Farming Insight: Essex Young Farmers have a ball on Valentines Day

Chelmsford Young Farmers senior public speaking team (Image: Archant)

ESSEX young farmers have been busy over the last month, writes Harriet Baines.

We had a great turnout for our annual public speaking competition, we saw Chelmsford’s senior team take first place in after dinner speaking, and a fantastic win for Wix’s intermediate team competing in brainstrust. Well done to everyone, a great experience was had by all. Chelmsford will be representing Essex and will be taking part at Eastern Area level in March, in the hope to make it through to Nationals, good luck to the team.

The national AGM this year in Blackpool is being booked up fast, and we have a good amount of Essex young farmers going along to join in the “where’s wally” theme, and hopefully help gain a world record.

Clubs are all working hard raising money for a wide range of charities; Colchester young farmers are holding an auction of promises in April in the hope to make a large contribution to one of their charities of the year, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mersea young farmers have had their first ball in many years, which was supported by clubs, subscribers, and many more to make the evening a great success for them. It was nice to see them put on such a well attended ball, and see the club go from strength to strength, and they are now a strong well supported club and presented Essex Air Ambulance with £500. Dunmow young farmers also put on a Valentines ball which was a bit different to our usual parties, as this was smart dress with a fish and chip supper. The club put in a lot of effort to make sure everyone had a great time.

The weather has not been to our advantage in the countryside event planning, and we had to postpone hedgelaying, but we have stock judging coming up, all clubs are having their training sessions to know their flank from their brisket on a heifer in order to impress the judges.

Wix young farmers are hosting their annual spring ball on March 30 at Colchester United football club, with their usual auction of promises, black tie and three course meal. We hope they have a good turn out and raise a sizeable amount of money for charity, Wix are well known for being a strong club in their charity work.

In case you did not know Whitbreads Barn, the hub of Essex young farmers is also available for hire, whether it is a meeting, a party; we are very able to accommodate your needs. We find the building itself very easy to get to as it is in the centre of Essex, give the county office a call, or check the website to find out more about hiring our superb hall.

Our 70th anniversary ball on June 22 is taking shape now, with the event virtually being a sell out, we as a county are really looking forward to putting on this large scale evening, catering for 1300 people is a first for us, and the committee in charge are ensuring it will be a night to remember. Our annual show is on May 19, and is a great family day out, with lots to see, take part in, we are already working very hard on the show ground, and in preparation, trade stands already booking in, why not put the date in your diary and come along to Boyton Hall in Roxwell,.