80 years of Biggar and District Young Farmers
THE 2023/24 year marked 80 years of Biggar and District Young Farmers Club.
The club has grown in strength since it began in 1943, reaching 111 active members this year and taking part in a huge number of competitions and events throughout the year from charity fundraisers, stock judging, beef cattle dressing, sports, speechmaking, handicrafts, curling, and club exchanges.
A couple of the most notable events throughout the year have involved raising money for chosen charities selected by members during their AGM.
This year, the Scottish Ambulance Service’s air ambulance operation was one of two chosen, as it has directly helped a number of the club’s members past and present in times of need.
The other chosen charity was Brake, a road safety charity which was chosen in honour of Beth Damer, a member who sadly lost her life during an RTA in 2022. The charity helped to support the Damer family during the extremely difficult time.
To raise money for the chosen charities, two events were held including a skydive by three current club members – Laura Wight, Finlay Barr and Abbie Baillie – alongside past member Kevin Robinson.
The skydive took place at Skydive St Andrews in Fife last July. Participant and secretary during the 80th year, Laura commented on the experience: “It is pretty scary – the freefall part at the start is definitely the worst bit. Once the parachute is open you can actually relax. The four of us all really enjoyed it and would do it again.”
Additionally, during August, 66 past and present members teamed together to venture 974m to the peak of the munro, Ben Lomond. Club members expressed: “It was a fantastic day – everyone completed the climb in just four hours. We had a meal afterwards and it was a great way to catch up with past members and raise funds for two amazing charities.”
An impressive £8380 was raised and split equally between the two charities.
During the last year, Biggar YF has continued to organise a range of events, many of which were open to past and future members, with all extremely well attended. One event which received great support was the annual Burns Supper where 160 guests enjoyed getting together at The Tinto Hotel on the outskirts of Biggar.
The night started with guest speakers followed by a night of ceilidh dancing. The club’s points trophies were also presented on the night. Points are awarded for attending and successfully competing in the most events throughout the year.
The senior trophy was awarded to club secretary at the time Laura Wight while the junior trophy went to Hollie Hodge
Another popular event on the Biggar YF calendar is the annual variety concert, this year entitled ‘ Tup time tales and chimney trails’.
It saw 50 members take to the stage at the famous Coulter Hall in Biggar, where the club has been performing on stage for as long as anyone can remember!
Members performed for five nights in front of three sold out audiences comprising friends, family and even some familiar faces from This Farming Life. The concert contained various acts ranging from sketches, choirs, to whole cast scenes.
All participating members put their acting, singing and dancing skills to follow storylines which were: a chimney sweep who was thinking of giving it all up, and a day at Kelso tup sales.
Following on from the concert, members took part in Lanarkshire talent spot at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline on March 23, where they were placed second.
They will now head to West
Talent Spot on Saturday April 6 at the SECC, Glasgow, with tickets still available at: https:// www.sayfc.org/product/westtalentspot-2024/
Looking ahead, Biggar Young Farmers are anticipating another busy and
successful year.
The main aim is to have a busy syllabus once again and ensuring there is something for everyone while encouraging as many members as possible to come along to events.