ESSEX Young Farmers have been very busy in the last few weeks with a number of events and competitions being held and also planning for their annual show on May 20.

Last month we held our subscribers “Afternoon Tea” event at our offices in Chelmsford. It was a very successful afternoon despite the 12-14 inches of snow on the ground!

Subscribers from across the county enjoyed tea and cake whilst reminiscing and looking back at photos from their days in the federation. The event was organised by our county subscribers’ rep, Bex Smith. A very big well done to her and all those who helped the event run so smoothly.

If you would like to find more information about becoming a subscriber please speak to Mary or Jackie in the office on 01245 360442.

The Shire Hall in Chelmsford was the venue for the Young Farmers public speaking competition. Two competitions were held, the Senior Debating and the Intermediate Brainstrust.

Our four judges had a difficult task judging each club’s techniques and skills. Rob Gemmill and Rodney Bass judged the Senior competition whilst Anne Padfield and Stuart Cooper judged the Intermediate. Chelmsford successfully won the Senior competition with Dunmow coming second and Brentwood and Maldon coming joint third. In the Intermediate competition Dunmow came first closely followed by Halstead.

Preparations are under way for the Annual Show at Boyton Hall, Roxwell. The show committee, set up purely of Young Farmer members aged between 16 and 26 with the guidance of our county president, plan the show as soon as the previous year’s event is over.

This year our show chairman, Ian Metson, and his team have numerous ideas to entice the general public to the various areas of the show from the Food Hall to the Livestock. Main ring attractions include the return of the Monster Trucks and Camel Racing! For more information on our ever popular show have a look at our website www.essexyoungfarmers.com .

Before the show Essex Young Farmers hold a preliminary competition day known to members as Prelims Day.

Here members take part in a number of activities including tug-of-war, acting competitions to name but a few. It is a day where members from all the clubs compete against each other for points. It is a great day out where parents and subscribers can come and support their local clubs. This year Prelims Day is being held on Sunday, March 25 at Beckingham Hall.

The skills YFC members learn through competitions and events such as public speaking and organising the Young Farmers Show are such which can be used later in life in many careers and challenges members face ahead of them. For more information on the events Essex Young Farmers hold and get involved with have a look at our website: www.essexyoungfarmers.com .

Dates for the diary: March 10 – Wix Young Farmers’ Spring Ball; March 11 – Stock Judging; March 18 – Hockey Competitions; March 25 - Prelims Day.