After having to cancel 2020 the Goring Family were kind enough to have us again this year. The Rally was a phenomenal success and with hundreds coming through the door during the daytime we were set for a good day. With just over 500-members, competition was fierce and as the theme was an unusual mix of Ancient Egypt and Outer Space with a touch of Hungry Hippos there was something for everyone. Welsh Newton carried on their trend of being the club to beat, again lifting the Rally Shield. Unlike 12 months ago we were able to have the Annual Rally Dance and boy what a dance it was with just under 1000 people turning up. The bar was packed and the dance floor busy with members from across the country coming to see how we like to party in Herefordshire. The county Rally was a massive success and made a record breaking £15,000. A huge thank you must go to everyone on the Rally Task Group who work so hard to make the day and dance such a success. Their efforts and your support as a Federation is what secured that incredible profit.

In June, a selection of members headed to Newcastle to celebrate 90 years of NFYFC Weekend Away for some members before they become parents, for others just a chance to try going out somewhere new. As my mum always said – there’s no rest for the wicked – and on that Sunday we woke up in Newcastle and drove all the way back to Gloucester ready to Carcass Judging for the Three Counties Show. I’m willing to admit this was one of the least favourite days in my time as County Chair having to compete with the worst hangover. I really wouldn’t recommend Carcase judging after a night out in Newcastle. Luckily my team mates for Stockjudging were ready and raring to go.

We had competitors heading off to NFYFC Competitions Day in Staffordshire; we also had members attending NFYFC Shearing Competitions and Dairy Stock Judging Finals in the first two weeks of July.

With Steve not only being Three Counties Chairman but also West Midlands Area Chairman, it was down to Herefordshire to host the WMA Stockman of the Year competition. We headed back to the Manning’s where we had two full teams entered. With our teams coming both 1st and 2nd , with individual prize cards as well, it was a fantastic day and one we were very proud of. The end of Royal Welsh Week and the end of July meant it was time for Junior Field Day. Although we call it Junior Field Day, this year with our eager juniors in their masses it felt more like a second Rally. The juniors turned in droves and battled it out. From Cereal Stockjudging, to Tin Foil Police Hats there really is nothing these kids can’t do. It was great to see at Prize Giving a huge range of clubs coming up to collect prize cards. The future is bright in HFYFC with these juniors coming up through the ranks.

Before I knew it, we were round to September. Clubs were having AGMs, swapping officers and preparing for a new year. We were all set for Kington Show and the first event of the new year, but unfortunately with the sudden passing of our National Patron, Queen Elizabeth II, the event was cancelled.

The Ploughing Match was certainly something to be proud of this year and really saw this County put its best foot forward in the face of adversity.

To finish off the year we had the Chairmans Ball. For this event we went back down the traditional route of a Black-Tie Ball, held in Eardisley by the Preece Family. With just under 400 people, it was a fantastic evening celebrating the end of a very busy 12 months. Thank you to all the volunteers and Officers who helped on the night and let me ditch the orange stewards vest for an orange dress. It is only when I have sat down and reflected back on a year as County Chairman than I have come to realise just how much has happened during my post. 12 months ago, I stood before you and told you “My goal for the next 12 months is to get this County back into the strong position” and that goal I feel has been achieved.

Over the last two years of being County Chairman I have learnt, experienced and gained so much. It is not a role to undertake half-heartedly but it is definitely not something you can manage alone. My Officers, friends and family are the reason I have made it through to this point – they have been the back bone of every event, competition and Monday night.

The last month has really illustrated to me just how much this Federation loves and supports each other. To lose one of our own is devastating and something you hope to never experience. We as Young Farmers are here for one another no matter what.

There has been lots of highs and some real lows but there is nothing I have regretted doing during my time in post. It has been my absolute honour and privilege to be your County Chairman. I can only hope that Imi and all my other successors get as much enjoyment out of the role as I have and I wish them all the best in running this fantastic and unique County. Bethan Anthony – County Chairman 2021-2022