Have you come to the conclusion that there is nothing to do in the evenings? Well here is where Moneyrea Young Farmers could prove you wrong! Every other Tuesday night Moneyrea Young Farmers meet in the Old School House, Church Road, Moneyrea at 8.15pm. If you are between the age of 12 and 25, with loads of energy and enthusiasm, want to make new friends, learn and develop new skills and have loads of fun then Moneyrea YFC is the club for you!

Within the YFC organisation there is something for everyone to try. From stockjudging, public speaking, home management, floral art, tractor driving, soil assessment, Duke of Edinburgh, swimming and drama the list is almost endless and you can take part in as many activities as you wish! You can also take your skills further afield as the YFC organisation provide the opportunity for exchange trips through the rest of the United Kingdom, many European countries, Canada, America and Australia. There are also many social events at which you can make even more friends such as disco's, BBQ's, inter-club events, competitions e.g. raft races and exchange trips.

The new season of activities and outings is now in full swing at Moneyrea Young Farmers Club. The first club meeting held in early September saw a large crowd of members fill the Old School House for an evening of fun and games allowing the many new faces the chance to sample YFC hospitality and meet new friends. This first meeting provided a suitable springboard for first club outing to the swimming pool at the Robinson Centre two weeks later where members either went for a relaxing swim, braved the dizzy heights of the diving boards or just wished they could swim like Heather! Congratulations to Club Secretary Heather Long who once again turned out a brilliant performance to take third place overall in the 16+ group in the YFCU swimming gala.

The next meeting once again returned to Moneyrea and allowed the club members to begin the fundraising with a bit of fun for our chosen charity Chest Heart and Stroke. The theme of the evening was a 'Basket Supper Auction" where the girls brought along baskets containing all sorts of delicious items to be auctioned off to the guys in order that they didn't go home hungry. Proceedings got under way with auctioneer Ian George warming up a packed house for the first Lot landing on the table. Trade at first was slow with members showing some caution to set an early pace due to the state of the farming industry, but soon things quickened up as the men from Moneyrea known for their big hearts dug deep for charity. After a few early bargains were snapped up by Johnny Orr and James Gilpin (two nice baskets from Jenifer McMordie and Amy Hill) things began to hot up with Ian George working hard to take the flury of bids from the now hungry young men. A well-filled basket from Jenifer Townley containing mysterious drinks set the pace for the rest of the evening selling eventually to James McKeag for £16.Further baskets sold well with Nigel Scott taking home Frances George's basket for £10, David Fletcher a well presented basket from Valerie Orr for also £10 and Johnny Connelly a nice basket from heather long for £7.50. With many guys having missed out on the chance to take home a quality basket and give money to charity, bidding for the last few baskets proved to be frantic. Pringles, fizzy drinks and chocolates seemed to be in big demand and it was the last two baskets that really caught the bidders eye. A very nice basket from Anne George containing a great variety of items including two Halloween chocolate lollies sold quickly to Philip Foreman for £15 before Ian George presented the last basket of the night. A bumper basket from Rosemary Burgess containing assorted drinks, Wonka sweets a tube of Cadburys mini choc's, mini rolls, Pringles and much more had those without any supper bidding like crazy with some junior members creating a syndicate to try and buy this prize basket. But this wasn't enough to stop the big spending power of Adam George (rumour has it he was home late from work and missed his dinner) from satisfying his hunger to the tune of £26 all in aid of charity. Thanks to all the members who came along and supported this our first fundraiser of the year, which raised over £100 for Chest Heart and Stroke.

The next club meeting will be another outing. This time we head off to Planet Fun at the King's Hall in Belfast for what has proved to be a popular night out enjoying the all the fun of the fairground attractions. Members who are going should meet at the Old School House, Moneyrea at 7.30pm next Tuesday evening.

Congratulations to Frances George, Jennifer Townley and Heather Long on getting through to the public speaking County finals. The club wishes them all the best for the next round and hopefully they will all progress to the NI finals.

County Dinner tickets can now be ordered from Heather, £20 each. Anyone with county cups are to return them before October 23. St Trinians, December 23, tickets can be ordered now,j £8 each. Anyone interested in the Silage making competition can let Heather know asap on 97528769.

Any outstanding membership fees should be paid to Colin as soon as possible or at the next meeting. For more information phone Colin Boyce on 028 97521003.

Diary dates: Friday October 18, Fencing and soil assessment competitions, International Ploughing Match; Tuesday October 22, Club outing to Planet Fun. County Down Dinner Dance, November 16.

Whats the purpose of the Young Farmers Club?

Briefly, its purpose is to help members develop their talents and personalities, to accept responsibility, to be good citizens and good farmers, to love country life and be more proficient in their jobs.

How is a club run?

At the Annual General Meeting the members appoint their officials for the coming year. These usually consist of a President, Club Leader, Secretary, Treasurer and small Committee. Most Clubs meet once a fortnight, from September to April, and in the summer months according to their activities. The most important officer is the Club Leader, whose job is to lead the members by example and to encourage them to take part in activities.

What activities are there for members?

The list is endless but the most popular are debates. educational lectures, broadcasts. craftwork, film shows. quizzes, socials, concerts, drama, public speaking, stock judging, international visits, crop growing contests. farm efficiency contests, excursions, agricultural and horticultural shows, gymkhanas, sport, ploughing matches, training courses, current affairs and community service.

What is a junior club?

While the 12-16 year-olds may be members of ordinary clubs it is more advantageous for them to join a special junior club. Ask for our special leaflet on junior clubs many of which are based in schools.

Does every member have an equal chance to show his or her ability?

Definitely. The main difficulty is to get members to take advantage of the facilities provided by the Club. Office Bearers are changed as often as practicable to enable as many members as possible to gain experience. For the same purpose most clubs elect a different Chairman for each meeting. Highly coveted Diplomas of Proficiency are awarded to members reaching a suitable standard in competitions.

What happens at a club meeting?

A meeting may start off with games and after the Pledge has been repeated the Minutes are read and adopted and attendances recorded. Correspondence is dealt with after which current business is discussed. Then comes the main programme for the evening, which may be followed by a cup of tea and some social activity. Visitors to Club meetings have often marvelled at the quick and efficient manner in which business is conducted. Every member is encouraged to criticise helpfully and make suggestions at meetings. It is at Club meetings that members really learn business procedures and gain experience in expressing themselves. Club meetings are usually held twice a month but many Clubs arrange additional activities like weekly craft classes.

Is there a Membership Fee?

Yes. It is payable annually and works out a few pence a week. The club usually pays entry fees for competitions and other out-of-pocket expenses from money coolected through fund-raising activities.

How is the association administered?

The Y.F.C.U. is controlled by the members themselves. Each Club sends three representatives to the County Committee, which meets at least four times a year, and the County Committees together form the Council which is the governing body. The day to day affairs of the Association are entrusted to an Executive Committee, appointed from among members of the Council. There is a permanent staff to advise and assist the Clubs.

What qualifications must I have to become a member?

Membership is open to boys and girls over 12 and under 25 years of age. You may certainly join if your are more than 25. but you may only take part in those Competitions organised for the over 25's. Except for this, you enjoy the advantages of full membership. You do not have to be a practical farmer in order to become a member. Any boy or girl may join irrespective of job, religion or politics. Indeed one of the aims is to bring the rural community closer together so as to develop and enrich country life. There is almost certain to be a Club in your district, but if there is none and you think that one is needed, please let us know. You will find our address and telephone number elsewhere on the website.

Is the Y.F.C. an International organisation?

Yes. There is a similar movement in most countries. International rallies and exchange visits are arranged - for members so that they get to know each other's point of view and thereby foster greater understanding between the rural peoples of the world. Such visits are heavily subsidised and are usually awarded to members who have given good service.