A 25-year-old who is the chairman of her branch of the organisation has spoken to the National Federation website of the Young Farmers Club.
The organisation is one of the largest rural youth groups in the country dedicated to young people who have a love for agriculture and rural life.
Led by young people, for young people, the Young Farmers' Clubs provide their 23,000 members aged ten to 28 with a unique opportunity to develop skills, work with their local communities, travel abroad, take part in a varied competitions programme and enjoy a dynamic social life.
Isabel Chennells who is the chairman of the Young Farmers Club at Collingham has been involved with the organisation for nine years.
She took over the reins of the Collingham branch in September 2023.
“I’ve held various other roles and supported all other club roles through my time in the club so felt the Chair position was the natural progression,” said Isabel.
“I wanted to continue to grow the club building on what we have achieved in recent years and during my time as Secretary.”
Isabel said she had previously been the secretary for two years.
During her time at the club, she has also been the treasurer and the safeguarding officer.
The Collingham Chairman cited member engagement as the biggest challenge of the role.
“I know we are not the only club who struggle with getting competition entries and general engagement, but it can get you down when your efforts organising events are not supported by members,” she said.
“We have a varied programme and plan events outside of our weekly meetings to try to meet interests and needs of the membership.
“We currently have more ideas planned.”
Isabel added that they had managed to roll out many successful events including fundraising efforts, a quiz and a Christmas tree collection.
“I love event planning and the Young Farmers Club gives me an organisation to do this through,” said Isabel.
“It also gives the club a positive reputation in the wider community.”
She emphasised in the interview with the National Federation of the organisation that patience, enthusiasm and determination were three skills needed to be a good chairman.
Isabel added: “YFC has given me so many skills I couldn't name them all.
“Being Chair has helped me to further develop all these skills, especially around delegation, leadership and public speaking.
“It is fair to say YFC is an enormous part of my life.
“I spend a lot of time in supporting other roles, particularly this year where nearly everyone on the committee is new to a club role.
“I like to make sure I’m at every club and county meeting, competition or event representing Collingham.
“So it don’t want to think about the hours I spend in a week on YFC because it is a lot.
“People shouldn’t underestimate the hard work involved but it is amazing when your team pull together to help you meet yours and the club’s ambitions.
“With an experienced team supporting you, it does make life easier but equally teaching new members the ropes can be really rewarding.”
