Randalstown is crowned YFCU club of the year 2021

Yet again this year the club programme was interrupted by Covid-19 but members kept busy by getting involved, albeit virtually, in the many competitions, challenges and campaigns organised by the YFCU.

The demonstration presentation final, the first competition of the year, saw Gemma Dickey being placed first in the 25 – 30 age category.

In the heats of the public speaking competition, Gemma McNeilly, Jack McNeilly, Emma Mills, Leanne Nicholl, Kathleen Galloway and Gemma Dickey were all placed and made it through to the finals.

Congratulations to Emma Mills who was placed third in the 16-18 age group and Gemma Dickey who was placed first in the 25-30 age group in the final.

Co Antrim’s annual prize giving looked a little bit different this year.

Well done to the whole club for receiving an arts festival gala award.

A special mention to all the individual award winners: Ellen Smyth for being placed second in the junior member of the year, Leanne Nicholl for being placed first in the 14-16 age group for floral art, Emma Mills for being placed first in the 16-18 age group for floral art, Ryan Bonar for being placed third for club secretary of the year, Gemma Dickey for being placed first in the 25-30 age group for prepared public speaking and Robert Smyth in the 25-30 age group being placed first for floral art, first for impromptu public speaking and third for club leader of the year.

In the Live to Dead competition sponsored by Dunbia Group, Rachel McNeilly was placed third in the 18-21 age group for beef and Mark Kernohan was placed third in the 14-16 age category for sheep.

December saw the first round of the home management competition.

Junior and senior members had to design a dinner party centrepiece out of recycled materials, create an invite and programme for the event and label elements of a traditional formal place setting.

Well done to Sarah McBride, Emma Jane Sloan, Bethany Small, Emma Mills and Emma Galloway who were placed in the juniors and Robert Smyth, Alison Thompson, Georgia Nicholl, Ryan Bonar and Rachel McNeilly who were placed in the seniors.

The Ulster Young Farmer competition was also held in December with junior and senior members completing multiple choice questions based on the farming industry.

Well done to all members who took part and to those who made it through to the next round; Anna Doole, Harry McNeilly, Mark Kernohan and Jack, Mark and Richard Johnston.

The New Year saw the club hold its AGM virtually.

The following were elected:

President: Trevor McNeilly, vice president: Lynsey McNeilly, club leader: Jack Johnston, assistant club leader: Steven Doole, secretary: Elizabeth Adair, assistant secretary: Laura Agnew, treasurer: Alison Thompson, assistant treasurer: Kathleen Galloway, PRO: Rachel McNeilly and assistant PRO: Georgia Nicholl.

Congratulations to everyone who was voted onto the new committee.

The club would like to wish them all the best for the incoming year.

A varied programme of meetings took place over the year.

The club would like to thank Grace from Air Ambulance, Treats by Caroline, Andrew and Orlagh from Grassroots, Roy from Emerald Isle Recycle, Erwin Agricare and Hannah from Fuel Fitness for giving up their time to take part in the zoom meetings.

Other meetings included a bingo night, pancake making, escape rooms, scavenger hunt, and a Christmas and sports quiz.

Thanks to all the members who helped organise the varied programme of meetings in such exceptional circumstances.

Since 2018 the club has been busy working its way through the Ulster Wildlife Grassroots Challenge Eco-Clubs award by gaining both bronze and silver awards.

In March the club achieved the highest award – the Eco-Club Green Flag.

Some of the highlights included organising a litter pick in conjunction with Tidy Randalstown which saw members gather over 30 bags of rubbish from the town.

This success inspired senior members to tidy up the Caddy Road over lockdown.

Members also organised a winter wellness walk around Randalstown to encourage everyone to stay active and highlighted the importance of looking after mental health.

The club has had great success with this challenge by being selected as YFCU Grassroots club of the year for 2020 and club secretary Elizabeth Adair receiving an adult champion award.

The club finished the year on a high by winning the prestigious club of the year award, winning the new Ann Cameron Cup at the virtual AGM.

Having been shortlisted as one of the seven finalists, club leader Jack and club secretary Elizabeth were challenged to create a presentation on how they would like to shape the club for the future.

They created a brilliant guide with exciting strategies for club recruitment, retention and social media and Randalstown YFC was chosen as the club of the Year – a fantastic achievement.

The club also gained the Linda Steele Trophy for work with the environment.

Randalstown YFC would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to help out with the club in any way throughout the year. Without your help and encouragement, the club would not be in the position it is today.

More details can be found on the club Facebook page – Randalstown YFC or contact club secretary, Elizabeth Adair, on 07846748555 or club leader, Jack Johnston, on 07540242638.