Clan Trust donates £20k to rebuild Countrysiders Clubs post-Covid
Covid-19 caused financial disruption, resulting in many charities and clubs across the UK and overseas to shut down. Whilst many are showing signs of recovery, there is still work to be done to get these clubs back up and running, including those on our doorstep.
The junior branch of Norfolk Young Farmers Clubs, Countrysiders, for children aged 10 – 16 years, took a particular hit post-Covid, with 15 of their clubs closing due to financial instability.
Three Countrysiders clubs remain in Norfolk - Harleston, North Elmham and Wymondham, each of which is run independently of its senior club. Members meet fortnightly to partake in fun, practical and informative activities linked to the countryside.
Formed in March 1944, the Norfolk Federation of Young Farmers Clubs provided support to rural young people who, in the past, were nearly all from farming families. This soon changed as the programme of activities widened, as did its appeal to a wider demographic of young people.
“Our clubs are open to young people from all walks of life, not just those from agricultural backgrounds. To become a member, you need only a passion for the countryside,” explains Alison Andrews, Norfolk YFC county organiser.
Out of 507 Norfolk YFC members, only 52 are Countrysiders. Staff of NYFC are keen to start reopening these clubs to encourage more children across Norfolk to gain an interest in agriculture. To achieve this, NYFC is seeking volunteers.
“Volunteers are invaluable to the running of our clubs. They support our young people through their YFC journey into employment post-YFC, and many Countrysiders members progress into senior clubs and even work their way up to the senior executive committee or county chairman,” shares Alison.
The funds donated from the Clan Trust will support with the general running of the clubs and helps with the employment of new staff by paying for vital infrastructure like CBS checks.
“Our office staff are currently managing the clubs from the NYFC head office at the Norfolk Showground, but they are also looking to employ someone in the future to train up volunteers and oversee the reopening of the Countrysiders clubs,” Alison adds.
“The Clan trust has helped pay for training as well as the workshops ahead of our winter competitions day. Arranging more meetings outside the clubs’ venues is also on our agenda, and organising these becomes more achievable with the generous donation,” says Alison.
“We are eager to reopen some of the Countrysiders clubs, with the aim of around 25 members per club. The opening of some of these has already been discussed - we are pleased to announce that Holt Countrysiders is opening in May, and we are looking to reopen Dereham Countrysiders in September,” Alison shares.
In addition to the funds from the Clan Trust, NYFC are looking for ways to encourage new members to sign up. A new online form has made the application process more efficient, and planning is underway to run a two-day tractor driving course for pre-16 members to learn how to stay safe on the farm.
If you would like to support Norfolk YFC and Countrysiders, or are interested in joining, please contact Alison Andrews via email: alison@norfolkyfc.co.uk