Llanfyllin YFC celebrates 90 years of rural community

From the market town and the surrounding farms of the Cain Valley, Llanfyllin YFC has remained one of the best-known and most active branches in Montgomery Young Farmers’ Club Federation, CFfI Maldwyn.

Its membership welcomes young people aged 10 to 28 from across a wide rural area, providing opportunities that stretch far beyond agriculture.

Llanfyllin YFC’s tug-of-war team in action at the Montgomeryshire County YFC Rally, held at Henblas Farm, Pontdolgoch, Caersws, near Newtown, in 2000, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Evan Jones. (Image: CT.)

The anniversary is a chance to reflect on a club whose story is woven into the life of Llanfyllin and the neighbouring villages.

Generations of young people have found a social circle, developed practical skills, represented their community in competition and, in many cases, gone on to support the club as organisers, judges, parents and local leaders.

Llanfyllin YFC members at the Montgomeryshire Young Farmers’ rally at Golfa Farm, Llangedwyn: Sarah Ellis, Laura Roberts, Nia Jones and Jessie Ward. (Image: CT.)

The photographs tell that story.

There are formal club groups and theatre casts, YFC rallies and tug-of-war teams, show-day challenges, fancy dress, outdoor games and performances.

Llanfyllin YFC members gathered for their Christmas dinner in 1953. (Image: Geoff Charles.)

They capture the energy, humour and teamwork that have helped Llanfyllin YFC endure through changing times.

Llanfyllin YFC in the dance competition at the Montgomeryshire County YFC Rally at Trefeglwys in May 2013. (Image: CT.)

Competition has always been at the heart of Young Farmers’ life, and Llanfyllin has built a proud record on the county and national stage.

Llanfyllin YFC took to the stage with The Greatest Show on Earth at the Montgomeryshire YFC pantomime competition at Theatre Hafren, Newtown, in 2006. Pictured are Eleri Roberts, Catherine Roberts and Jess Vaughan. (Image: CT.)

The club has earned recognition in public speaking and entertainment, including success with the EGH Trumper Trophy for the English-language element of the Wales-wide competition.

Llanfyllin YFC members tackle the Army assault course at Llanfyllin Show in 2009. (Image: CT.)

Its drama teams, meanwhile, have enjoyed notable acclaim, including a Welsh YFC national-winning production reflecting on Wales’s coal heritage.

Those achievements sit alongside the quieter but equally important work carried out week after week: members learning new skills, preparing for competitions, helping at events and organising activities for their peers.

Llanfyllin YFC take part in the Stars In Their Eyes competition at the Montgomeryshire YFC Rally, held at Fferm Glanmiheli Farm, Kerry, in 2010. (Image: CT.)

Club nights are held on Mondays at Tabernacle Church, Llanfyllin, while specialist sessions have included practical workshops such as wool-handling masterclasses.

Llanfyllin YFC’s contribution to the wider community is particularly clear in its relationship with Llanfyllin Agricultural Show.

Llanfyllin YFC members gathered at Llanfyllin High School in 2008. (Image: CT.)

In the 1990s, Llanfyllin and District Young Farmers stepped forward to help organise the historic show, injecting fresh energy into an event which remains a major date in the local calendar.

Llanfyllin YFC brought a Hawaiian theme to the Llanfyllin Jubilee Carnival in 2012. (Image: CT.)

The connection continues to underline the club’s role as a bridge between farming families, local businesses, schools and the wider community.

Another testing moment for Llanfyllin YFC members on the Army assault course at Llanfyllin Show in 2009. (Image: CT.)

For a club approaching a century, the key to its longevity is simple: it has continued to evolve while holding onto the qualities that first made Young Farmers matter.

Llanfyllin YFC compete in the Celtic chariot race at the Montgomeryshire County YFC Rally at Trefeglwys in May 2013. (Image: CT.)

Members can learn livestock, rural and practical skills, but they can also sing, act, debate, play sport, raise money, travel and make lifelong friends.

Ninety years on, Llanfyllin YFC remains a living part of the area’s heritage rather than simply a chapter of its past.

Its members are carrying forward a tradition built by earlier generations – with plenty of noise, creativity and community spirit along the way.