Hanley Swan Young Farmers celebrates new beginning after 20-year absence
After an absence of almost 20 years, Hanley Swan Young Farmers members, old and new, came together on Saturday 10 October to celebrate the exciting re-establishment of the club with a traditional Harvest Supper.
More than 100 people attended the evening, enjoying a dinner featuring locally sourced food, served by the club’s new junior members. The event also provided an opportunity to kick-start the club’s fundraising activities for the year – an important part of the Young Farmers movement.
The club has reformed to give young people from Hanley Swan and the wider Malvern area the opportunity to become part of Worcestershire YFC and the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).
New Club Chair Rosie Badger is following a family tradition by joining her home village club, some 30 years after her father and uncle were members.
Rosie says: “It is so exciting to be part of the next generation of Hanley Swan YFC. We are looking forward to welcoming many new members to our meetings and events this year – everyone aged 10 to 28 is welcome, and you don’t have to be a farmer to join.”
Young Farmers can have a hugely positive impact on the lives of young people involved in agriculture and the countryside. As well as providing opportunities to develop valuable skills and gain new experiences, YFC offers a strong social community renowned for fun and friendships that can last a lifetime.
The Harvest Supper was the perfect way to begin the club’s programme of activities for the 2026–27 year, which will include meetings, visits, charity events and competitions.
Hanley Swan YFC was originally established in 1982 and ran successfully for approximately 25 years, providing young people from the local farming and rural community with the opportunity to come together with like-minded friends. A lack of younger members eventually led to the club’s closure, but its story did not end there.
Determined that Hanley Swan YFC should have a future, the club’s then Chair, Emma Tolley, ensured its remaining funds were preserved so they could one day be used to support a new generation of local members. Those funds are now being put to the use Emma intended, helping to support the successful re-establishment of the club.
The Harvest Supper provided a poignant opportunity to remember and thank Emma, who sadly died from cancer in 2020, for her determination to safeguard the club’s future.
New Club Leader Rob Shail explains: “Emma loved Young Farmers, and in particular Hanley Swan YFC. She ensured the club’s funds were not absorbed by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) at the time of its closure and instead were kept specifically for local young people, ready for a time when the club might successfully restart.
“I’m pleased to say that now is that time. Emma would be delighted to know it is happening.”
Anyone interested in joining Hanley Swan YFC is invited to contact Club Chair Rosie Badger at hanleyswanyfc@gmail.com
