Hannah Davies, a first-time mum to one-year-old ‘little’ John, remains a dedicated member of Netherseal YFC, a membership inspired by her mother, Linda Kinston. Both winners at this year’s YFC Achiever Awards, they share how YFC has shaped their lives as mothers.
Linda is the Club President of Netherseal YFC in Leicestershire & Rutland and won the YFC Supporter of the Year in 2024 for her dedication to supporting the club. Described as a real-life Mother Hen, Linda looks out for members – nurturing and building confidence.
“Mums are a huge part of YFC. They’re usually the ones that take their child to the first YFC meeting and collect them afterwards. They look out for other children and encourage them to have a go.
"I was a member of YFC when I was 21 and got back involved again when my children became members. I wanted to understand the rules and regulations as it had changed over the years. It meant I could answer any questions they asked me.
"As a parent, I know YFC is a safe place for young people to meet so I encouraged all four of my children to join. They learn new skills, make amazing friends and learn to respect each other and other people.
"In YFC there are people from all walks of life. You meet so many young people from other clubs, and this makes you aware that each person is an individual, but with the same interests. When you support and encourage others, the results are amazing.
"Attending the meetings from a young age enables children to understand others around them and encourages them to have a go at activities that are outside of their comfort zone.
"The next generation of YFC is very important to me. My daughter Hannah has a one-year-old and she takes him to the YFC meetings and even took him to the YFC Achiever Awards ceremony, where she won Entrepreneur of the Year.
"I’m glad she does this as it encourages other mums to remain involved in something they enjoy. And it encourages the next generation to be part of YFC too.
"When life gives you 100 reasons to break down and cry, show life that you have a million reasons to smile.
"You were loved before you were born, and I will always believe in you and support you in whatever you do. I will stop and listen to you, and you will never be unheard. Your voice matters to me and other people around you. Xx”
Hannah is an active member of Netherseal YFC and won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award last year for her successful business The British Food Box.
"I joined YFC when I was 11. It was an exciting way to channel my adolescent energy into all of the competitions, stockjudging and fundraising events. I also met many other like-minded people, as I was struggling to make strong connections in school.
"My mum and Uncle Metro encouraged me to become a member but from a young age my parents took me to Young Farmers’ rallies, so I was very excited when I was old enough to be able to join Netherseal!
"YFC has changed my life! Without it I wouldn’t have many of the skills I use to run my business, along with meeting my greatest, lifelong friends! It is a fantastic organisation. I think it’s written across my heart to make sure that YFC – and particularly Netherseal – is preserved for future generations to enjoy and grow, like I have!
"I have had so much support since becoming a mum – from my friends in Young Farmers who have had children at a similar time to always feeling welcome to bring ‘little’ John along to meetings and fundraising events! YFC is one big extended family unit that supports each other through every stage and challenge of life.
"Becoming a mum, along with keeping everything else ticking along, teaches you multi-tasking on a whole new level!
"I have been supported by my mum – she encourages every member through her President’s role as if they were her own children!
"It means everything to me to be able to share things with her through my life! She encouraged me to take on the secretary role for our club at the age of just 17. When she became Club President my brother Charles took on the role of Chair, and she helped and encouraged him… trying to keep him on the straight and narrow!
"I will strongly encourage my own children to join YFC. ‘Little’ John has already attended his first rally at just four weeks old. I hope he has the same invaluable experiences and opportunities to learn lifelong skills like I have.
"Mums are the backbone of YFC.
"Junior membership would be impossible without a supportive mum to get members to meetings and competitions. Fundraising is another aspect that would be near impossible, my mum and all others in Netherseal have been helping us throughout my whole time in Young Farmers and I know they’ll continue into the next generation too!
"You are the glue that holds us all together! No matter what faces you in life you always strive to put your needs to the back of the queue, helping those around you first, which makes you the strongest person I know. "
