Being on the committee of Cheriton & Tedburn YFC means ensuring its 40 members are kept informed and engaged. As Club Secretary, Lydia Gough is using her nine years in YFC as experience for the role, and being Secretary has now really boosted her confidence.
The main reason was because I want to look back on my YFC journey when I’m older and feel proud that I played a key part in organising something meaningful.
I also felt that the role of secretary was the best fit for me, and I saw it as a great opportunity to develop myself personally and grow my skills.
Having that balance is essential. I work full time as an MRO Coordinator in a cheese factory here in Devon, while still lending a hand on my parents’ farm whenever I can. With so much going on, staying organised with Young Farmers is key.
A clear calendar keeps everything on track, helps me plan ahead, and makes sure nothing gets missed. That’s exactly why I introduced a monthly YFC calendar this year, to keep everyone in the loop, organised, and making the most of everything our club has to offer.
Confidence. Before YFC, I would have laughed at the confidence I have now but I’ve grown in ways I didn’t expect. The opportunities are incredibly diverse, and throwing yourself into as much as possible makes all the difference.
New members keep the club alive. We always host a new members’ evening at the start of the year with fun games and activities. This is so they can get to know our current members and what YFC is all about. We always follow this up with a pumpkin carving session which is fun for all ages.
Definitely not stretching myself too much. It can feel overwhelming with all the things you need to remember and do within YFC but there is always help. Getting members involved in the planning or the activity helps them feel more involved in YFC too.
We host a number of much-loved activities throughout the year – shows, bingos, quizzes, and more – that our members always look forward to. That said, it’s equally important for the Top Table to bring fresh ideas to the calendar and organise events of their own.
One of our strongest suggestions is to plan a Summer Ball. We’ll be hosting ours at the end of June, and it promises to be a lively and enjoyable evening for YFC members and the wider community. A great opportunity to come together, celebrate, and make lasting memories.
We have four members’ meetings a year with Devon County Federation, where information is cascaded to us and then we cascade to our clubs in our meetings.
We hold two meetings each month to stay ahead with planning YFC events. Members of all ages attend, giving us a chance to make key decisions together as a group and ensure important information is clearly shared across the club.
Enjoy it. The year in a YFC leadership role goes so fast. It might feel like there is a lot going on but enjoy it while it lasts. It’s an experience that can never be matched and you develop so many new skills that you never thought you would.
If you would like to be featured in our club officer check in, email media@nfyfc.org.uk. Find more information and guidance for club officers in the YFC Handbook.
