Community Spirit finalists: Penrith YFC, Cumbria
Realising the need to strengthen the club’s finances, Penrith YFC’s committee launched activities that both raised vital funds and gave something back to the community.
Their most successful event was a bonfire night that attracted more than 3,000 people from the local area. Previous events had been attended by a few hundred people, but advertising pulled in a much larger crowd. Advisory members had to help with traffic management when the roads started getting blocked with visitors!
The success of the event has given the club more recognition in the local area, attracting new members and prompting invites for the club to showcase their work at local events.
“The bonfire night was one of our main things that we have done, and it really helped us to connect with the community,” said Club Secretary Sophie Jones.
“The event helped to open the club up to people who may not be from a farming background but still want to be within this environment and want to speak with like-minded people.”
The club held smaller fundraising events throughout the year – such as a domino night at the local village hall, which was well attended by people in the surrounding villages.
The club also got involved in some hands-on activity to support its community by tidying a local school playground.
“We dug up a path by the playground and re-laid it, which has been a major help to the school,” said Club Chair Emily Fisher. “The school couldn’t thank us enough for doing that for them. The impact it has had has been really good.”
Members have also helped at the Westmorland and Penrith Show and were invited to be part of the Penrith May Day event with a stall to promote YFC to the community.
When neighbouring club Drigg YFC took on their ‘Welly the Heli’ fundraiser – pushing a replica helicopter 77 miles to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance – Penrith members stepped in to provide lunch along the way.
Recognising the important role the club plays in supporting its members from the local farming and rural community, they also hosted an evening with representatives from RABI and the Farming Community Network.
It was an opportunity for members to discuss wellbeing and understand more about the support available.
“We try to do as much charity work as we can but also maintain a balance to keep the club going,” explained Emily. “We’ve had lots of challenges, but they’ve been outweighed by friends and laughter. We have a good strong committee and are supported by parents who are part of the advisory.”
Keen to celebrate the people from the local community who are part of the club, they also introduced a new trophy at their AGM for the Members’ Member. Nominations were open to the club and everyone can nominate someone and have a reason for their nomination.
“We’ve had some lovely nominations,” said Sophie about the award that has marked a positive end to the year.
“Penrith YFC has consistently gone above and beyond to support their community – not for recognition, but because they genuinely care.”
