MEMBERS of Young Farmers' Clubs are "set up for life to be leaders of the rural community in the future" according to Ms Janet Gee, chief executive of the National Federation of YFCs.

Speaking to a standing room only annual meeting in Bishop Auckland town hall last Friday, she told Durham County federation members and supporters that the YFCs not only taught skills which could be carried on into a career but also taught members to work as a team. The benefit she put above all others, however, was the emphasis put on public speaking.

"It is an excellent grounding in confidence; the confidence to stand up and speak," said Ms Gee. "Take advantage of it. You never know where it will lead you."

She cited the example of Lord Wakeham, Conservative leader in the House of Lords and chairman of the Press Complaints Commission. He had told her he had never been to university and had learned his public speaking as a member of a YFC.

Referring to the decline in membership countrywide, and noted at county level in reports to the meeting, Ms Gee said the best method of recruitment was word of mouth "Say what a fantastic time you have and bring friends along," she advised. "Lifelong friendships are made at the YFC"

Asked whether the movement's name was off-putting, she told of a speaker who sometimes used the term "Youth for the Countryside" adding: "Young Farmers is a very, very strong brand and means a lot to those in the movement but it may give a few members or supporters the wrong emotions."

After the business meeting, Ms Gee presented the year's trophies and this was followed by a buffet and social gathering when photographs of the recent, highly successful, YFC reunion were on display.

The county's millennium souvenir, an engraved pint glass, was on sale and it was announced that 25p of the £2 cost of every glass sold would go to Children in Need. Glasses are still available from county office, 0191 3864388 (phone or fax).

l Young Farmers' Club reports page 17