Pontfaen YFC is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary with a series of special events.
The club has been a cornerstone of the community since its formation on February 15, 1949.
Originally meeting at Pontfaen School and relocating to Merthyr Cynog Hall in 1956, the club has grown and thrived over the decades. It currently boasts 75 members - 60 of whom are under 18.
Members enjoy participating in numerous events over the year including the YFC Rally, Drama Festival, Achievement Day and Eisteddfod. The Club has represented the county at Wales and National level in many different competitions - Promotions, Choir, Stockjudging, Public Speaking, Senior & Junior Member and Situations Vacant to name but a few.
Each year the club supports charities by hosting events. The Illuminated Tractor Run has been the highlight of the past three years, bringing joy to the surrounding community during the Christmas period. This year, the event raised for than £8,000 for good causes.
In August last year, the club enjoyed further success when it was named 'Inspirational Club of the Year' at the Rural Youth Europe European Rally in Austria. Judges explained how they were impressed by the club's community-centred approach and their organising of fundraising events.
The 75th anniversary celebrations for Pontfaen YFC will kick off with a concert at Brecon’s Guildhall on Sunday, June 23, featuring two performances at 2:30pm and 7pm. This event will showcase past and present members singing and dancing. If you are a past member and wish to participate, please reach out via email at [email protected] or contact Sian, Rachel, or any club leader. The first choir practice is scheduled for 7pm on Monday, June 3 at Merthyr Cynog Hall, Upper Chapel.
Tickets for the concerts are available from Clee, Tompkinson & Francis, Brecon office or Sian Healey (club secretary), Llywela Lewis (club leader). There will also be a chance to purchase them at the Brecknock YFC Rally from parents Jess Owens or Libby Hyde.
Following the concert, an Anniversary Dinner will be held on Friday, July 5 at The Strand Hall, Builth Wells. The evening, which will include a three-course meal, will feature speeches from former and present members who will reflect on their time in YFC. The evening will be an opportunity to reminisce and celebrate the club's rich history.
A Fun Day is also planned for September, with further details to be announced later.
"It will be great to have as many people as possible taking part in the concerts or attending the dinner,” said Rachel, club chair.
“This is a special milestone for our club, and we look forward to celebrating with both past and present members."
Pontfaen YFC invites everyone in the community to join in with these celebrations and honour 75 years of the club.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Pontfaen YFC at [email protected]
The organisation helps and supports young people to become successful farmers, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.
More than 5,000 young people aged between 10 and 28 years are currently members of the organisation, all of which are members of a network of 138 YFC clubs and 12 county federations.
Each club operates with an officer team; including a chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and secretary, all of whom are within membership age and are elected at the Annual General Meeting. Each club is required to run democratically following the rules of a standard constitution and provide a programme of activities that the young people are responsible for developing and delivering.