Exciting news for the 21 members of the West Coast Young Farmers Club who recently won ‘Best Club’ (For the Top of the South region) and ‘Best Event’. The best event was won for their country ball held in June 2022 which is scheduled to be held again soon in a few months’ time.
“It was a surprise” Says Anthony Laughton, who works in the dairy industry and is vice chair of the group “It means what we are doing is working.” Anthony is referring to the groups decision late last year to increase the social side of the club and offer more opportunities for the members to get together and have a good time.
“It’s really important to our club that all members have opportunities to get off farm, away from work and do something fun.” Anthony explains.
The club recently held a well-received 4x4 fundraising trip that explored the tunnels of Napoleon Hill on the West Coast. The group drove through beautiful native bush and creek with the main attraction being the historic gold mining tunnels. They also went via the Buller to the coast iron bridge track which is a ‘shortcut’ to the northern west coast bypass Inangahua junction and Westport which took them over the top of Mt Williams range and down to historic coal mining town of Burnetts face before finishing just short of Dennison.
“The people who came were amazing, we had retired couples, young ones, club members and people with kids. It was a real mix, it was great.” The money raised will go towards a clay target shooting day and new uniforms that club members are required to wear during competitions against other Young Farmer clubs. “This was our second year doing the trip and we will definitely be doing it again next year, it’s a good way to earn money for the club and everyone enjoys it.” Adds Anthony.
The club has a busy schedule ahead and is enjoying gathering momentum in the area. “We have a really good group of people, everyone helps each other.” Anthony says “Everyone is keen to see the club succeed and we are off to a good start for the new year.”
