Stone Life February/March 2014 | Page 35

STAFFORDSHRE YOUNG FARMERS Amy gains a place on a trip of a lifetime ack in December, seven Staffordshire Young Farmers Club members attended the NFYFC (National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs) Travel Selection Day, as part of the application process to secure a trip with this year’s Travel Programme. Run by NFYFC for members between the ages of 16 and 26, this is a unique opportunity for local youngsters to experience another way of life by actually living it, see new places, soak up other cultures and meet fellow members of other rural youth organisations similar to the YFC in other countries. There are fantastic opportunities to participate in organised trips and/or Homestay exchanges around the world, from one week study tours, to three month Homestays. All the members had to do to be considered was complete an application form and choose the country they wanted to visit. After a day of Interviews down at Stoneleigh, in Warwickshire seven Staffordshire members were awarded with trips of a lifetime: Among the seven successful Young Farmers from Staffordshire was 20 year old Amy Nicholls, from Stone YFC and 18 year old Lydia Allcock from Leek YFC who will be taking on the opportunity of a lifetime, with a two week trip to Ghana. Local girl Amy gained a place on the Team Travel trip to Ghana where they will be staying in bungalows in a village in the Akuapem Hills and be looked after by local people whilst helping out with community projects in schools and orphanages. B The team will help to keep the kids entertained with activities such as football tournaments, music or arts and crafts. The trip will also provide a chance to get involved with a small farm project in the local community. Both Amy and Lydia are looking forward to working with the local school children to develop a model farm and introducing students to different aspects of agriculture. The Travel Programme is just one of the many opportunities available to all members of Staffordshire YFC. Being a member gives anyone between the ages of 10 to 26 years the chance to enhance their life skills, make new friends and have lots of fun. There are many training opportunities available to members, the chance to travel abroad and to enhance learning and confidence. Young people can join from any background and the myth of ‘young farmers’ all living and working on farms is just that – a complete myth! Members come from all walks of life, living in towns and the countryside. Clubs meet on a regular weekly basis and are run by young people for young people and have the greatest range of activities available compared to most equivalent youth groups. The organisation is unique in its structure, as it is the young members who are the decision makers and this is done in a very democratic manner with the involvement of all Clubs. For more information on becoming part of Staffordshire YFC contact Julia Taylor, County Organiser on Tel. 01785 248645, email countyoffice@staffsyoungfarmer s.org.uk or visit the website www.staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk to find out more. Pictured is 20 year old Amy Nicholls from Stone Young Farmers on the back row far right with other Staffordshire YFC members and NFYFC Mascot Supermoo after being chosen to take part in a trip to Ghana this summer February/March 2014 35