COUNTY & CLUB IMPORTANT NEWS, DATES AND DEADLINES

Please note the deadlines in your diaries (any changes will be notified via the update and amended on the calendar on the Somerset YFC website)

MENS 7-A-SIDE RUGBY FINALS – ***VENUE INFORMATION AND MAP***

This competition will now be held at Yeovil Recreation Centre and the address is Yeovil Recreation Centre, Chilton Grove, Yeovil, BA21 4AW a link to a map is HERE . The previous address is incorrect as the wrong information was on the venue booking confirmation.

SOMERSET YFC VALENTINES DISCO

The Valentines disco is being held on Saturday 11^th February 9.00pm-1.00am at the Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster. Entry £5.00. No entry after 11.00pm. ROAR. Hope to see you all there – it’s a leap year after all so romance could be in the air. For more information please contact Joy Davenport on 07976092230.

TEN PIN BOWLING & POOL COMPETITIONS

Somerset FYFC will be holding competitions for the ten pin bowling and pool at Hollywood Bowl, Taunton from 7.00pm on Wednesday 29^th February. Rules of entry can be found HERE . Due to time restrictions at SWA weekend in March competitors will not be able to compete in both the ten pin bowling and pool teams. Deadline for entries is Wednesday 22^nd February 2012.

***SOUTH WEST AREA WEEKEND – DEADLINE 3^RD FEBRUARY***

If any clubs still want to purchase tickets for South West Area Weekend at the Winter Gardens Weston-super-Mare 9^th-11^th March please send in forms to County Office as soon as possible as the deadline is next Friday 3^rd February and places will be allocated to those on the waiting list if any counties have not used up their allocation.

A booking form and programme can be found HERE . Rules will be sent to club Secretaries and Chairmen and also available on the Somerset YFC website HERE .

Anyone wanting to attend this weekend must be a paid up member of a club by Friday 27^th January 2012 and membership numbers provided on the form or tickets will not be issued. Deadline for ticket payment is February 3^rd 2012.

***2012 SEVERN GROUP RALLY INFORMATION***

***The Calf Show Entry Form – Schedule of Classes is now available on the Somerset website. To download click HERE ***

***The Auction of Promises is being held on Saturday 25^th February at Claverham Village Hall 7.00pm £5 per ticket to include ploughmans supper. A NEW list of the promises so far can be found on the website please click HERE for details. For more information and to buy tickets please contact Kate on 07717 235573***

***The brave members of Severn Group posed for their fundraising naked calendar and there are still some available. They can be bought on the Somerset YFC website or contact County office for more information. To support the rally and brighten up your wall please click HERE ***

***The Final Copy of the Handicraft Schedule for the MOOLYMPICS Rally of 2012 hosted by Severn Group will be on the website week commencing 30^th January and a link will be in next week’s update. For more information please do not hesitate to contact either This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ***

ALL MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS FRIDAY 16^TH MARCH 2012 – LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCETPED – PLEASE FORWARD ENTRIES TO COUNTY OFFICE BY THIS DATE

THREE COUNTIES BALL

The annual 3 counties ball is being held on Friday 20^th April 2012 at Syndicate in Bristol. More information and booking forms please click HERE .

MACHINERY SHOW – BATH & WEST SHOWGROUND

The Agricultural Machinery & Equipment Show is on at the Bath & West Showground on Wednesday 1^st February and features seminars, tradestands, machinery demonstrations and the South West Mechanic of the Year. It is free entry so please go along and support the event.

DAIRY COW LAMENESS EVENING

Wellington & Taunton YFC are hosing an evening with Steve Paul, local foot trimmer, which will include a practical session and is being held on Thursday 2^nd February at Quantock Farm from 7.30pm. For more information contact Tom Bell on 07772 854722.

FARM FIRE SAFETY TALK

Wellington & Taunton YFC are hosting the farm fire safety talk on 9^th February at the White Horse, Bradford on Tone at 8pm. All clubs are invited to attend. It will be a very informative and interesting talk so they would welcome as many attendees as possible. For more information contact Tom Bell on 07772 854722.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH GOLD AWARD FOR GEORGE STANFORD – WESTON & BANWELL YFC

George Stanford from Weston & Banwell YFC has successfully completed his Gold award for the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and travelled to St James’s Palace to collect his award. For more information on George’s success please click HERE to read the full report via the website.

11-A-SIDE HOCKEY

This competition is being held at King Alfred School, Highbridge on Sunday 5^th February from 11.00am. For competition rules click HERE . Deadline for entries is Friday 27^th January 2012.

JUNIOR MEMBER OF THE YEAR (UNDER 17) & SENIOR AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR (18-26)

Once we have a list of competitors we will contact those concerned with a time for their interviews etc. Please be aware these may change on the day if there are any unforeseen circumstances that arise.

NATIONAL AGM

Letters will be going out week commencing 30^th January to those on the waiting list. Deadline for payment is Friday 17^th February 2012 for those on the waiting list. If there are any unallocated spaces after this date places will be offered on a first come first served basis.

PANTOMIME

Will all clubs/groups that have entered please ensure that a list of cast members, title of pantomime, script and risk assessment are at County Office NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 3^rd FEBRUARY 2012. A booking form is now available on the Somerset YFC website. To download please click HERE and return to Somerset YFC County Office with payment before 17^th February 2012.

CLUB TALKS

Alan Lyons has advised that he is available to come along to clubs and talk about the Royal Bath & West Show. This is an ideal opportunity for the Somerset YFC President to come to your club and give you some valuable insights. You can contact Alan on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

MOTIONS FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2012

Just a reminder that any Motions for the Annual General Meeting 2012 should be sent to Diane Calvert, Chief Executive Officer, YFC Centre Stoneleigh by no later than 12 noon on Thursday 16^th February 2012.

CLUB NEWS & FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

SEDGEMOOR GROUP PANTOMIME ROUNDS

Sedgemoor Group are holding their pantomime competition on Saturday 4^th February at Bridgwater Town Hall. Tickets are £5 for Over 16’s and £3.50 for Under 16’s. Tickets are being sold on the door. The first performance is at £6.30pm and doors open at 5.30pm. Hope to see you all there.

WEST GROUP PANTOMIME & MEMBER OF THE YEAR ROUNDS

West Group are holding their pantomime competition and Junior & Senior Member of the Year rounds at Kingsmead School, Wiveliscombe on Saturday 4^th February. Doors open at 5.00pm with performance starting at 6.00pm. Tickets are £5.00 per adult, Under 12’s are free. Member of the Year competitions are being held 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Hope to see you all there.

WELLS & GLASTONBURY YFC PUB QUIZ

Wells & Glastonbury are having a pub quiz at the Quarry Inn, Keinton Mandeville on Saturday 11^th February at 7.30pm. For more information please contact Caroline Board on 07791 161917.

WESTON & BANWELL YFC DINNER AND DANCE

Weston & Banwell YFC are hosting their Dinner & Dance at the Batch Country Hotel on Friday 16^th March at 7.30pm for a sit down meal at 8.00pm. Dress code is smart evening wear (no jeans). Tickets are £27 per person which includes a 3 course meal (it is not a set menu) and entertainment for the night will be provided by local bank Lipinski. For more information/menu options and tickets please contact Jenn Hucker This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 07817 080541.

BRIDGWATER YFC 78^th ANNUAL DINNER & DANCE

Bridgwater YFC’s 78^th Annual Dinner & Dance is taking place on Saturday 24^th March 7.00pm at Bridgwater Sports & Social Club. For more information please contact Kate on 07886 495278.

WELLS & GLASTONBURY YFC EASTER BINGO

Wells & Glastonbury YFC have organised Easter bingo at West Pennard Village Hall on Saturday 31^st March at 7.00pm. for more information please contact Caroline Board on 07791 161917.

Don't forget to have a look at the attachments - there is always plenty going on to read about!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR THE WEEKEND & COMING WEEK:

* Sunday 29^th January – Mens Rugby Finals at Yeovil Recreation Ground, Chilton Grove, Yeovil

COURSES AND EVENTS THAT MAY INTEREST YOUNG FARMERS

WESTERN SOMERSET WOODLAND PROJECT

• Project history of Western Somerset Woodland Project

- Started in March 2011 as a two year funded project

- Aims to restore, enhance and protect woodland habitats through the promotion of

sustainable management

- Work with schools & communities to help more people enjoy woodlands

- To strengthen local supply chains and improve connections between woodland owners

and businesses

- To work with woodland owners, woodland businesses and local communities

• As part of the Western Somerset Woodland Project it is setting up a Contractors Directory to help

improve the local economy and strengthen supply chains;

- The directory is for all woodland businesses, suppliers, contractors, products and services

- It will be a valuable, up to date source of information covering a large area

- Western Somerset covers from Burnham on sea, south parallel to the M5 to south of

Wellington, west to Brushford, Challacombe and along the coast from Oare. It

incorporates Exmoor National Park

- There will be ample signposting and awareness raising of the Directory through the

Western Somerset Woodland Project and FWAG

- The Directory will have its own website linked to FWAG, the aim is to develop a local

woodland association that will also support the Contractor Directory

- The aim is to have the directory up and running by the beginning of March available

online. It will be downloadable.

• Benefits of membership

- Becoming a member will be ensuring that the economic benefits of managing

woodlands are accrued locally

- It will improve networking between owners and businesses and it will support the sharing

of good practice

- The directory will be available for anyone to access online, so will have a wide

readership within Western Somerset and beyond

- The Woodland Project is supporting local woodland management organisations by

signposting woodland owners to their services & promote partnership working

- An up-to-date Directory does not exist within Western Somerset currently

- It provides good, all year round marketing and affordable advertising

- The project will be working closely with neighbouring projects on the Blackdown Hills and

can refer woodland owners to members

- It will help to maximise business locally

- Develops a stronger network of contractors and woodland owners

- There are around 800 woodlands in Western Somerset, therefore lots of woodland that

either have or may require some form of sustainable woodland management

- The Directory will make it easier for woodland owners to find the right organisation,

service, person for the job required within the local area

- Benefit of being online will be the opportunity to amend information

- Annual membership fee is £25.00 per member or organisation / per year

- Payment can be made by cheque or invoices can be raised

- Annually a reminder will be sent to enquire if members would like to re-new their

membership for the directory and be able to update any information

• How to become a member;

- Complete an application Form, not all information on the form will be used in the

directory. Only sections one and two for business information and services will be used.

The other sections are for the Woodland Project / FWAG only as they have to verify

members are legitimate organisations for legal reasons.

- Submit and return the application to the FWAG SW office (address below) along with a

cheque made payable to FWAG SW or request for an invoice to be raised

Contact details

FWAG SW

Environment Department

County Hall

Taunton

TA1 4DY

Tel: 01823 355427

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WATCH GREAT RUGBY AND A GREAT SHOW AT A GREAT STADIUM...

AND RAISE FUNDS FOR YOUR YOUNG FARMERS CLUB!

We are pleased to present to you this fantastic yet simple way to raise funds for your Young Farmers Club whilst also offering your members a great days’ entertainment.  This scheme is an easy, zero cost, fund raising initiative.

Following our Heineken Rugby Cup game at Wembley in December where we overcame the Ospreys I am writing to inform you of an outstanding day out at Wembley stadium for you to offer your club members and their families and, at the same time, raise funds for your club.

On Saturday March 31^st 2012, Aviva Rugby Premiership Champions, Saracens, will play the current table toppers, Harlequins in a mouth watering top of the table clash at the national stadium. This will feature the likes of David Strettle, Matt Stevens, Charlie Hodgson and Steve Borthwick, some great England Internationals going head to head with Danny Care, Nick Easter, Nick Evans and Ugo Monye.

However, Saracens @ Wembley is not just about the rugby. Some fantastic acts have graced the pre-match entertainment at our Wembley events and this will be no exception. It’s great rugby…but with a bit extra.  Dougie “King Of The Jungle” Poynter and Harry “Strictly Come Dancing Champion” Judd will be joining their fellow McFly band members to headline our entertainment along with Britains largest Choir, Rock Choir. The kick off time is 15h00 with pre match entertainment starting at 14h15. 

Tickets are priced from £15 for adults and £5 for juniors,U16 (Red and Black Category).

The Cashback scheme is very simple to run.  For every ticket ordered by your clubs members and their families you receive £5 Cashback per adult ticket and £2 per Junior ticket.  In our last Wembley fixture clubs and schools were raising in excess of £700.  The administration of the system is simple and requires very little management from the club. You can use the cash back anyway you want e.g. to arrange travel for the match or use in a beer fund. Likewise you could invest it back into your young farmers club. The deadline for ticket purchases is Friday 2^nd March, which means there is no time to lose in distributing information and receiving orders.

If you are interested and want to raise funds for your young farmers club through this scheme, plus give your members and their families the opportunity to enjoy a great day out at Wembley then simply email me This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01727 792 817.

WOMEN’S FOOD AND FARMING UNION PROVIDES FOOD FOR THOUGHT

'FOOD for thought 2012' is the theme of the Women’s Food and Farming Union National Conference being held in Devon in April. Organised by the Devon Branch of the WFU, the event will be held at Bicton College commencing with dinner on April 11^th followed by Conference on 12^th and 13^th April, 2012.   Various conference packages are available. The speakers who have already agreed to attend include University of Exeter Professor and Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research Michael Winter, who will talk about food security.   Richard Ashworth MEP who will address the question of CAP reform.  Devon farmer Richard Haddock will urge the need for fair trade for UK farmers. Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) will look at how we feed an expanding global population whilst considering the environment, celebrated Devon cheese-maker Mary Quicke will speak about the Slow Food Movement. Bicton Principal David Henley will talk about inspiring young people, and a young farmer about their vision of the future.  Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, and Dr Marina Morgan microbiologist, will look at issues surrounding animal and human health, John Lee, OBE Chairman of the Devon County Agricultural Association, will chair questions. Rosemary Berry, Chairman of Devon WFU, said: "Devon WFU is extremely honoured to host this year's national conference and delighted that so many distinguished speakers and guests have already pledged their support for the event, including our National Patron, Baroness Byford and President Helen Bower. "The event is open to non-members as well as WFU members and we look forward to welcoming as many people as possible.” “WFU has campaigned to promote of British food and farming for more than 30 years but never has there been a more important time for as many people as possible to understand the issues that affect the industry's future.”

For more information contact Rosemary Berry  Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone: 01884 32320

CMA MEETING

Somerset CMA (The Farm Management Group) meeting:  Monday 20 February 2012, Lester Bowker will be speaking on “The Challenges of Change”.  Lester runs a 750 head outdoor pig herd, 250 ewes, 150 dairy cows, beef, and grows cider apples.  He has a Christmas shop and a light industrial estate.  He started with 50 sows and no tractor, and developed the business to its current multi-enterprise set-up. 

He will talk about the changes he has made and the changes which have been inflicted on him, the mistakes he has made, and what he has learned, to enable him to cope with the next set of changes.

The meeting will be held at Junction 24 Sedgemoor Auction Centre, starting at 8pm.  There is a meal there, beforehand, at 7.15pm at a cost of £6.  No need to book: just turn up. Non members welcome

 For further details contact Richard West:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  01278 438472.      

COUNTY & CLUB IMPORTANT NEWS, DATES AND DEADLINES

Please note the deadlines in your diaries (any changes will be notified via the update and amended on the calendar on the Somerset YFC website)

MIXED VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

There was a good turnout for the mixed volleyball held on Wednesday 18^th January at Bridgwater College. The results were as follows:

Williton                                 1^st

Weston & Banwell           2^nd

Bridgwater                          3^rd

Well done to all those who took part and good luck to Williton when they compete at the South West Area weekend.

***2012 SEVERN GROUP RALLY INFORMATION***

***The Calf Show Entry Form – Schedule of Classes is now available on the Somerset website. To download click HERE ***

***The Auction of Promises is being held on Saturday 25^th February at Claverham Village Hall 7.00pm £5 per ticket to include ploughmans supper. A NEW list of the promises so far can be found on the website please click HERE  for details. For more information and to buy tickets please contact Kate on 07717 235573***

***The brave members of Seven Group posed for their fundraising naked calendar and there are still some available. They can be bought on the Somerset YFC website or contact County office for more information. To support the rally and brighten up your wall please click HERE ***

***The Handicraft Schedule for the MOOLYMPICS Rally of 2012 hosted by Severn Group is can be viewed electronically via the weekly update by clicking HERE  and on the SFYFC website!  (Please note that Clubs will not be sent a hardcopy of the Handicraft Schedule unless requested).   If anyone has any difficulties accessing the document or printing the document out please do not hesitate to contact either This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and we will ensure to send a hardcopy of the document out.   
 The Schedule that has currently been released is the FINAL DRAFT and members now have the opportunity to look through the Schedule in detail and start planning their entries in order to win points for their CLUB***

THREE COUNTIES BALL

The annual 3 counties ball is being held on Friday 20^th April 2012 at Syndicate in Bristol. More information and booking forms to follow.

TELESALES  OPPORTUNITIES WITH DAIRY DAUGHTERS

Dairy Daughters, a distributor for World Wide Sires, USA, is expanding its telesales team in Taunton to meet the growing needs of customers and market demand for World class genetics at no nonsense affordable prices.  Dairy Daughters, part of the Cogent group, specialize in the supply of Holstein and Beef semen to UK Dairy Farmers.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic with preferred previous experience in a sales environment. The applicant needs to be computer literate, possess good organisational skills and have an interest in Dairy Farming. If you are looking for a new and interesting challenge and the opportunity to work with the most exciting and innovative company in the industry, please forward your cv to:  Alison Lovell, Sales Manager, Dairy Daughters, 1 Scott House, Cook Way, Taunton, TA2 6BG or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Closing date for applications is 31^st January 2012.

REQUEST FOR YFC STEWARDS – ANNUAL CONVENTION  27 – 30 APRIL 2012

The Annual Convention 2012, Torquay is soon approaching and NFYFC are looking for volunteers to help steward throughout the convention weekend. If you are able to help out, please could you complete and return the form that can be found HERE  to, 10^th Street, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, CV8 2LG or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or fax: 02476 857229 no later than Friday 27 January 2012 (extended). Your support will be very much appreciated.

MACHINERY SHOW – BATH & WEST SHOWGROUND

The Agricultural Machinery & Equipment Show is on at the Bath & West Showground on Wednesday 1^st February and features seminars, tradestands, machinery demonstrations and the South West Mechanic of the Year. It is free entry so please go along and support the event.

DAIRY COW LAMENESS EVENING

Wellington & Taunton YFC are hosing an evening with Steve Paul, local foot trimmer, which will include a practical session and is being held on Thursday 2^nd February at Quantock Farm from 7.30pm. For more information contact Tom Bell on 07772 854722.

FARM FIRE SAFETY TALK

Wellington & Taunton YFC are hosting the farm fire safety talk on 9^th February at the White Horse, Bradford on Tone at 8pm. All clubs are invited to attend. It will be a very informative and interesting talk so they would welcome as many attendees as possible. For more information contact Tom Bell on 07772 854722.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH GOLD AWARD FOR GEORGE STANFORD – WESTON & BANWELL YFC

George Stanford from Weston & Banwell YFC has successfully completed his Gold award for the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and travelled to St James’s Palace to collect his award. For more information on George’s success please click HERE  to read the full report via the website.

MENS 7-A-SIDE RUGBY FINALS

This competition will now be held at Yeovil Recreation Centre, Yeovil Athletics Arena, Turners Barn Lane, Yew Tree Park, Yeovil (please take a note of the new venue) on Sunday 29^th January from 11.00am. For competition rules click HERE .

11-A-SIDE HOCKEY

This competition is being held at King Alfred School, Highbridge on Sunday 5^th February from 11.00am. For competition rules click HERE . Deadline for entries is Friday 27^th January 2012.

JUNIOR MEMBER OF THE YEAR (UNDER 17) & SENIOR AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR (18-26)

This competition is being held at the Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare on Sunday 19^th February at a time to be confirmed. For updated competition rules click HERE . Deadline for entries is Friday 20^th January 2012.

NATIONAL AGM

Reminder letters will shortly be sent out to those on the list wishing to attend the National AG. If you still require a place please ensure that the form and payment is returned by the deadline for payment on 27^th January 2012 so that if places are not paid for the people on the reserve list will get a chance to book a place. If you no longer wish to attend please let County office know as soon as possible so the place can be allocated to those on the waiting list.

PANTOMIME

Will all clubs/groups that have entered please ensure that a list of cast members, title of pantomime, script and risk assessment are at County Office NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 3^rd FEBRUARY 2012. A booking form is now available on the Somerset YFC website. To download please click HERE  and return to Somerset YFC County Office with payment before 17^th February 2012.  

SOUTH WEST AREA WEEKEND

The South West Area weekend is being held at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare on 9^th-11^th March 2012. A booking form and programme can be found HERE . Rules and Intention to Enter forms will be sent to club Secretaries and Chairmen and also available on the Somerset YFC website when they have been finalised. Please complete the Intention to Enter form and return to County office no later than Wednesday 1^st February.

Anyone wanting to attend this weekend must be a paid up member of a club by Friday 27^th January 2012 and membership numbers provided on the form or tickets will not be issued. Deadline for ticket payment is February 3^rd 2012.

Booking forms have already been received from some counties so please be aware of the deadlines and submit forms as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as after the deadline tickets will be allocated to counties that are already oversubscribed.

CLUB TALKS

Alan Lyons has advised that he is available to come along to clubs and talk about the Royal Bath & West Show. This is an ideal opportunity for the Somerset YFC President to come to your club and give you some valuable insights. You can contact Alan on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

MOTIONS FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2012

Just a reminder that any Motions for the Annual General Meeting 2012  should be sent to Diane Calvert, Chief Executive Officer, YFC Centre Stoneleigh by no later than 12 noon on Thursday 16^th February 2012.

CLUB NEWS & FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

CHEW VALLEY YFC SNOWBALL

Chew Valley YFC are holding their Snowball at the Webbington Hotel, Axbridge in Saturday 21^st January 2012. For more information click HERE . To book your place please complete the booking form HERE . Please note that the tickets should be requested from the address on the form and are NOT available from County Office. Over 18’s ONLY.

SEDGEMOOR GROUP PANTOMIME ROUNDS

Sedgemoor Group are holding their pantomime competition on Saturday 4^th February at Bridgwater Town Hall. More details to follow.

WEST GROUP PANTOMIME & MEMBER OF THE YEAR ROUNDS

West Group are holding their pantomime competition and Junior & Senior Member of the Year rounds at Kingsmead School, Wiveliscombe on Saturday 4^th February. Doors open at 5.00pm with performance starting at 6.00pm. Tickets are £5.00 per adult, Under 12’s are free. Member of the Year competitions are being held 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Hope to see you all there.

WELLS & GLASTONBURY YFC PUB QUIZ

Wells & Glastonbury are having a pub quiz at the Quarry Inn, Keinton Mandeville on Saturday 11^th February at 7.30pm. For more information please contact Caroline Board on 07791 161917.

WESTON & BANWELL YFC DINNER AND DANCE

Weston & Banwell YFC are hosting their Dinner & Dance at the Batch Country Hotel on Friday 16^th March at 7.30pm for a sit down meal at 8.00pm. Dress code is smart evening wear (no jeans). Tickets are £27 per person which includes a 3 course meal (it is not a set menu) and entertainment for the night will be provided by local bank Lipinski. For more information/menu options and tickets please contact Jenn Hucker This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or 07817 080541.

BRIDGWATER YFC 78^th ANNUAL DINNER & DANCE

Bridgwater YFC’s 78^th Annual Dinner & Dance is taking place on Saturday 24^th March 7.00pm at Bridgwater Sports & Social Club. For more information please contact Kate on 07886 495278.

WELLS & GLASTONBURY YFC EASTER BINGO

Wells & Glastonbury YFC have organised Easter bingo at West Pennard Village Hall on Saturday 31^st March at 7.00pm. for more information please contact Caroline Board on 07791 161917.

Don't forget to have a look at the attachments - there is always plenty going on to read about!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR THE WEEKEND & COMING WEEK:

* Saturday 21^st January Chew Valley YFC Snowball at the Webbington Hotel

COURSES AND EVENTS THAT MAY INTEREST YOUNG FARMERS

WESTERN SOMERSET WOODLAND PROJECT

• Project history of Western Somerset Woodland Project

- Started in March 2011 as a two year funded project

- Aims to restore, enhance and protect woodland habitats through the promotion of

sustainable management

- Work with schools & communities to help more people enjoy woodlands

- To strengthen local supply chains and improve connections between woodland owners

and businesses

- To work with woodland owners, woodland businesses and local communities

• As part of the Western Somerset Woodland Project it is setting up a Contractors Directory to help

improve the local economy and strengthen supply chains;

- The directory is for all woodland businesses, suppliers, contractors, products and services

- It will be a valuable, up to date source of information covering a large area

- Western Somerset covers from Burnham on sea, south parallel to the M5 to south of

Wellington, west to Brushford, Challacombe and along the coast from Oare. It

incorporates Exmoor National Park

- There will be ample signposting and awareness raising of the Directory through the

Western Somerset Woodland Project and FWAG

- The Directory will have its own website linked to FWAG, the aim is to develop a local

woodland association that will also support the Contractor Directory

- The aim is to have the directory up and running by the beginning of March available

online. It will be downloadable.

• Benefits of membership

- Becoming a member will be ensuring that the economic benefits of managing

woodlands are accrued locally

- It will improve networking between owners and businesses and it will support the sharing

of good practice

- The directory will be available for anyone to access online, so will have a wide

readership within Western Somerset and beyond

- The Woodland Project is supporting local woodland management organisations by

signposting woodland owners to their services & promote partnership working

- An up-to-date Directory does not exist within Western Somerset currently

- It provides good, all year round marketing and affordable advertising

- The project will be working closely with neighbouring projects on the Blackdown Hills and

can refer woodland owners to members

- It will help to maximise business locally

- Develops a stronger network of contractors and woodland owners

- There are around 800 woodlands in Western Somerset, therefore lots of woodland that

either have or may require some form of sustainable woodland management

- The Directory will make it easier for woodland owners to find the right organisation,

service, person for the job required within the local area

- Benefit of being online will be the opportunity to amend information

- Annual membership fee is £25.00 per member or organisation / per year

- Payment can be made by cheque or invoices can be raised

- Annually a reminder will be sent to enquire if members would like to re-new their

membership for the directory and be able to update any information

• How to become a member;

- Complete an application Form, not all information on the form will be used in the

directory. Only sections one and two for business information and services will be used.

The other sections are for the Woodland Project / FWAG only as they have to verify

members are legitimate organisations for legal reasons.

- Submit and return the application to the FWAG SW office (address below) along with a

cheque made payable to FWAG SW or request for an invoice to be raised

Contact details

FWAG SW

Environment Department

County Hall

Taunton

TA1 4DY

Tel: 01823 355427

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WOMEN’S FOOD AND FARMING UNION PROVIDES FOOD FOR THOUGHT

'FOOD for thought 2012' is the theme of the Women’s Food and Farming Union National Conference being held in Devon in April. Organised by the Devon Branch of the WFU, the event will be held at Bicton College commencing with dinner on April 11^th followed by Conference on 12^th and 13^th April, 2012.   Various conference packages are available. The speakers who have already agreed to attend include University of Exeter Professor and Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research Michael Winter, who will talk about food security.   Richard Ashworth MEP who will address the question of CAP reform.  Devon farmer Richard Haddock will urge the need for fair trade for UK farmers. Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) will look at how we feed an expanding global population whilst considering the environment, celebrated Devon cheese-maker Mary Quicke will speak about the Slow Food Movement. Bicton Principal David Henley will talk about inspiring young people, and a young farmer about their vision of the future.  Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, and Dr Marina Morgan microbiologist, will look at issues surrounding animal and human health, John Lee, OBE Chairman of the Devon County Agricultural Association, will chair questions. Rosemary Berry, Chairman of Devon WFU, said: "Devon WFU is extremely honoured to host this year's national conference and delighted that so many distinguished speakers and guests have already pledged their support for the event, including our National Patron, Baroness Byford and President Helen Bower. "The event is open to non-members as well as WFU members and we look forward to welcoming as many people as possible.” “WFU has campaigned to promote of British food and farming for more than 30 years but never has there been a more important time for as many people as possible to understand the issues that affect the industry's future.”

For more information contact Rosemary Berry  Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone: 01884 32320

FARMWATCH MESSAGE

A white Transit sytle flat bed van was disturbed at a Farm in Winford, North Somerset where the driver claimed he was looking for scrap metal. When challenged the vehicle made off at speed towards Regil. The first part of the registration is believed to be WWX or similar. If you should see this vehicle please call the Police on 101. If you are witnessing a crime in progress please call 999. Thank you.

TELESALES  OPPORTUNITIES WITH DAIRY DAUGHTERS

Dairy Daughters, a distributor for World Wide Sires, USA, is expanding its telesales team in Taunton to meet the growing needs of customers and market demand for World class genetics at no nonsense affordable prices.  Dairy Daughters, part of the Cogent group, specialize in the supply of Holstein and Beef semen to UK Dairy Farmers.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic with preferred previous experience in a sales environment. The applicant needs to be computer literate, possess good organisational skills and have an interest in Dairy Farming. If you are looking for a new and interesting challenge and the opportunity to work with the most exciting and innovative company in the industry, please forward your cv to:  Alison Lovell, Sales Manager, Dairy Daughters, 1 Scott House, Cook Way, Taunton, TA2 6BG or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Closing date for applications is 31^st January 2012.

CMA MEETING

Somerset CMA (The Farm Management Group) meeting:  Monday 20 February 2012, Lester Bowker will be speaking on “The Challenges of Change”.  Lester runs a 750 head outdoor pig herd, 250 ewes, 150 dairy cows, beef, and grows cider apples.  He has a Christmas shop and a light industrial estate.  He started with 50 sows and no tractor, and developed the business to its current multi-enterprise set-up. 

He will talk about the changes he has made and the changes which have been inflicted on him, the mistakes he has made, and what he has learned, to enable him to cope with the next set of changes.

The meeting will be held at Junction 24 Sedgemoor Auction Centre, starting at 8pm.  There is a meal there, beforehand, at 7.15pm at a cost of £6.  No need to book: just turn up. Non members welcome

 For further details contact Richard West:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  01278 438472.      

NEW COURSES IN CONJUNCTION WITH BRIDGWATER COLLEGE

Eve Clist from Rodway Farm, Bridgwater College has provided information on some up coming courses and booking forms. For more information please visit the Somerset YFC and look at the Weekly Update (External Events and Courses) HERE.

HIP FLASK FAVOURITES RECIPE BOOK

Hip Flask Favourites recipe book. All proceeds of sale will be donated to Springer Rescue for Scotland. Cost £3.50 per copy (includes P&P within the UK). Please make cheque payable to S.Cooke, together with your name and address, to Sue Cook, Allesborough Farm, Allesborough Hill, Pershore, Worcs WR10 2AB. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if further information is required.

BRIDGWATER PANTOMIME SOCIETY

From Friday 20^th January to Saturday 28^th January 2012 Bridgwater Pantomime Society will be performing Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Town Hall, Bridgwater. More information and a booking form are attached below.