Club Officer check-in: 5 Minutes with...Darcey Herring, Harmston YFC

Chair Darcey Herring has been involved in YFC for five years and is now leading Harmston YFC's 62 members.

Why did you want to take on a role in your club?

I really wanted to take on a role to enhance my leadership skills and see our club go from strength to strength.

What are your main responsibilities in the role?

I have an amazing committee working with me who are so supportive. My role mainly consists of chairing the business meetings, attending exec meetings and supporting the members with anything they want to bring to YFC or with organising events.

How do you balance your club duties with your personal/professional life?

I am a third year student midwife so it can be challenging to maintain a balance. I have a wonderful team, including my two vice chairs who are able to step in when I can't attend a business meeting. I find it's really important to separate each part of my life as well so it doesn't become overwhelming!

Tell us about a top skill you've developed through this role?

I have definitely learnt how to delegate as it's so important to spread the workload and to involve all the members in the club!

How is your club structured?

We have one weekly meeting for all members to attend

How does your club recruit and welcome new members?

We have a successful new members' night every year, as well as a summer programme for those who are interested in Young Farmers and want a taste of what we do. This is always very popular with our current members and prospective members

How does your club plan its programme?

We have a programme team of four junior members supported by the Chair, Secretary and Vice Chair.

We plan the first half of the YFC year up until January, making sure to include all of our Curve training workshops and any county competitions in the programme.

Our best meeting is probably our annual bonfire night when we welcome around 2,000 members of the public as well as other clubs around the county for an amazing bonfire, fireworks display and our own bar and BBQ.

What's a challenge you have faced as a young leader?

I found it challenging to begin with as I wasn't sure exactly what I needed to do and the workload is massive, but being supported by the rest of the team and our amazing advisory has really helped.

What one tip would you give to others in a similar role to you?

Let others help you, you don't have to do everything on your own! Members want to be asked and feel helpful and it just strengthens the community within the club.

If you would like to be featured in NFYFC's club officer check in, email media@nfyfc.org.uk. Find more information and guidance for club officers in the YFC Handbook.