After a party-filled weekend at the National Young Farmers Annual General convention in Torquay at the end of April, our members returned exhausted and a little worse for wear, but with their fancy-dress costumes still intact and carrying a rather large trophy.

East Anglian Daily Times: Beth Speakman byline photoBeth Speakman byline photo (Image: Archant)

This year Essex Young Farmers were the national winners of the Prince of Wales award, for the federation which raises the largest sum for charity over the year.

We have been runners-up for the trophy for three years previously, and this year we were able to bring it home, which is hugely exciting news for the federation. Well done to all our members who helped to make it happen.

Prior to the AGM, our preliminary competitions, and of course a prelims party, were held to decide which clubs will be pulling in the tug-of-war final at this year’s Essex Young Farmers Country Show on May 21.

The day was a huge success, filled with English sunshine and lawnmower races, among other things. Well done to Alex and Tor for organising both events, and to those subscribers who gave their time to judge the competitions.

East Anglian Daily Times: Essex YFC county chair Hannah Kelsey in Torquay with the Prince of Wales trophy for fundraisingEssex YFC county chair Hannah Kelsey in Torquay with the Prince of Wales trophy for fundraising (Image: Archant)

May is set to be filled with preparation for our country show, as we are once again aiming to beat last year’s record attendance of over 14,000 visitors. Tickets are now available online with our new show website: http://essexyoungfarmersshow.co.uk, with discounted tickets online and children under 15 going free.

We even have our very own EYF show snapchat filter, courtesy of our own, very clever, Joel. Every year the show boasts livestock, fair ground rides, trade stalls and competitions to mention just a few, and is not one to be missed.

They say the sun shines on the righteous, and they don’t get more righteous than our lovely members, so please join our lovely members in the English sunshine, (hopefully!)