Bridlington’s focus on its members and the community have created a successful club. The club has considered new ways to reach stakeholders and use Spond to communicate with members and parents. Its increase in membership this year is in part a result of the club’s active promotion on social media and through more traditional marketing messages. Bridlington also offers a varied club programme and ensure safety is considered. Members have worked together with supporters to deliver key events, such as the annual ploughing match, a tractor run and 70th Anniversary celebrations. They also got involved in a local soapbox challenge – winning prizes for their creation. The soapbox has been used at various YFC events and even as a teaching aid for a local school, helping to introduce YFC to a new generation.

This club’s efficiency stood out. Clear lines of communication have been established between all stakeholders in the club – from members to the parish council. With 65 members, 15% of which are new in this membership year, the club uses social media, merchandise and new members’ nights to attract new people. Safeguarding was always at the heart of Collingham’s fun activities and they raise awareness and share information with all members. From club meetings running Rural+ to sharing safeguarding pocket guides with every member, the judges liked the committee’s approach to highlighting issues.  

Club meetings are informative and engaging at Hadleigh YFC, with members enjoying everything from watching new lambs being born to talks from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST). Communication is carefully considered, ensuring different methods are used to keep members and parents informed, while social media channels are used to promote the club more widely. Hadleigh YFC put time into ensuring members’ safety and the club welcomed new members well – 10 more have joined this year. Fundraisers and socialisers – Hadleigh YFC looked like a great club to join.

As the second largest club in the county, with 74 members, Netherseal YFC works hard to provide a varied club programme to appeal to all ages. While a larger club has more people to fill roles, it also means more members to manage – but Netherseal’s impressive focus on safeguarding and communication have ensured it runs a tight ship. It was impressive to see how Netherseal’s committee has kept a large number of members engaged and involved – even those now out of age continue their support in advisory roles. With its annual ‘sell-out’ dinner dance, impressive charity fundraisers – more than £9,000 raised on its tractor run – cookery evenings, and tours of a wide-range of industry locations, Netherseal’s popularity was clear to see.

Wymondham YFC is the largest club in Norfolk with 65 members and it has gained younger members to re-start its Countrysiders Club for the first time since the pandemic.  The club has a varied club programme and keeps members’ informed through social media, group chats and welcome letters for new members.   Safeguarding is taken seriously and the club has also recognised the importance of mental health by working with rural mental health charity Yana to deliver a meeting. There’s a lot of love for Wymondham YFC from its current members and even former members who offer support and remain in contact to ensure its success.