Wonderful to see the YFC Centre filled with life once more
As the YFC year draws to an end, what better way is there than to all come together once again at the YFC Centre on the Royal Welsh Showground at another scorcher of a Show! Competitions kicked off on Sunday with the Federations Display, which were kindly judged and sponsored by Welsh Water. The judges were extremely impressed by the quality and detail of the entrants, and found it interesting and educational to see how each entrant had interpreted and executed the brief.
Competing commenced on Monday, the hottest day on record, with members showing off their skills in another jam-packed competitions programme. The Shearing Pavilion came to life once more after a long time with quiet stalls, and the once dormant YFC stage burst into action with the first stage competitions of the show.
Throughout the week, the craft tent was overflowing with creativity, with focus on using Wool as one of the craft competition materials. The flower arrangements stood proud, and the ever-persevering hard work of our members were clear to see in Scrap Book competition.
Stock-judging was once again on the menu, scattered around the showground, to once again test our members’ attention to detail and growing expertise. It was also clear to see that many of our members are natural born performers, as the size of the audience for each stage competition was testament to their popularity. The Thursday woodwork competitions also showcased our members’ skillset.
The winners of the Menter Moch initiative was announced by Rural Affairs Chairman Will Jones on Tuesday, and Wales YFC are very grateful to Menter Moch for the opportunity they have given our members.
Another success in integrating YFC into the Royal Welsh Show was the serving of Wales YFC Lamb on the menu at the RWAS Chairman’s Luncheon, courtesy of the Dunbia and Wales YFC Lamb Initiative, supplied by Sainsburys. The initiative has again been launched following the show, ready for anyone else who would like to join the scheme.
The Chairman’s reception was also held on Tuesday afternoon, where supporters, past members and sponsors alike were welcomed to the Wales YFC Centre for prosecco and cake. Caryl Haf gave a heartfelt speech thanking all for their continued support for the movement, and reflected on another successful year for the members following two years of uncertainty. It was wonderful to see the YFC Centre filled with life once more.
A Royal Visit was also on the cards, as HRH Princess Anne stepped out from the cattle ring after watching the Capable Campers competition. She was guided around the centre by Chairman Caryl Haf, and was welcomed in the workshop by staff and officers, who enjoyed a quick conversation about the movement’s importance across Wales, something that was unanimously agreed upon.
Caryl Haf, Chairman of Wales YFC, was pleased with how the show went from YFC’s perspective: “It was nice to see the members back competing as an organization and having fun, as well as meeting new friends. A successful show thanks to everyone who was part of the preparation for the week.”
All in all, a hugely successful show was had from Wales YFC’s perspective. After a short break over Summer, we cannot wait to see what the next YFC year will have in store!