Curragh YFC winter programme

The programme kicked off with a new members night, with ice breakers being played, as well as members learning about each competition the YFCU offers.

Curragh YFC were delighted to welcome eight new members and started the winter programme with a new members night.

The second meeting was a night with ‘Fun with Drums’ , with members putting their musical talents in action. The club were pleased to welcome more new members.

The first YFCU event took place in September, the annual swimming gala.

Seven members took part, with success coming for Emma Marshall who placed second in the over 18 girls final.

Emma was also part of a relay team, along with her brother James, who placed fourth in the over 18 relay final.

October’s meetings consisted of an exchange talk from Adam Alexander (Kilrea YFC) who spoke to members about the travel opportunities within the YFCU, as well as an ice skating trip to Dundonald Icebowl.

More success came for the club at the Co Londonderry floral art heat.

Thirteen of the club’s members travelled to Magherafelt High School to compete, with Lauren Millar being placed second in the 18-21 age group and Sara McLean being placed second in the 21-25 age group.

The club’s home management competition was next on the agenda with members completing four tasks, including making something from recycled materials and identifying household symbols.

Well done to the right members who progressed to the Co Londonderry heat.

Curragh YFC travelled to Finvoy YFC for the first part of the club’s exchanges.

A night of inflatable fun, followed by pizza was enjoyed by all.

Some 35 members from Curragh YFC travelled to Co Londonderry annual dinner dance and prizegiving, with several members receiving prizes on the night: Claire Holmes was placed first in the 18-21 overall stockjudging and second in 18-21 overall proficiency points, Cathy Holmes was placed first in the 21-25 overall stockjudging and William McMaster first in soil assessment.

Orlagh from Ulster Wildlife was welcomed to the club to help members make feed boxes for red squirrels and also gave an informative presentation on biodiversity and invasive species.

The club is working hard to achieve its Silver Award in Eco Club.

The YFCU presidents Christmas toy appeal collection day was attended by Claire Holmes, club secretary, who handed over the gifts on behalf of the club to YFCU president Zita McNaugher for Cash for Kids.

For Curragh YFC’s next meeting, members travelled to the Jet Centre, Coleraine, for a game of ten pin bowling followed by McDonalds.

The club then launched their club shirts.

Thanks again must go to Russell Shiels Tyres, W J Hanna Machinery and Riddell Brothers for their kind sponsorship.

Twelve club members travelled to Brunswick Moviebowl to take part in the YFCU ten pin bowling competition.

Members spent a wet Saturday in January hedge planting with the Grassroots Challenge as part of the club’s efforts to achieve their Silver Eco Club status.

The club was delighted that Jonathan Kyle was placed second in the Co Londonderry silage making competition.

Curragh YFC AGM was held in January and gave members an opportunity to vote their committee for the club year of 2020-2021.

Claire Holmes was re-elected as club secretary, along with Chloe Crooks as treasurer and Nicole Wilson as the Club’s public relations officer. Jonathan Kyle was elected as club leader.

February’s meetings included a farm safety talk from Moneymore YFC member Stuart Mills, as well as the club welcoming Finvoy YFC back for the club’s return exchange for a night of line dancing.

Curragh YFC held their annual club dinner dance and prizegiving on February 22.

A great night was had by all members, friends and families.

Ben McKinney, Adele Getty and Jonathan Kyle made it through to the Ulster Young Farmer final after taking part in club and Co Londonderry heats.

County Londonderry efficiency night came with great success, with Nicole Wilson placed first junior member of the year, Claire Holmes placed third secretary of the year and Chloe Crooks placed third treasurer of the year.

March saw over 40 Curragh YFC members travel to Slatabogie Holsteins to have a tour of Alan’s dairy herd and facilities, as well as his anaerobic digester plant.

March also saw Claire Holmes placed first in the 2020 YFCU photographic competition.

A team from Curragh YFC travelled to Sperrin Integrated College to take part in the NI Quiz, no placings but an enjoyable evening was had.

It was with great sadness that the club year ended so sudden for Curragh YFC, and members could not enjoy their final winter programme meeting, but the club is looking forward to a more positive future in the coming months.