Bleary Rural Community

It was back to basic essentials of agriculture recently for Bleary YFC as the club visited Parliament Buildings, Stormont for an extremely enjoyable evening. The event was hosted for the club by Craigavon Councillor Mr. George Savage MLA, a member of the committee for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Club members who attended thoroughly enjoyed the tour and had the opportunity to pose questions on rural matters directly to an elected representative.

The past six months have been rather busy for the club with many members taking part in various activities and competitions. The new club year kicked off with events at Portadown’s ‘Country Comes To Town’ festival, while Bleary has competed in both the County and Northern Ireland finals of the Soil Assessment competition, the Swimming Gala, Ulster Young Farmer, the photographic and Home Management competitions.

Many eventful and enjoyable club meetings have also been held ranging from martial arts, Indiana Land, inter- club exchanges, Fitness Nights, Roving Supper, table quizzes, quad biking, go-karting and ten-pin bowling.

In November past, Bleary YFC were off on the lookout for some silverware at the County Armagh Dinner.

For the first time since 1979, Bleary Young Farmers’ were thrilled to be awarded the Co. Armagh Club of the Year, while Club members William Megaw, John Harrison, Julie Menaul, Kate Throughton and Nicola Harrison collected awards for their participation throughout the year.

December was rounded off with two successful Socials held in the Farmers’ Hall.

The year ahead will again prove to be busier than usually with many events planned alongside the usual club meetings.

The club will participate at Mullahead Ploughing Society annual Ploughing Match on Saturday 23^rd February, while the club will hold a St Patrick’s Stew Night and Table Quix on Friday 14^th March in the Farmer’s Hall. In early May, the club will again host a BBQ while on Saturday 7^th June, the club will take part in hosting events at Lurgan Show.

If you are interested in the activities of the club, then why not come along to any of the club meetings, speak to any of the current members or alternatively check out www.blearyyfc.bebo.com or www.blearyruarlcommunity.com.

Remember, the YFC is not all about welly boots and you don’t need to be a Farmer, to be a Young Farmer.