Located in the West Mainland of the Orkney Islands, the Harray Young Farmers Club has a long history dating back to its inception in 1939.
The mainland, home to 17,162 residents, proudly supports over 72 active members in this vibrant and busy club.
Recently, Harray Young Farmers celebrated a significant achievement by winning the prestigious Club of the Year 2024 title at the Royal Highland Show. We delve into their journey and what makes this club a standout among the rest.
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Journey to Club of the Year
The path to earning the Club of the Year title was described as a rigorous but rewarding process. The club began by submitting an entry form and participating in the North area eliminations via a Zoom interview.
For the national finals, they showcased their annual activities through a compelling promotional video and a detailed presentation to a judging panel, answering questions from the judges.
The assessment involved submitting accounts for the previous three years, as well as an activity syllabus for the judging panel at the national stage of the competition in Dundee.
After all the evidence was submitted, the panel of judges asked a series of thought-provoking questions to the club’s team of three that travelled, it was based on seven criteria including innovation, club activity, community presence, member support, participation, organising and overall impression.
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Annual activities leading up to Club of the Year
Throughout the year, Harray Young Farmers demonstrated an impressive array of activities designed to engage their members with both educational and fun experiences.
Activities included club BBQs, silage pit coverings, carnival float for Stromness’ shopping week, games nights, flower arranging, pumpkin carving and a mock auction held at Harray hall.
Additionally, club members brought festive cheer to Smiddy Brae care home as they helped in making and setting up Christmas decorations and assisted in the RSABI carol service.
Members also enjoyed leisure activities such as boys’ and girls’ days out. The boys tested out their golfing skills when they took to the South Ronaldsay Golf course in May 2023.
While the girls did clubbercise, an exercise class using glow in the dark UV clothing, lights, even glow sticks to make an exercise class with a difference, held in the Harray hall by Orkney Dance and Fitness. Followed by cupcake decorating with Kerry Sinclair.
Both parties united to end the day with a joint BBQ and fun games in the realms of Clestrain Farm.
Competitive spirit
Harray Young Farmers' high levels of participation were evident in their success against the two other clubs within the Orkney District. They won several titles including Orkney district Young Farmers rally, clay pigeon shooting, pool and darts doubles, and the junior speech making competition which witnessed two Harray teams winning and coming second place.
Throughout the year a total of 21 members travelled from Orkney to destinations such as Edinburgh and Dundee for various national competitions from speechmaking to football, to ten pin bowling.
This brought a large quantity of success, with one Harray junior speechmaking team winning at north area, then going on to win on the national stage. The other junior speechmaking team also came second at north area and competed in national level. While the two senior Harray speech making teams placed joint first at North area level.
The club underline that a lot of the competitions they attend wouldn’t be possible without the help of funding through Orkney district and the help of people within the community training their members to be able to compete and excel at the highest level.
Declan Fraser club secretary remarked: “Our activities demonstrate our commitment to community presence and member support, contributing to our recognition as a leading club within the Young Farmers network. It is a fantastic organisation for meeting new people and spending time with like minded folk. With plenty of supportive and encouraging people with endless opportunities.
“A big thank you must go to the members of our club for the dedication they have shown, the parents of members for helping get them to events and supporting us, and of course the public for the support and welcoming they give us with every event we host, or take part in!”
He concluded: “A special thank you must also go to Hazel Keveren and Avril Hay for the countless hours they put in to our junior and senior speechmaking teams this year!”
Club motto: Mon the Crabs.
Club song: Hey Baby by DJ Otzi.
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