Each year at Newbury YFC is different, and the programme includes a mix of traditional rural and agricultural activities, sport, art, life and vocational skills as well as competitions that develop the public speaking talents and stock judging for which YFC members have become renowned. The more formal meetings are held at The Waterside Centre, Northbrook Street, Newbury RG14 1DS, with the majority being held away from Newbury on farms and in the countryside. Meetings normally start at 7.15pm and end at 9pm on alternate Wednesdays but this can vary especially when we are out and about.
We also help to organise, alongside other Clubs in the County on a rota-basis, Pre-Show and the Country Fayre show-classes, our Members prepare for and take part in Club, County, Area and National Competitions and also volunteer at events like LEAF Open Farm Sunday, Foxglove Care Farm charity day and the Newbury & District Agricultural Society ploughing match.
You don’t need anything in particular to join us, and don’t worry if you’re not a farmer or know anything about farming. As long as you have a love for the countryside and wear sensible clothes/footwear and don’t mind getting dirty, then you can join in straight away!
Take a look at our most recent annual news report (below) to give you an idea of what we get up to, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to know more.
To find out lots more about Newbury YFC and YFC in general, read our bi-monthly newsletters (click here) and recent Yearbooks (click here).
Newbury YFC 2024/25 News
It has been a truly fantastic year for Newbury Young Farmers, filled with competitions, creative evenings, skill-building opportunities, and countless memories. Our members have embraced every challenge and celebrated every success, making this one of our most rewarding years yet.
We began the year with great energy at the Newbury Show, where our stand featured the ever-popular digger challenge of moving a tyre over a cone, drawing in plenty of visitors. Members also took part in the county games, including blindfolded water bucket races and wooden horse racing—chaotic but brilliant fun! Our stock judging team excelled, with Flo and Lucy winning their categories, Harry securing second place, and Jess taking third.
We also welcomed Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue, who gave an inspiring session on CPR and stretcher techniques. A special mention goes to Luke, Francesca, and James, who represented us in the National Cookery Final, impressing judges with dishes such as coconut curry and earning top marks for both variety and presentation.
The momentum continued with success at the County Quiz in Maidenhead, where our junior and senior teams achieved 1st and 3rd place. We enjoyed a buzzing evening with Ben’s Bees, learning fascinating facts about beekeeping, and took part in the County Harvest Festival at Faccombe Estate, where members delivered thoughtful prayers before enjoying refreshments together. Creativity was also on display at our vegetable carving evening, with some truly impressive pumpkins.
Members then visited Blue Beetle Ceramics to craft Highland cows out of clay, began public speaking practice, and enjoyed an inspiring evening with James Hynes, who shared stories of his motorbike adventures.
December brought festive cheer with wreath-making, which were donated locally, and a trip to the Christmas panto.
We also supported the community by packing and delivering Christmas goody bags to the Over 80s in and around Newbury.
The new year began with more public speaking and rounders practice, plus a return to Blue Beetle Ceramics to paint our Highland cows. At the regional public speaking competition in Brightwalton, our members shone. For the first time, we entered the Brains Trust competition, finishing just 10 points behind Bradfield—a fantastic achievement. All of our members represented Newbury brilliantly and are eager for the next challenge.
February brought county sports competitions in rounders, netball, and football. Newbury placed first in both rounders and football, while Lucy joined the intermediate Shefford team and also came first. We raised funds through catering and enjoyed a fascinating visit to Oakland Park Game, one of the UK’s largest game suppliers.
March saw a visit to Haynes Agriculture, a creative scarecrow-making evening themed around British celebrities, and our popular Ready Steady Cook night, where members showcased their culinary talents. We ended the month with beef stock judging practice at Scarlett’s Farm. April featured first aid training, another stock judging session with sheep and horses, and a fun Easter egg hunt. Preparations also began for the Country Fayre, setting the stage for months of hard work.
May was dedicated to float preparations—scaffolding, painting, and costume planning—while June was one of our busiest months with the County Music Night and County Show. Despite missing out on the float competition, Newbury achieved multiple wins and ultimately claimed overall victory by winning the show. We also contributed to conservation efforts by planting crowfoot in the River Kennet with ARK – Action for the River Kennet.
July included the County Country Spotters competition, the awards ceremony at the showground, and a visit to GB Foots Lime Quarry. We ended the month with our annual BBQ, hosted by the Bowdens, which was the busiest we have ever had, full of games, laughter, and good food. The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the County Camp. From football and glow stick walks to giant inflatables, slip-and-slide rounders, axe throwing, giant Jenga, and a silent disco, it was a weekend packed with fun, food, and friendship, with lifetime memories made in the sunshine.
Over the summer holidays, members visited Wandering Feathers to learn about the role of chickens in farming rotations. Socials kept everyone connected, with rounders, tug of war, and BBQs ensuring plenty of fun.
This year has been full of learning, laughter, and teamwork. Whether competing, creating, or supporting our community, every member has contributed to making Newbury Young Farmers a truly special club.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our leaders, parents, and supporters, whose dedication makes everything possible. We look forward with excitement to another year of growth, achievement, and unforgettable memories.
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