Yarcombe and District YFC celebrated their 70th anniversary with a weekend of events at the end of June.

The club was created in 1947 by founding members John Salter, Frances Hill, Johnny Johnson and Margaret Wyatt.

Since then the club has grown from strength to strength and currently has over 80 members.

Over the past few years the club has had sports teams in national finals, a drama group in southern finals and annually holds one of the biggest show and sales in the South West.

The club has also managed to raise £12,500 in the last few years for the Devon YFC and their new rural hub, helping to secure the future of young farmers.

The weekend started with the Anniversary Ball on Friday, June 23, at Hugginshayes Farm.

Over 500 people attended the black tie event with money raised going towards the charities chosen for 2017, including Exeter’s neonatal unit, Musgrove’s neonatal unit and Over the Wall.

Attendees danced to The Lateshift and Your Perfect Night, were served food by the Sidmouth Arms, Upottery and drinks by Heywood Bars.

Then on Sunday, a celebratory lunch was held with 400 past, present and future members attending.

Attendees enjoyed a two course lunch by Cottage Caterers followed by speeches including from the guest speaker James Morrish, Kivells auctioneer and former activities chairman of National Federation of Young Farmers.

A commemorative photo was then taken by Martin Smith Photography of the chairmen, secretaries and treasurers of the past 70 years.

A thoroughly enjoyable weekend was had by all those who attended. A massive thank you goes to all those who supported the weekend, current and past members, families and friends who gave up their time to help prepare for the weekend events and made sure everything ran smoothly.

The club is in such a strong position because of the people supporting it and without the support we would never have been able to celebrate the 70th Anniversary in the way we did.