The youngest outspoken members of Pembrokeshire YFC have started a new chapter in public speaking with the junior reading competition.

The competition, held at Agriculture House, Haverfordwest on Friday, November 7, saw teams of three members, up to the age of 14, reading extracts from a book chosen by the judge.

This year, the chosen book was The Wind Singer by William Nicholson, and it was Eglwyswrw's team of Sara Edwards, Hannah Watkins and Rhys Sajko, who came out on top.

The best reader was Mared Harries, of Llysyfran YFC, and Catrin Raymond, of Fishguard YFC, was named top chairman.

Putting trust in good speakers

Pembrokeshire's young farmers have been trusting their brains to help them succeed in public speaking.

This year's senior public speaking competition was a 'brainstrust' event, where a panel has to discuss three unseen topics chosen by the chairman only 20 minutes beforehand.

This year saw Rosalind Bushell, Sharalyn Jenkins, Catrin Vaughan and Michael Williams, of Llysyfran YFC, testing the grey matter to good effect, winning the competition ahead of Llawhaden and Brawdy in joint second place.

Llawhaden picked up the trophy for best panel, thanks to the efforts of Sarah Edwards, Bethan Simons and Peter Llewellin, with Peter also named best speaker.

Peter was awarded a new trophy donated by the family of the late Richard John, of Templeton YFC, a former county chairman and renowned public speaker. Fishguard YFC's Carys Williams also collected some silverware, taking home the cup for best chairman.

Champions crowned with high fives

There was a high five for Llysyfran YFC when Pembrokeshire's champion clubs were crowned at last week's county AGM.

Llysyfran YFC continued their dominance of county activities by reclaiming the championship trophy for the fifth year running, after accumulating the most points throughout the year in competitions, personal achievements, travel, skills, and community and charity work.

However, the club couldn't repeat last year's feat and do the double by winning the Welsh championship shield, which this year was awarded to Eglwyswrw YFC.

Brawdy YFC also collected some prestigious silverware at the AGM, winning the award for having the highest increase in membership and best attendance at county meetings during the year.

The AGM also saw Stephen James, of Gellyolau, Clynderwen, take over from Gill Lawrence as county president. A former county chairman and president of Llawhaden YFC, Stephen said it was a great honour to be elected president of such a fantastic movement for young people.

The guest speaker at the meeting was leader of Pembrokeshire County Council and former Eglwyswrw YFC member, Clr. John Davies, who urged everyone to grasp the opportunities afforded to them through the movement.