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Club of the Month: November 2024

Club of the Month: November 2024

Meet this Month's Club of the Month

Name:

Penrith YFC, Cumbria

Number of members:

58 brilliant members and counting! We’re a diverse group, welcoming people from farming and non-farming backgrounds alike.

Where we meet:

Formal meetings are at Great Strickland Village Hall.

We’re often out and about – visiting farms, learning new skills, or taking part in activities.

Social media profiles:

We’re proud of our social media presence, which keeps our members and the community up to date with all things Penrith YFC.

• Instagram: @penrith_youngfarmers

• Facebook: Penrith Young Farmers

These platforms showcase our events, celebrate our successes, and highlight the amazing work our club does. They’re also a great way for new members to get a feel for what we’re all about.

Recent activities we have held:

Weekly meetings are regularly adapted to reflect members' needs and concerns.

For example, when members raised issues around the recent proposals to changes the inheritance tax, the club added it to the programme and invited a speaker from RABI to provide expert advice. This session also offered mental health and financial support to farmers, demonstrating our approach to supporting members' well-being.

We’ve had a busy year packed with activities that show what Penrith Young Farmers is all about. Some of our highlights include:

  • RABI Talks: Informative sessions with the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, ensuring our members and the community know about the support available for rural areas.
  • Domino Drive: This event brought the community together for a fun evening and was part of the £50 Charity Challenge, where we give back profits made to the Northern District.
  • Big Breakfast: Bringing the community together over food and conversation and showcasing our commitment to connecting with people of all ages.
  • Bonfire Night: This was a massive success, with over 3,000 people attending to enjoy a fantastic firework display and celebrations for Penrith.

Competitions we enjoy:

We love a good competition, and we’re proud to say we excel in a variety of them!

Stockjudging is a particular strength of ours, but our talents don’t stop there. Members shine in flower arranging, tug of war, public speaking, and cookery, among others. The range of competitions we participate in reflects the diverse talents of our members and the inclusive nature of our club—there’s always a chance for someone to showcase what they’re good at.

Our work in the community:

Community involvement is at the heart of Penrith YFC. Our Bonfire Night brought together over 3,000 people and was a real highlight for Penrith.

Events like the Domino Drive and Big Breakfast not only provide a chance for us to engage with the community but also demonstrate our dedication to giving back.

Last year, we hosted an afternoon tea with a live choir performance, which brought people together and helped us raise our profile before heading off to nationals, where we placed 4th.

Why we are club of the month:

Penrith YFC is committed to supporting to our members and the community.

This month, the club hosted a hugely successful Bonfire Night in Penrith, bringing together over 3,000 locals for a fantastic evening. This event was not only a celebration but also a crucial fundraiser that, alongside the Big Breakfast hosted last month, raised the funds necessary to cover the club's levy and ensure its sustainability.

We also ensured our members got the support they needed following announcements about changes to the inheritance tax.

We make everyone feel welcome, whether they’re from a farming background or not, and we’re passionate about giving all our members the opportunity to shine.

Our varied programme ensures there’s something for everyone, from competitions to hands-on activities, and we’re always engaging with local issues to keep our members informed.

Penrith YFC isn’t just a club - it’s a family. We’re dedicated to making every member feel valued and supported while making a real impact in our community.

Submitted by Club Treasurer Kitty Steele

Well done Penrith YFC! We loved how you quickly adapted your club programme to include an evening to share advice and support with members who were concerned about the recent proposed changes to the inheritance tax. It was quick thinking and a good use of contacts.

We could see you're an active club at fundraising that cares about the sustainability of the club, the county and the local community.

Keep it the great work!