Beaulieu YFC Club Report:

We started off the new YFC year with our usual business meeting to check out what the members would like to take part in throughout the coming year.

On October the 5th we had our AGM at the Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu. New club officer positions were assigned with myself, Leanne as – Chairman, Helen Davidson – Secretary and Peter Warne – Minute Secretary. Later on in the month Alison, (our club leader) kindly arranged for Howie Meill to come and give us a talk on his job in the police force working with the dogs. It was a very interesting evening as he bought along his dog, all of his equipment and showed members around his vehicle.

November saw members enjoying a trip to Romsey rapids and making advent calendars for the lead up to Christmas. On the 17th many intermediate and senior members went to the County dance at the Rose ball, with Peter White kindly driving the minibus for everyone – Our thanks go out to Pete for enduring the singing on the way home.

Through December the club enjoyed a skittles evening at the British legion, Romsey YFC club party and senior members enjoyed a night at Lyndhurst Park Hotel for the Junior Hunt Ball. Later on in the month a few members ventured up to London for the Olympia horse show, with all transport and show tickets organised by Shirley bell – Thank you Shirley.

During January Ben Mansbridge very kindly came and gave the club a demonstration on what he has learnt training to be a farrier. He showed us all the different types of shoes and made one from scratch in front of everyone. Later on in the month members had a public speaking practice evening by Stewart Morgan, this was very useful as he gave the club tips.

In February, members ventured out to Burley deer larder for a talk (this wasn’t for the faint hearted). Everyone really liked the visit as they had never had the chance to enjoy such a trip before.

Our annual Easter egg hunt took place in March at the fox hunting enclosure near Ipley. Rob Miller placed photos around the wood and members had to search for them to gain points to win the challenge. All of the chocolates went down a treat.

On the 19th of March Jess Kitcher from Romsey YFC organised a county trip to Ringwood brewery for intermediate and senior members. This included a tour of the brewery, tasting of the beer and a ploughman’s dinner to finish up with. This proved to be a popular event!

John Dolbear kindly gave up his time in April to come and talk to us about the Growmore club and how important it is in continue with it when we are past membership age. This was very interesting as not all members knew about the Growmore club and what it involves.

The 19th April saw competitions day at Sparsholt College where members entered competitions ranging from first aid to map reading.

In the middle of the month older members went to South East Hants Easter party to support their club and help them raise valuable funds.

At the start of May the majority of senior members went to the AGM for the weekend. This year it was held at Blackpool at the Winter Gardens from the 3rd to the 5th. Although it involved a long drive up there, everybody reported back to the club that it had been well worth it and was an experience that they certainly won’t forget.

On the 11th May many members took part in various different competitions at rally day, including a good tug of war to finish the day off. The club had a 50/50 cake stand which made £60.

During June we had a club leader’s talk by Rachel, Alison and Pete about their careers and how they have ended up where they are today. We also had a friendly cricket match against Romsey YFC at the East Boldre playing fields. Beaulieu members joined Romsey’s team as they were feeling a bit outnumbered!

 As we hadn’t had a real party for a while, we thought that it was about time that we had one. So on the 7th June lots of members from around the county came and supported us and enjoyed the themed pirates evening, (we were very impressed with the amount of Pirates that attended). This took place at Brockenhurst Village hall and raised a total of £300 for charity. The club decided to donate all of the profit to Charlotte’s fund of hope I believe I can – Under the Brains Trust.

At the end of the month we showed our support back to Romsey YFC for their summer party in a barn which many members went to.

July saw the club taking to the shores of Lepe beach to have a good litter pick. Their efforts were rewarded with a BBQ at Alison’s house, which went down very well after all of their hard work – Thank you Alison.

As we started to come into the summer months many of the members became very busy as usual through harvest (when it wasn’t raining!). So through August our meetings came to a standstill.

As a treat we had a summer camp which this year took place on Friday 8th until Sunday 10th August at Dilton in Brockenhurst. Throughout the weekend members lived in tents and during the day enjoyed sports games. This weekend was loved by all members ranging from our youngest to our oldest and is always a great success.

After the long summer break we met back at the beginning of September for a business meeting where we discussed club roles.

Lots of members joined Alresford YFC in their summer party in a barn to support them at the beginning of the month, which was enjoyed by many.

This followed by a stationary engine talk by Peter White. Two of the junior members also brought along their engines to show to the club and tell the history of them.

We finished the month by having a trip to the New Forest Reptillary (just outside Lyndhurst), which was kindly organised by Alison – Thank you Alison. This was a great trip and a real chance to get up close to a lot of the animals

As you can see from all of the activities, parties, competitions, visits and talks that we have been very busy. This past year has been great fun and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

And here we are today ready to start the new YFC year!

I would like to start by thanking all of the members who turn up each week with the enthusiasm for young farmers that is needed. The members make the club and without them Beaulieu YFC wouldn’t be the club that it is today.

Our club leaders are absolutely brilliant and yet again we wouldn’t be what we are without them. Thank you so much for you all of your support and for helping with organising trips and speakers. Our thanks also go out to Pete for driving the minibus throughout the year.

Thank you to all the speakers and people that have allowed us to visit them throughout the past YFC year, it has been much appreciated and all members are very grateful of your kindness.

I hope that throughout the coming years, Beaulieu YFC can stay as strong as we have been, and continue to be the best club in Hampshire.

Leanne Sarah Gibbs
Club Chairman 2007 – 2008

 

Beaulieu YFC Club Contact Information:

BEAULIEU YFC
President	Mr David Banks	01590 611349
Club Leaders	Mrs Rachel Strange	02380 428828
	Mrs Alison Tilbery
	Mr Peter White	02380 894732 / 07950363090
Chairman	Mr Ollie Cook	07796470880
Secretary	Miss Helen Davidson 42, Butts Ash Gardens, Hythe, Southampton.  SO45 3BL	02380 842108 07909 782077
Treasurer	Mr Peter White	07950 363090
Meeting Place	The Pig Sty, Out of Town Centre, Beaulieu
Time	Fridays, 7.30pm, weekly