Clitheroe Young Farmers Club goes virtual for the first time ever

2020 has been an unusual year for everyone, but that’s not stopping the club from trying to keep things as "normal" as possible. On Wednesday, November 4th, for the first time ever the club held its AGM via Zoom, which was a huge success.

The new roles for the coming year are: Club President- George Whitwell, Club Leader- Kayleigh Smithson, Vice Club Leader- Thomas Chew, Chairman- Hazel Stansfield, Vice Chairman- Fred Wrathall, Secretary- Niamh O’riley, Vice Secretary- Evan Turner, Treasure- Abigail Stansfield, Vice Treasure- Jack Cotterill.

The AGM highlighted the fantastic year which Clitheroe YFC has had, from fundraising events such as the 2019 Christmas Tractor Run, which raised over £8,000 for the North West Air Ambulance and the annual muck haul, which raised £1,500.

Retiring club leader, Natalie Bristol, congratulated members on the fantastic year which they have had and wished them the best of luck for the coming year.

Hazel Stansfield, chairman of the club, said: "Not only that Clitheroe YFC have been extremely successful in competitions this year, including winning the Bowland Region Indoor Games night and coming 4th in the County Rally, which was held virtually in April. Unfortunately, the highlighting of the fantastic events is bitter sweet for members as the annual Christmas Tractor Run and Boxing Night event held at Hurst Green Village Hall, which has had to be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"However, not to be feared as the club has decided to do the Christmas Tractor Run virtually! They have set up a justgiving page, which can be found by typing ‘Clitheroe YFC Christmas Tractor Run’ into the fundraising page. They are hoping to raise £500 for Lancashire Mind, a charity which helps people who have difficulties with mental health. We are encouraging people to get involved in helping us create a virtual tractor run, more details on how we are doing this can be found on the Clitheroe YFC Facebook page.

"We are also always on the lookout for new members! We are currently meeting virtually via zoom and welcome anyone who would like to join. Clitheroe Young Farmers Club is welcome to anyone aged 10-26 who has a interest in farming, wants to meet new people and learn new skills! And remember, you don’t have to live on a farm or be a farmer to be in Young Farmers!"