History of Agricultural Education in Wiltshire - Lackham Countryside ...

Despite their limitations, the clubs had much in their favour and a foundation was
laid for further development of the movement in the years ahead.
Soon after the outbreak of war in 1939, club membership dropped severely to a
mere 7000 in England and Wales. In Wiltshire Mr McLees and his colleagues were
transferred from Agricultural Education to the Wiltshire War Agricultural
Committee and travelling in continuous blackouts, shortage of petrol and feeding
stuffs etc. all contributed to the many difficulties which caused several clubs to
close down for the duration.
In November 1939, the Government realised that Voluntary Youth Organisations
could play an important part in the war effort if given the incentive and soon with
financial aid the N.F.Y.F.C. appointed thirty full-time and part—time organisers
throughout England and Wales to extend the Y.F.C. activities and became an
integral part of the service of youth in the countryside. This meant that the doors
were opened wide and membership was no longer limited to the sons and. daughters
of farmers, but to all young people interested in rural life. A remarkable surge
forward took place and by 1946, the number of clubs had risen to 1282 with a
membership of 65,500 throughout the country.
By 1942, the movement had recovered from its set back imposed by war conditions
and the Wiltshire County Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs was reformed.
President: The Earl of Radnor
Chairman: Mr 0 M Peall
Secretary: Mr L D C McLees
Treasurer: Mr W E Beedel
Lloyds Bank, Devizes
Part-time Organiser for N.F.Y.F.C. Mr J 0 Thomas
Dauntseys School
During this time Agricultural Education in the form of teaching and courses was
curtailed and officers who had assisted Young Farmers' Clubs in the past were
seconded to the newly formed War Agricultural Committees. Many Clubs closed
down for the duration and by 1940, the membership throughout the country had
dropped severely to a mere 7000.
'
Practically all the County Federations are now affiliated to the National
Federation. The County Federations are represented on the Council and Anual
General Meetings are held when resolutions from the various Clubs are debated
and voted upon if necessary. The Council are responsible for the general direction
: