LAUNCESTON Young Farmers are encouraging those interested in finding out more about their varied group to go to their new members’ evening on November 12 at the White Hart.

Launceston’s is one of the biggest young farmers’ clubs in Cornwall, but from an overheard comment at this year’s carnival, chairman Oliver Stephens said ‘it became clear that much of the community don’t necessarily know what young farmers really do’.

He continued: “Ahead of our new members’ evening on November 12 and a busy social and competition schedule, I felt it would be a good idea to shine some light on who we really are.

“Launceston YFC is one of the 644 young farmers clubs across the UK with a national membership of 25,000, which provides a fantastic chance to meet lifelong friends, learn new skills, make a real difference to the local community and even travel the world!

“You may think, well, I’m not a farmer, but many of us aren’t; our club is made up of teachers, builders, medical professionals, a veterinary nurse, a florist, a handful of students and more besides — oh, and even the odd farmer! By joining young farmers you have the opportunity to learn a range of skills and gain several qualifications from laying hedges to food hygiene.”

Oliver added their competition schedule has something for everyone with public speaking, choral singing, ballroom dancing, sports and stock judging all coming up over the next few months.

“I’ve been lucky enough to compete in several competitions from club to national level, ranging from playing rugby to cookery, and made a huge number of friends along the way.

“As well as the training and com-petitive side, we meet most Thursdays to enjoy informative talks from the likes of driving instructors, policemen, miners, politicians, Cornish wrestlers, authors and artists and visit local businesses, Bodmin Jail, dry ski slopes, go tree-surfing and try Tae Kwon-do.”

Although Launceston YFC is a charity in its own right, members have raised thousands of pounds for other charities through events such as the annual dung run, and their entertainment night last year where they performed their pantomime and were joined by comedian Jack Glanville for the night. This year they will be supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance and CLIC Sargent.

Oliver added: “On the day of my last GCSE, my cousin knocked on the door and informed me I would be dragged along to young farmers that night. Little did I know that nine and a half years later I would have achieved so much through the young farmers’ movement and would be the new chairman of Launceston YFC.

“So hopefully you’ve learned from this that we are a really varied group of people who get up to a massive variety of things — and if you like the sound of any of it, and are aged between 16 and 26, why not come along to our new members’ evening on November 12 at the White Hart, Launceston, look up Launceston YFC on Facebook, or visit launcestonyoungfarmers.co.uk or call myself on 07891659016 or our secretary Matthew on 07443413585.”