MORE than 130 past and present members of Kingsbrompton Young Farmers’ Club marked the club’s 70th anniversary with a reunion dinner at Raleigh’s Cross in April 2004.

The club, which attracted young farmers around the North Devon and Somerset border, was founded in 1933 as Kingsbrompton Calf Club.

Advisory members brought North Devon calves and members reared them and later took them to the show and sale at Kirkhampton Fair in October, 1934.

Present at the reunion organised by Mary Stacey and Val Ware, were founder members Harold Hayes of Wellington and Gordon Greenslade of Wiveliscombe, whose grandson Ken Ware is the present club chairman.

As the oldest member, Harold Hayes had the honour of cutting the cake with the help of club secretary and youngest member Melanie Julian.

Speakers who gave an entertaining rendition of tales about the club over the years included Harold Hayes, Dennis Boundy, Mike Yeandle, Mary Stacey, Eric Norman, Suzette Williams, Geoff Ware, Russell Cowling and Ken Ware.

Mike Lewis, a past county YFC organiser, also said a few words. Many members and ex-members brought along mementoes and memorabilia about the club including cups, photographs and certificates – which were put on display.

One senior member even had a certificate from the YFC for catching 200 moles in one day! The club hold their usual meetings at Brompton Regis village hall.

Mary Stacey, who organised the evening with Val Ware, said it was a very enjoyable evening for members of all ages.