THE THIRD oldest active Young Farmers Club in Montgomeryshire has celebrated its 80th anniversary.

More than 250 past and present members of Llanfair Caereinion YFC celebrated the milestone at a special evening event in Caereinion Leisure Centre on September 29.

A guest speaker from almost every generation shared their memories of the club. They included the Master of Ceremonies David Oliver, Gwyn Morris, current county president Gareth Jones, Cath Watkins, Megan Evans and 80-year-old Gron Bumford.

Club chairperson Megan Evans said: “It was really nice to see every generation mixing together. A lot of the older ones were sharing their stories with the younger members and that was really special.

“It’s really easy for people to lose touch but the event brought everyone back together again. It was like nothing had changed.”

Party-goers danced the night away to music played by the band Anthemic after a slap-up meal by Ty Cerrig Catering.

“It was a huge team effort. The big celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the committee led by Phil Griffiths, Margaret Davies and Ceri Davies.”

The event follows another milestone for the club as it hosted one of the highlights in the Montgomery Young Farmers Club’s calendar.

The county’s Field Day took place in the Llanfair Caereinion area for the first time in 25 years at The Belan by kind permission of The Morris Family.

Hundreds of young people who have a love for agriculture and rural life have benefited from being a member of the club.

“The club is at the heart of the town. It’s where young people can get together in a relaxed environment and have fun.

“You do make friends for life.”

Since the club’s formation in 1938, the club has grown “from strength to strength,” says Megan. “We’re still going strong. Here’s to the next 80 years!”