11 Jun Club of the Year Finalist Focus- East Mainland YFC
Excitement is building for the final interviews of our National Club of the Year Competition, sponsored by Cefetra, which take place on Sunday 14 June. After battling through the regional qualifiers, six outstanding teams are ready to step into the spotlight, impress the judges and show why their club deserves to be crowned National Champion at our Grand Prize Giving during the Royal Highland Show. We caught up with each of this year’s finalists to learn more about their clubs, their journey so far and what helped secure their place in Sunday’s final.
EAST MAINLAND YFC
What has been your club’s biggest achievement this year?
A. Our biggest achievement this year would have to be our charity walk! It was a monster effort from the four members who did the full 59km and from everyone else who joined along the way. Our concert was also a huge success – although we didn’t win the competition, it really brought the club together and we gained many new members. It was a real high point in strengthening the club.
What charity or fundraising work has your club done recently?
A. The club has held both fundraisers and charity events throughout the year. We completed a sponsored walk around the entire coastline of South Ronaldsay, which was about 59km, for a local charity called the Peedie Retreat. This raised £4225.
We have also taken part in local galas, had tents at local shows, and held an awards and games night with a supper and dance for the local community to attend to help boost our funds.
What competitions or events have you been most successful in this year?
A. Getting to the National Finals of the lamb dressing pairs, the senior quiz, and Country Cooks has to be a highlight. Winning North Region Country Cooks is something the club hasn’t done in many years.
One of our members also took home the Yuill Walker Trophy for Best Individual in the Sheep Section at the Royal Highland Show – the first time this trophy has come back to the club.
How has your club supported or engaged with the local community?
A. Our club takes real pride in supporting the community. We always ensure we have stands with games at both local agricultural shows and Parish Galas. We support all ages in the community, from helping maintain the garden at the primary school to hosting bowls nights with local bowls clubs and senior members.
Like many rural communities, the average age of farmers is increasing all the time. We offer silage pit coverings to local farmers, which can be a huge help to those who would struggle to manage this work on their own.
What makes your club unique and a strong Club of the Year contender?
A. As an island club, travel is a huge commitment for us. Despite this, we have competed in four National competitions and a further three North Region competitions this year. We strive to ensure everyone gets a fair chance to compete, no matter where they live, and the club supports this by funding members’ travel to competitions.
A key strength of our club is that everyone comes to have fun – whether that’s at sports practices, stockjudging, or getting messy helping with silage pit coverings. Our members have a real connection with each other, which means we all work together effortlessly. When everyone is enjoying themselves, attendance stays high and success follows naturally.
What would winning National Club of the Year mean to your members and future plans?
A. Winning National Club of the Year would be one of the club’s greatest achievements in many years. It would reflect the hard work, dedication, and passion shown by every single person involved – from members and parents to past members and helpers. It would bring a real sense of pride and recognition to our small island community in Orkney.