Its several years since I attended a YFC Convention. The last was at Blackpool (like the one held this weekend) where my wife and I joined Henry Plumb (sorry, Lord Plumb) in judging the Miss National Young Farmer competition. I'm not even sure if they have such events now. Maybe they've bowed to political correctness and deleted it from their activities. If so I think its a pity. After all it was merely an extension of Young Farmers stock judging. You're looking for well sprung ribs, good sound legs, well developed muscle where the expensive meat is and so on. Perhaps I've said enough.
And I digress. Conventions, or AGM's as they were called when I was a Young Farmer and usually held in London, provide an opportunity for YFC members to get together with like minded young people from around the country. There are high spirits, of course. That's what youth is about. Although its a pity the Blackpool police chose to close the bars early at the fancy dress ball. From what I hear there was little or no justification for such action and it perpetuates the myth that all YFC's are about is drinking. Yes, there have been a few unfortunate incidents perpetrated by a few unruly individuals at past conventions but I had hoped the organisation had managed to live that down.
However, there are plenty of positive things at such get togethers. A talk by John Geldart, a past winner of the title Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year, for instance. As always John gave excellent value as he encouraged members to become actively involved in their parent industry. And huge sums given to charity by clubs from all over the country. What a pity that doesn't get more publicity.
The YFC movement, albeit smaller than it was when there were more people working in farming, is still a beacon of excellence in the countryside. It should be encouraged by all possible means. And I for one am grateful to it for providing me with a wife, a career and countless lifelong friends.