The Moneyrea club celebrated its 75th anniversary dinner dance in the La Mon House Hotel, Gransha.
The evening's proceedings started with the cutting of the anniversary cake by club secretary, Miss Jennifer Townley, and past member, Mr William James George.
In the absence of the club president, Mrs Maggie McQuiston, due to illness, Mr Jonathan Connolly, the club leader, stepped in and introduced everyone at the top table on Maggie's behalf.
The guests at the top table were: Mr and Mrs W J George (past member); Mr Thoburn McCaughey and Miss Claire Hanna (deputy president of the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster); Mr Jonathan Connolly (club leader); Miss Jennifer Townley (club secretary); Miss Frances George (assistant club leader) and Miss Amy Hill (assistant secretary).
After the main meal, the evening's proceedings continued with toasts being made to the Queen, the club, the YFCU and past members and friends.
Miss Jennifer Townley read the chairperson's remarks on behalf of Mrs Margaret McQuiston. Other speeches were made by Mr William James George (past member); Mr Jonathan Connolly (club leader); Mr Thoburn McCaughey (deputy president of the YFCU), and Mr Brian Scott (past member).
Everyone had a good laugh after each speech was over and enjoyed learning about the success of the club today and in the past.
After the speeches, cups were presented to club members by Miss Claire Hanna, as follows:
Senior public speaking cup - Jennifer Townley.
Junior public speaking prepared - James Townley.
Senior public speaking, impromptu - Jennifer Townley.
Group debating - Frances George, Johnny Connolly and Derek Scott.
Dairy judging - Johnny Connolly.
Beef judging - Andrew McMordie.
Sheep judging - Andrew McMordie.
Best junior judge, under-16 - Rebecca Johnston.
Ulster Young Farmer - Derek Scott.
Homemaker - Rachel Barr and Beth Gregg.
Floral Art - Lauren Nixon.
Best under-18, craftwork - Rachel Barr.
Tractor driving - Johnny Connolly.
Best new member - Claire Ruddock.
Best all-round, under-18 - Rebecca Johnston and Matthew Connolly.
Best all-round, over - 18 - Johnny Connolly.
Skills Cup - Ian George.
Endeavour - Joanne Townley.
Congratulations are extended to members who won cups at both club and county level, gained proficiency badges and participated in competitions.
The evening's entertainment was provided by Housty. Everyone had the chance to admire the old photographs, the old public relations officer books and other memorabilia, including clubs shirts. The club's new rugby top and sports shirt were on display to mark the 75th anniversary year.
Both past members, friends and current members had the chance to catch up with everyone and remember all the good times at the Moneyrea club. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and look forward to the next anniversary dinner.
Deep appreciation was extended to those who donated ballot prizes and to the sponsors for their generous contributions for club shirts.
The sponsors included: J D Townley and Son; Claas Axion and Xerion; Greenville Industrial Drives and Controls; Martin Hanna and Partners Agricultural Sales and Services; Farmview Dairies Ltd; Agricrete Construction Company Ltd.
The ballot prizes were kindly donated by: P&O Ferries; Hastings Hotels; Alan Dunlop Agriculture Machinery; United Feeds; La Mon Country Club and Hotel; Greenbank Trading; Martin Hanna and Partners; Linden Foods; Bavarian, Belfast; Wineworks, Saintfield; Phil Foreman Gardening Services; Tesco; Sparky-pac; Storm, Saintfield; Jackson's of Saintfield.
Thanks go to everyone who supported the club both financially, donated ballot prizes, and provided old photographs for the memorabilia display. And a big thank is extended to Jennifer Townley, the club secretary, for her hard work in organising the night and for all the preparation work which took place two years ago.
Thanks go, too, to all the committee members for their support and help in organising the night and making it possible by working together to ensure it was a big success, and hotel staff who made the night possible and most enjoyable.
Congratulations go to everyone who won ballot prizes and helped the club raise vital money for the club to continue well into the future. Thanks go to everyone who helped the club raise money for 'Fields of Life in Africa,' the club's chosen charity for this year, through the fireside quiz and the carwash.
Congratulations go to the Moneyrea club which who won 'most efficient club in County Down title for 2007-08, and Jennifer Townley who won 'most efficient secretary in County Down' title for 2007-08. She now goes through to the Northern Ireland finals.
The next club meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 25, and takes the form of crazy golf in Dundonald. Members are asked to meet in the car park at Moneyrea at 7.30pm. Members are encouraged to come along as it's coming to the end of the winter programme and it will be an enjoyable night out.
Members are reminded about the junior weekend is coming up at the end of March and if you want to go please contact Heather Long (junior co-ordinator) on 07738938227 as soon as possible for more details.
Members are also reminded that stock-judging practices are going on at the moment for the competition over Easter. Details are to follow soon for practices and about taking part in the competition.