Top award for Shropshire young farmers
Shropshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Voluntary Service Award - the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK, recognising outstanding work in the community.
County chairwoman Rebecca Green said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. We are a volunteer organisation, run for young people by young people, which affords opportunities and champions rural life, enhancing the community for all.”
Shropshire Young Farmers were nominated by the immediate past High Sheriff of Shropshire, Christine Holmes, who visited the Young Farmers marquee at the Shropshire County Show and was impressed by the members and what they achieve.
President Judy Dixon said: “We have more than 1,000 members in Shropshire, within 18 clubs. I would like to congratulate all members, who together have achieved the fantastic accolade in recognition of their achievements. The huge amount of work and commitment clubs put into their local communities is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individual members.”
Rebecca and immediate past county chairman Ed Potter were invited to represent SFYFC members at a royal garden party on May 23 at Buckingham Palace.
Ed said: "It was a fantastic occasion and we were fortunate enough to be introduced to Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, by fellow Salopian William McLean.”
Rebecca added: “This is an achievement for a massive network of support around the county federation, including past members, supporters and many local businesses, particularly our main sponsors Pickstock Telford Ltd, NFU Mutual (Shropshire Agencies), Alltech Eco2 and Shropshire Farm Vets.
The award is to be officially presented to SFYFC by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Sir Algernon Heber-Percy at a ceremony later in the summer.
