Useful 21 Years

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31500, 14 October 1967, Page 10

Useful 21 Years

Last week the Sheffield Young Farmers’ Club celebrated its twenty-first anniversary. Associated with these celebrations was the opening of the new Sheffield Community Centre, a project which was initially inspired by the club. Back in 1961 the club began to think about how it could best utilise funds it had in hand and it subsequently decided on building an annex on the local hall. A sheep rearing and potato planting programme were launched to this end. In the meantime the scheme that the club had initiated was taken up by others and the hall project was widened into the development of a community centre, with the club still bearing a major share of the responsibility, and last October the club chairman, Mr W. Judd, handed a cheque for £2OOO to the chairman of the community centre. Since its formation in 1946 the club has played a useful part in the life of the community.

It has produced three former presidents of the New Zealand Federation of Young Fanners’ Clubs. They are Messrs A. F. Wright (195758), P. G. Morrison (1960-61), and N. Q. Wright (1963-64). Mr A. F. Wright is currently chairman of the meat and wool section of North Canter-

bury Federated Farmers, Mr N. Q. Wright vice-chairman of the agricultural produce section of North Canterbury Federated Farmers and Mr Morrison is a former Nuffield scholar.

Two club members, Messrs P. H. Judd and A R. Abell, have won overseas exchange trips to Australia. Among club activities debating has taken a prominent place and in 1952 the club had the distinction of winning the national young farmers’ debating final at Carterton. That year and last year they also won the South Island final. Club members have also been active in' stock judging. In its earlier days the club revived interest in match ploughing in the district but more recently field days incorporating a series of competitive events, including ploughing, have been held.

Two club men have won distinction as shearers in top competition. They are Messrs E. Buxton and T. Teague. A booklet on the history of the club has been written by Mr F. A. Bull, who was appointed auditor at the first meeting of the club and has held the position ever since. He has also held the position of club printer since its establishment, and has been a factor in the club interest in debating having been eoach and a judge.