Pontfaen YFC, Brecknock
70 (of which 53 are juniors).
Merthyr Cynog Hall, Upper Chapel, Brecon.
We have two Facebook pages (one open to the public and one closed group) both called Pontfaen Young Farmers Club. We are also on instagram @pontfaen_yfc
Drama Week showcased the resilience of our members. Despite many of our intermediate and senior members being unable to participate due to travel, university, and work commitments, we proudly put together our pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ with a cast of 43 junior members and two senior members.
Our hard work paid off as we secured sixth place in the competition. A special mention to Darcy, who won Best Actress (18 and under) at just 12 years old, and Mollie, who was nominated for Best Actress under 28 for her outstanding performance as Maleficent. Additionally, we received nominations for Best Set, Best Choreography, and Best Costumes and Makeup.
In the Junior One Plus competition [a Brecknock competition that allows teams of one to six members to perform for up to six minutes throughout Drama Week] four of our members formed a band and won against 12 teams, with them all being nominated for Best Performance. Riley (13) on lead guitar, Henry (12) on keyboard, Noah (11) on drums, and George (13) as the singer had the theatre rocking with their electrifying performance.
Meanwhile, in the Senior One Plus competition, 'My Mind' saw Mollie and Ella secure third place out of nine teams, with Mollie winning Best Performance.
Furthermore, Celyn impressed judges by placing second in the Junior Member of the Year competition at just 14 years old.
Members have been on tour supporting other club concerts with our One Pluses.
Rebecca and Rose participated in County Hedging training, reinforcing traditional skills essential to our farming community.
Members and parents actively supported the NFU with the Make a Stand campaign at the Royal Welsh Showground, advocating against proposed tax changes that could significantly impact our farming communities.
To round off an incredible month, our club organised a two-day trip to London, giving members an opportunity to explore the capital’s iconic sights. Highlights included a visit to the Paddington Bear Experience, the London Dungeons, a cruise and an unforgettable night watching Back to the Future: The Musical. We invited members from Beulah, Builth Wells, and Troedrhiwdalar to join us, strengthening friendships across clubs.
Our members are always up for a challenge! Whether trying something new or competing at higher levels, they've excelled in stockjudging – with some making their debut and others representing the club at Wales and national competitions.
Last year, we proudly won the Winter Competitions and Rally Day. It’s been an incredible year, bringing home the Sports trophies for both seniors and juniors, along with success in the Eisteddfod Homework and Stage competitions.
Tug of War, Mime to Music and Drama Week are standout moments in our calendar, bringing together so many members and showcasing their talent.
Supporting our community is at the heart of our club. We held our Club Concert at Brecon High School to a packed audience, proudly presenting £8,000 to Wales Air Ambulance and Brecon Mountain Rescue – funds raised from our Illuminated Charity Tractor Run. The event attracted hundreds of spectators along the route, showcasing our dedication to help others. Members also spent the day at Morrisons selling raffle tickets, raising £600 for both charities.
Our community events have been enjoyed by many. The Fun Day and Bonfire and Fireworks Night drew fantastic crowds, while our Quiz Night was a sell-out with no seats left spare.
A Flower & Song Afternoon Tea was another huge success. We even braved the winter weather to go carol singing, spreading festive cheer across our local communities.
As Chair, I am incredibly proud of our members and their commitment to the club. Over the past month, our club has demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and community spirit – all of which make us deserving of the Club of the Month title.
Whether it’s competing, performing, or supporting our community, our members consistently go above and beyond. The dedication, talent, and teamwork shown by every member make our club truly deserving of this recognition.
Submitted by Pontfaen YFC Club Chair Sian Healey.
The judges were impressed with Pontfaen YFC’s packed agenda of fantastic events and their dedication to creating opportunities for members. Their junior-dominated pantomime showcased the club’s resilience, with officers ensuring younger members had the chance to shine. Their commitment to fundraising through productions and engagement in the Make a Stand campaign demonstrated their passion for both their community and the future of farming. As well as lots of activities on their home turf, the club also organised a trip to London to see the sights – and even involved other clubs to join in the fun and form new friendships. Well done to everyone involved in Pontfaen YFC.
