Coleraine Young Farmers’ Club celebrating 80 years

Without doubt there have been immense changes in our lifestyles since 1931, but for Coleraine YFC the members’ participation, achievement, friendship and fun has remained the same.

Coleraine YFC was one of the first young farmers’ clubs formed. In 1931 twelve young men gathered in Coleraine Technical School and decided to form a Young Farmers Club.

They were the foundation members and hold a very special place in the history of the club. The first club meeting was held on Friday, February 27, 1931, under the leadership of Mr. D. Aiken, who led the club for the first seven years.

YFCU competitions have always been important to Coleraine members at club, county and central level, with its members enjoying countless successes from its inception right through to the present day.

From the early days Coleraine was one of the most active clubs, taking part and making their mark in stock-judging. The club won the Northern Whig Cup in 1936, the first time Coleraine had participated in this event which was open to all Young Farmers’ Clubs in Ulster.

Many Coleraine members were selected for International teams, and one memorable occasion was when Margaret Torrens and Hugh Richmond as members of the Ulster team won the Daily Mail Gold Cup, presented to them by Her Majesty, the Queen.

One of the most successful periods was in sheep judging, from 1975-79, when Coleraine won a total of 21 out of a possible 25 cups at Northern Ireland finals level. In more recent times similar successes have been noted. In 2009, 16 Coleraine members qualified for the NI stockjudging finals.

This group recorded a total of 27 placings, seven of which were firsts. Furthermore, a few Coleraine members have represented the YFCU at the Isle of Man Inter county sheep stockjudging event, returning home with the silverware on many occasions.

Public speaking and group debating have always been important competitions - members have always been encouraged to speak out and be proud.

In 1939/40 Coleraine recorded its first success when Robert Connolly took first place at the finals for impromptu speaking. These successes have continued and more recently, in 2010 Coleraine YFC recorded three firsts and two seconds at finals level.

In 1974 the 21-25 Group Debating team of Marie Allen, Elma Irwin and William Kennedy were presented with the coveted Ciba Geigy Trophy by Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.

Since then this Ciba Geigy Trophy has returned to Coleraine YFC numerous times. Coleraine members have no fear of speaking in public and can be counted on to express their views clearly, concisely and convincingly.

The Coleraine club was represented on the very first exchange programme in 1951 when Noel Hart and John Torrens travelled to the USA. Since then many Coleraine members have represented the YFCU across the Atlantic in the USA and Canada, down under in Australia and New Zealand and have enjoyed great cultural diversity in many European countries.

Coleraine members have also enjoyed expressing their artistic and musical sides, competing in craft competitions, arts festivals, and one and three act dramas throughout the decades.

The boys and girls of Coleraine YFC enjoy these competitions and have put in hours of hard work to their performances. Many disagreements there have been but the fun, friendship and achievement by each of the members is remarkable.

The success of the club has been outstanding over the years, culminating in the winning of all six CEO trophies outright in six different years! These cups are awarded to the club scoring the highest points in stockjudging and all relevant competitions at central finals.

This is an achievement unique to Coleraine and shows the strengths, dedication and hours of work put in by all the members. There is no doubt that Coleraine YFC has grown from strength to strength over the years and will continue to do so as they strive to be ‘Better Farmers, Better Countrymen and Better Citizens’.

Coleraine YFC will celebrate its 80th year with two particuarly special events.

The 80th anniversary dinner will be held in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, on Saturday, February 26. The guest speaker for the evening is Thoburn McCaughey YFCU President and the entertainment will be provided by Noel McKeary and his band, Memory Lane.

Dress code is smart/dress and there will be a professional portrait photographer present to capture the evening. Tickets are priced at £25 and need to be purchased before the event.

Coleraine past members are numerous so please spread the word, a warm invitation is extended to all past, present and future members and friends and family to what is guaranteed to be a memorable evening.

The second event, a Coleraine YFC Parents’ Night, will be held in Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday, March 12 at 7.30pm. The guest speaker for the evening will be Martyn Blair, the YFCU Vice President. The night will include the club’s annual prizegiving, this year’s Arts Festival production and lots more fun and games.

Both these events will allow members to catch up with old friends and give an ideal opportunity to reminisce on the fun and laughter which was had by the members within the club and provincewide.

For more information regarding these events or to purchase tickets please contact the Club Secretary, David Hall on 07894641874.