Busy lockdown for Ballywalter YFC

On May 7 two members from the club delivered 50 litres of hand sanitiser to local residential/nursing homes. The club supported local business Echlinville Distiller by purchasing the hand sanitiser from the distillery directly

As a club members wanted to give something to the community during these uncertain times to help them during the pandemic.

On May 7 two members from the club delivered 50 litres of hand sanitiser to local residential/nursing homes.

The club supported local business Echlinville Distiller by purchasing the hand sanitiser from the distillery directly.

They very kindly donated a few extra hand sanitisers on top of the club’s order too.

Some members of Ballywalter took part in the YFCU Big Clean Up Challenge.

While on their daily walk, members gathered up any rubbish that they found on their local roads and paths, helping to keep the rural Ards peninsula as clean and tidy as possible.

As a way of keeping in touch with the vice presidents during these times the club sent out picture postcards, which highlighted the activities Ballywalter YFC have been up to since lockdown began and reminded past members and friends that the club are only a telephone call away if they need any assistance with food deliveries or even just a chat.

Despite the cancellation of meetings and postponed events due to the coronavirus, Ballywalter Young Farmers' Club have been rather busy since lockdown

As the club are still celebrating their 90th year anniversary, every Thursday the club posts a ‘Throwback Thursday’ on social media of photos from the past.

This reminds members, past and present, of the good times and encourages hope for the future after the pandemic.

The club’s annual barbecue which was due to take place on Saturday, May 16 was unfortunately cancelled and so as a reminder of the good times the club have had in the past the club decided to have a throwback week of past barbecue photos and share all their memories. Hopefully Ballywalter YFC will be able to return next year to carry on with all the craic.

Balmoral Show is the  biggest event in the calendar for many of Ballywalter YFC members and most  importantly for their tug of war team and competition finalists.

In light of the cancellation of the show, the club shared past pictures of the tug of war competition and floral art finals which their members would have been competing in.

Members from the club also took part in the YF Sees You campaign which took place during mental health awareness week.

Members supported the YFCU’s mental health campaign by taking part in the daily challenges which reminded members of the organisation of the importance of mental health awareness and that there is always someone to talk to within the club, county or YFCU as a whole.

Ballywalter YFC wanted to set their own challenge for members to encourage a bit of fun and so decided to jump on the Tik Tok trend. Members recorded and sent in videos ranging from dancing with dogs to helping on the farm. The winner of the competition, Lauren Taylor, won a years free membership for next year.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the club have continued to communicate through zoom meetings and social media. The club committee have used Zoom to come together to discuss ways to help the community and ensure consistent communication to aid the overall running of the club.

Twenty-two members of the club have also taken to the virtual web to compete in dairy stock judging. A massive congratulations to James Patton, Gareth Miskimmin, Richard Kennedy and Kaitlyn Martin who have made it through to the Northern Ireland finals.

Ballywalter YFC still have many busy months ahead as the club continue to supporting their community and members during these uncertain times. The club hope everyone stays safe and well and and they look forward to seeing everyone again soon.