DEVON YFC may have changed somewhat over the past 80 years; however the ethos that underpins the movement is a sound today as ever – fun, learning and achievement.

YFC continues to be as popular as ever with young people across the county today as it was, and one of the core strengths the organisation offers is endless list of opportunities, highlighted by recent successes.

At the national annual meeting held earlier in the month, Devon's Cruwys Morchard YFC were crowned national Street Dance champions and awarded their trophy by the federations' president and TV personality Matt Baker.

During the same weekend, Devon member Francene Hutchings made the county extremely proud as she was named the top English young farmer in the senior ambassador of the year final.

Back home and Devon YFC was delighted to be named as official show charity for the Devon County Show this year, and with a series of highly sucessful activities, competitions, debates and fun held over the three days, Devon YFC members collected over £5,600 towards their rural hub project 'Building the Future'.

This ambitious project will build a new centre for the federation, one that can be shared with like-minded organisations and those supporting rural people across Devon.

Once again Devon YFC would like to thank the Devon County Show, its sponsors MST Parkins and the NFU for their generous support throughout the show.

The cherry on the cake for Devon YFC members past, present and future will be the 80th anniversary celebration on Saturday at Castle Hill, Filleigh, by kind permission of Lady Arran.

The celebrations start at 3pm with live entertainement, afternoon tea and a chance to visit the lovely gardens at Castle Hill.  There will also be a bouncy castle and other activities for future members.  This will be followed by a dance and hog roast in the evening. The celebrations are being kindly sponsored by Savills, Mole Avon and Hambleys.

Finally, to ensure there is a permanent record of the anniversary, a book containing pictures from the past together with details taken from minute books and county year books has been produced.

The original book, '50 years of Devon Young Farmers' was written by Tug Wilson, MBE and county YFC organiser from 1948 to 1975, together with David Baker.

And it is David and Jill Baker who have generously added the ensuing 30 years bringing the book, 'Devon Young Farmers – 80 years of history' up to date.

The book is now available from the Devon YFC Centre and at events throughout the year.

Today Devon YFC is going from strength to strength with 1500 members across the 39 clubs; it continues to be one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK, led by young people, for young people between the ages of 10 and 26.

It offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills, work within local communities, travel abroad, take part in a varied competitions programme and of course a busy social life. 

Devon YFC continues to donate between £60k and £80k annually to a variety of local charities too.