Linda Steele has fond memories of being a member of Kilrea Young Farmers’ Club and President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) from 1999 to 2001. Currently teaching in Kilrea Primary School, she is still very much involved with the organisation. She was delighted to be asked to share about her experiences in a recent interview with YFCU Marketing & Communications Executive, Rachel Armstrong.
“Have you been involved in the organisation for long”?
I joined the Young Farmers’ when I was only 14 years old, I brought a friend along with me for the first night and I can only encourage young people to take that first step, they won’t regret it. It’s the best way of building a network of great people.
“What competitions were you most fond of as a member?”
I always enjoyed the Arts Festival and drama competitions. I performed in the Waterfront Hall at a time and sang a solo, and it’s opportunities like that which help to shape us into who we are today. The Public Speaking competition taught me lifelong skills, and have definitely came in very useful in my teaching career! I’m enjoying being a Judge for some competitions now, and it’s great to see the level of committement and talent from so many members.
“You experienced a number of travel opportunities as a member, what can you tell us about those”?
I can certainly tell you that they are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and every member should be embarking on the adventures. Personally, travel was a highlight for me, it helped me to build communication skills and grow a network, and I was able to attend lots of meetings and events. I attended the Rural Youth Europe European Rally in 1993 where I went with a small group of people to Norway, and five years later I led a team to Poland for the 1999 Rural Youth Europe European Rally. I also went on the International Farm Youth Exchange and numerous exchange trips which included Germany in 1994, Wales in 2000, Finland in 2001, Austria in 2002 and Norway in 2003. Young people pick up so many skills and make great friends when travelling, these were some of my greatest memories of being a member of the YFCU.
“What is your current involvement with the organisation”?
I am currently the Patron for Kilrea Young Farmers’ Club, which means I offer my support to the Club and help to represent them at events, and it’s an honour to hold that role. I am also the Secretary for the Young Farmers’ Ambassadors, where I organise UK reunions and exchange trips. It isn’t associated with the Young Farmers’, however I believe it was my involvement with the organisation that got me this opportunity - I am the High Sheriff of Londonderry, which means I am the King’s Representative for the area.
The YFCU offers young people endless opportunities. If interested in finding out more about the organisation, please contact the office on (028) 9037 0713.