MAD as a march hare can be the only way to describe the last few weeks of goings on in Suffolk Young Farmers. April is looking just as busy but as far as the office is concerned this is a good thing.

At the beginning of the month Bury St Edmunds YFC held their Hoe’s and Haymakers Party at the rugby club. From all the reports I have heard an excellent night was had by all present and the imagination put in to the outfits was brilliant.

The following weekend we held our “Summer” competitions day. For the majority of the month March has been masquerading as mid-summer apart from the sports day held at Thomas Mills High School. The rugby boys didn’t seem to mind a dousing from the consistent rain although the supporters were looking slightly bedraggled.

The First Aid kit was put to use, much to my horror, but everyone finished the matches smiling in the main. Dodgeball and Volleyball were luckily indoor sports and the teams from Gipping and Lark Valley put on an excellent show of skills as did the, slightly muddy, seniors. On to the rounders and somebody had the excellent idea of playing “al fresco”. I have never seen rounders played under umbrellas wearing studs but this is YFC and nothing ever really surprises me. A thorough drenching was had by all but most seemed to enjoy themselves. Well done to Bury St Edmunds for taking the senior points and Gipping for the junior dodgeball and volleyball and Lark for the rounders.

The first nights of our newest clubs were hugely successful and thanks to all those who supported us. Hadleigh YFC held their first night at the Lindsey Red Rose and it was great to meet so many enthusiastic new people. The programme coming up includes Yoga, the Suffolk Hat Company and visits to Jayrest and Hollow Trees Farm Shop. Brett Valley Junior YFC held their first meeting at Semer Village Hall with a visit from Clare Lock who got them all crafting – we were delighted to see so many people there and are really pleased with the future of these two clubs.

Having decided that there aren’t enough competitions in Young Farmers we held our Farming and Countryside Competition by kind permission of the Barker Family at Westhorpe.

Valuation of machinery, crops, buildings, knowledge of the countryside and accounting and much more were the challenges to face the members courtesy of Ensors and Lacy, Scott & Knight. Our newest club Hadleigh, only 4 days old, took the silverware in the Senior competition and Gipping Valley won the juniors. Thanks to all who took part and especially our sponsors.

Halesworth YFC held their inaugural Spring Fling which was a massive success. The party was fantastic with great food, music and lots of members, current and past. A great night was had at lovely venue and the club raised a fantastic amount of money. A proper old style YFC party which was excellent, well done to all of the Halesworth members.

Which brings us to this weekend. As you read this our Clay Shoot will be taking place at Bridge Farm Lime Pits, Stowlangtoft just off the B1088 Ixworth Road. 40 bird sporting �10 per card, prizes for Open �100, Ladies, Colts and Suffolk Show Stewards – hope to see you there.

SUFFOLK YOUNG FARMERS COUNTRY FAIR is taking place at Easton Farm Park on Sunday, April 15 This includes showjumping, showing and gymkhana, Kennel Club Companion Dog Show with classes in pedigree and novelty, Dog Agility “have a go” and display, display from the Police Drugs Dogs, Vintage Tractors, YFC Axe Men, Tradestands and much more. Tradestands are �10 for all sizes. All schedules and booking forms for the Country Fair are available via our website www.suffolkyoungfarmers.com