Ulster Region - young farmers ambassadors of the united kingdom

UlsterRegionYoung FarmersAmbassadors6th EditionINSIDE THIS ISSUE:Autumn 2011Summer photos 1IFYE Reunion 2Summer OutingTreasure hunt 3Not So Young Night 3Ulster YFA Events 3UK & Euro Events 4Contact Details 4Upcoming EventsUK Reunion28th Oct—31st OctNorth WalesInfo on websitewww.ifye.co.uk****‘Christmas with Claire’Thursday 30th NovGreenmount CollegeBook with Shirley asap****Annual DinnerSaturday 28th Jan 2012The Pheasant,Hillsborough****Merry Picnickers in Carnfunnock Country Park

IFYE Conference—Finnish FrolicsAfter 53 years of reunions you would think some Ifyes would have seen everything but that was before theFinns put on their thinking caps. This year they decided to take the conference to a place no man has gonebefore, certainly no exchangee that is, and that was ‘Ifyeland’, a small nation, landlocked by Finland and ruledby an Empress, a Prime Minister and their cabinet. Getting there was the first test, comprising a 5 hour trainjourney and a 1 and a half hour bus ride from Helsinki before being stopped and interrogated by the borderguards. Those who could present a valid visa were granted entry but some undesirables were not so luckyand were marched off to be thoroughly searched. Thomas Lennox only survived with the help of a heftybribe. The rest of the week was no less full of surprises.At the end of the church service next morning the Empress (Sirkuu Laurila NI 198?) was married (for real),and the role call of nations and official opening were carried out alongside the happy couple’s champagnetoasts. This year, not only were the European nations present but there were representatives from USA,Canada, New Zealand and Taiwan. In the afternoon the children from a local circus school entertained andthen attempted to pass on their skills, and the wedding party that evening continued the theme with someimpromptu juggling and tightrope walking.During the week there were more momentous events. We participated in the Summer and Winter Ifyelympics,involving archery, curling, cross country skiing and kick-sledging as well as more cerebral and artistictasks and enjoyed a Mid-summer beach party with a bonfire on the lake. Not forgetting the energy draining‘Swamp Football’ which was a hilarious experience for participants and spectators alike.In between there were workshops and visits to beauty spots and industries in ‘neighbouring’ Finland. Ofcourse there was also the AGM and the Board of Martin Quayle (IOM), Sally Young (Scotland), GerhardSteinberger (Austria), Norbert Winkler (Austria) and Hilde Riser (Norway) was re-elected along with theaddition of Anette Nilsson (Sweden) as second vice-president.The venue was fabulous with excellent accommodation and unbelieveable scenery, all enhanced by Finland’sbest weather in many years, and throughout the week we had plenty of opportunities to relax and socializeon the verandas, on the beach, in the lake, in the sauna and in the bar. Even the insidious presence of themosquitoes didn’t marr our enjoyment (too much!)The week ended with the Gala dinner and dance at which the flag was handed over to the Swedish teamwho will have a tough job ahead of them next year but I have no doubt will rise to the challenge. Congratulationsto the Finnish team who worked exceptionally hard and put so much thought into all the little detailsof the week…..the passports, the snow on the doorsteps, the sausage forks, the rain macs (unused), the IfyelandNews (nightly), and the après ski sock party. They’ll be delighted to know that ‘Finnish Socks’ postcardscould be coming to them, via fb, from all over the world.Page 2

6TH EDITIONUlster EventsFundraisers and get-togethers have continued overthe summer months with a treasure hunt in Glarryfordand a ‘Not So Young’ Farmers Night in Kilrea.The treasure hunt in June was well supported andafter exploring the highways and byways of CountyAntrim the happy hunters found their way to GlarryfordYFC hall for refreshments and the prize presentation.Following this success committee members organiseda ‘Not So Young’ Famers night for past, associateand senior members of YFCU as well as YFAmembers. The merry revellers travelled from farand wide to the Manor House and Golf Club, Kilrea,to catch up with old friends and dance the nightaway to Andy ‘Elvis’ Rodgers. Some even made itan excuse for a ‘mini-break’. Little did they knowthey had booked an all inclusive package includingtransport to and from the venue.As well as raising much needed funds for the 2012Reunion and the YFCU exchange programme around of ‘Red or Black’ also raised £180 in aid ofAWARE, a charity which supports individuals andfamilies who are dealing with depression and it’sworst effects.Thanks to all those who were able to support uswith donations or attendance at the various events.We hope to continue to have small local fundraisersin preparation for the 2012 Reunion and to sponsorthe YFCU exchange programme. If there is somethinghappening in your area please come along andenjoy the opportunity to catch up with old friends;we greatly appreciate your continued support. Orbetter still, if you’re having an event let us know andwe’ll advertise it on our website and in the newsletter.Some incoming exchangees and theirhosts brave the weatherIf you have any ideas for outings orevents which you think would appeal tomembers please contact any member ofthe committee and we will do our best toinclude them in our programme.Summer OutingDespite a gloomy start to the day,YFA , exchangees and friends turnedout in force at Carnfunnock CountryPark in Larne for a picnic. After a fewlight showers and soggy sandwiches,the sun eventually appeared. Whilemany whiled away the afternoonchatting, some managed to fit in around of crazy golf. The children hada great time playing football, as wellas exploring the play park and maze.We made our way to “ The Hookand Shank” Restaurant at CairndhuGolf Club. David Hull, our chairman,welcomed everyone and ThomasLennox said grace. A delicious buffetstyle meal of stuffed chicken or lasagneserved with salad, potatoes andchips was served, followed by achoice of sticky toffee pudding, pavlovaor chocolate fudge cake.David introduced this years incomingexchangees. Michaela from Austria,Lisa from Germany, Luzia fromSwizerland, Erika from Sweden, Martinfrom Norway and Jessa from theUSA.The exchangees had prepared apoem of some of the experiencesthey had had in each county ofNorthern Ireland. David thankedeveryone for coming and also thehotel for the lovely meal. A fewdates of forth coming events wereannounced.After a quick photo shoot of severalpairs of feet in their Finnish socks, itwas time to go home. A great daywas had by all! By Shirley WalkerPage 3

UK UK REUNIONS28th—31st Oct 2011 North WalesFri 26th Oct—Mon 29th Oct 2012Editor Linda Steele4 Lisnagrot Road, Kilrea, ColeraineBT51 5SETel: 07710-123874lsteelekilrea@yahoo.co.ukIf you wish to update your contact detailsor pass on some news for the next editionplease post, text or e-mail me at theaddress above or visit the website.Y O U N G F A R M E R S ’AMBASSADORSPromoting YFCU ExchangesLondonderry, Northern Ireland2013 EnglandIFYE EUROPEAN REUNIONS21-28 July 2012 Gothenburg, SWEDEN2013 Monmouth, WALES2014 Bavaria, GERMANYWORLD REUNIONTHAILAND 2013We’re on thewebwww.ifye.co.ukChristmas with ClaireThursday 30th November 2011Greenmount Agricultural CollegePlaces limited. Book with Shirley asap.CongratulationsBirths:Brian (USA 05) & Julie Stirling, a son, BenBrian (Norway 96) and Audrey Jamieson,a son, JoelNoelle (Scotland 96, Rally 00) & John(Wales 99, Rally 01) Hanna, a daughter,EllenHelen (Rally 95) & Glenn (England 96,Rally 98) Mayne, a daughter, SarahFiona (Scotland 02)& Shaw Hanna, adaughter, ZoeEngagements:Ruth Marshall (Canada 2010) to EmilePollarolo-WierstraMarriages:Roger King (Netherlands 92) to JenniferA. AgustinIf you have any otherannouncements please notifyus and they will be posted onthe website.To keep you informed with themost efficiency and minimal costwe will post up to date informationon the web and circulateforms and details by e-mail.If we do not have your current e-mail address please contactD.Quinton@o2.co.uk and youwill be added to the mailing listPlease help us by passing on informationto any interested partiesor if you do not have e-maillet us know and we can makeother arrangements.FOR MORE DETAILS ON ANYOR ALL YFA EVENTS PLEASECONTACT YFA SECRETARYShirley Walker66 Castlefarm RoadStewartstownBT71 5LE02887 73876707866-129841