March was the beginning of better weather, longer days and warmer nights and Essex Young Farmers certainly made the most of it, (writes Lo Kent).

The month started off with Ashdon & Saffron Walden club hosing a sold out ball for its 70th anniversary.

The high top marquee looked beautiful on the night and, with everyone dressed up to the nines, the whole event was a spectacle to behold.

It’s great to see clubs celebrating their history and enjoying it with clubs from around the county, as well as their subscribers. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the past eras of Young Farmers.

The weekend of March 14-15 saw a brave troop of explorers head off for a Three Peaks Challenge training weekend in Snowdonia, in preparation for the actual challenge in June.

The group is participating in the challenge to raise funds for Essex Young Farmers’ chosen charity for the year, the Farming Community Network (FCN), and for Essex YFC. The group did fantastically well, and should be proud of themselves for taking on such an enormous task.

Wix Young Farmers hosted their Spring Ball on March 21, another sold out event, on the evening of the Northern Area Public Speaking finals. Ashdon & Saffron Walden entered into the After Dinner Speaking and Ongar competed in the Brainstrust competition.

Both teams did brilliantly, but unfortunately missed out on placing to some very strong teams from other counties. I’m really proud of how far they got and all they achieved, and they should be too.

The ball was an excellent way to end the day, and another chance for tuxes and dresses to be donned to dance the night away. Well done to Wix club for hosting such a memorable event.

The month ended on a high with Colchester YFC holding a Cops and Robbers themed party. There were lots of people dressed up in costumes, but although I work for Essex Police I wasn’t allowed to borrow any uniform. Anyway, the party was a success and everyone loves a good excuse to dress up. The next party is being held by Southminster club and has a Wild West theme. Let’s hope there isn’t a showdown between Cowboys and Indians on the night!

The county has been deep in preparations for the Essex Young Farmers Country Show on Sunday, May 17 which is being held at its usual home in Roxwell. There really is something for all at the show, and we would love for you to come down and see what it’s about. Tickets are now available for early bird sales on the Essex Young Farmers website.

As always, if you would like to join Essex YFC please visit www.essexyoungfarmers.com , call the county office on 01245 36042 or email office@essexyc.co.uk. See you next month!