Farming club marks milestone
Stockjudging, concert and dance
Stirling, Strathendrick and Strathkelvin Young Farmers club is celebrating its 80th anniversary.
The three areas amalgamated clubs 20 years ago and are still going strong, with varied activities and a far reach.
SSS are well known for their success with the Stockjudging programme held at The Royal Highland Show, their four-night annual variety concert and sports, to name but a few.
And over the years the club has donated to many charities including RSABI and Chest Heart Stroke Scotland.
To celebrate this occasion, the club has a committee who are organising events to help members mark the milestone.
Firstly, an anniversary stockjudging is being held by kind permission of the Macgregor family, Allanfauld on Friday, August 18.
A dinner dance is also being held on November 4 at The Inchyra Grange Hotel.
And the celebrations end with an annual variety concert to be held in the Albert Hall, Stirling on January 19-20 next year.
Spokesperson Kim Mclaren said: “Young Farmers has many opportunities and has something for everyone - not just those in the farming community.
“You get the opportunity to compete in many competitions - and it is not often you get the chance to say you performed in the Armadillo.”
Anniversary chairman John Owen said: “Reflecting on my time within Young Farmers brings a smile to my face.
“At 16 I was relatively new to the Stirling area and after an introduction to, and subsequently joining, Stirling Young Farmers Club it has meant I have made lifelong friends and many memories.
“Stirling Young Farmers was a club covering an area surrounding the city itself.
“However, during the last couple of decades Stirling, Strathendrick and Strathkelvin have - amalgamated to form the SSS.
“This amalgamation has made way for the continued strength, and success, of these original clubs.
“Throughout my time in the SSS I held a variety of roles within the club, and travelled throughout Scotland to compete in a number of competitions and events.
“Many of my YF highlights came from our annual variety concerts and talent spots, along with being part of the winning team at National Ten Pin bowling and clay Pigeon Shooting.
“The SSS has been a huge part of my life and hopefully as my children reach the age to join they will also be able to enjoy everything I did as a club member.”
Kim added: “The club would like to give credit to all past and present members for the effort that has gone into keeping SSS YFC moving forward, and for the club to be able to look back on all the achievements.
“We would also like to join together and celebrate the club reaching this historic moment and wish the current members every success to encourage not only young farmers, but young people from non-farming background to come and join the club and be introduced to rural Scotland.”
More details can be found on the club’s Facebook pagestirling, Strathendrick & Strathkelvin Young Farmers- 80 th Anniversary or by emailing: sss80anniversary@hotmail.com
Joining Stirling Young Farmers Club has meant I have made lifelong friends and many memories John Owen