The Somerset Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs celebrates its 85th birthday this year so what is it that has made the movement such a success and attracted generations of families to get involved?

One family have been members of the Young Farmers movement right from the start when the Portbury, Yatton and Nailsea group merged to form North Somerset YFC in 1932.

One of the founding members was George Withers from Clapton-in-Gordano: Along with his twin brother, John, these 15-year olds were well-known throughout the YFC and the showing circuit. George’s special interest was Large White pigs, with which he had many showing successes.

By 1938 there were over 1,000 members of Somerset YFC – and being in his twenties when WW2 broke out, George was a member in a time when rationing and petrol tokens were in force.

Members were only issued petrol tokens for meetings, not for dances, so to get around this the members arranged dances to follow meetings.

George was a supporter of the branch long after he was too old to attend, and went on to become president of North Somerset YFC in 1988, remaining in the post for several years.

Although petrol tokens were long gone by the time his daughter Carol joined North Somerset YFC in 1962, aged 17, it was still uncommon to have a car. “We used to borrow our parents’ cars to get to meetings, or arrange lifts,” said Carol, who remained a member until she was married.

The classic saying about the YFC being the rural dating agency or marriage bureau is absolutely true with this family, as they have all met their partners through Young Farmers.

Carol remembers she was encouraged to join after her parents thought her current boyfriend was unsuitable. “They thought I would find the right person in Young Farmers, and I obviously did,” she smiled.

She met her husband, Richard Gell, at North Somerset YFC. Their son, Andrew, duly followed in their footsteps, joining the club when he was 17 in 1985, playing an active role and remaining a member until the age limit of 26.

Likewise, Andrew’s wife, Sarah, was a member of Wrington & District YFC, the first club to be formed in Somerset, taking on many roles throughout her time in the club even after she and Andrew married in 1999. When away at college in Plymouth Sarah joined Devon club, Roborough, for a short time and was pleased that YFC was there to turn to. “I hated being away from home but joining the local club made me feel less homesick,” she said.

The whole family have made friends for life through the YFC, with whom they still regularly meet up.

The Somerset YFC marquee at the Show is themed around the 85th celebration.