THE HISTORY OF EGLWYSWRW YOUNG FARMERS CLUB
By Mr. John Davies
Eglwyswrw is one of the few YFC Clubs in Pembrokeshire which remains predominantly Welsh in its patronage and proceedings.
Eglwyswrw YFC was established in 1952 on the amalgamation of Glanrhyd, Nevern and Boncath YFC. It was blessed for many decades with significant following and success. In its peak it courted over a 120 members in one year. Till the mid 70’s it was a peripatetic club with club nights held in Nevern and Eglwyswrw in turn . Given the continued success of the club and its appealing reach to a cross section of young people between the age of 11 and 26, it was decided by the members of the time ably supported by the then Trustees to acquire a permanent home for the Club and its members. In 1977 an agreement was reached to acquire from the Church of Wales on a long term recurring lease, the former church hall at Eglwyswrw Village. After hard graft and a massive wave of voluntary input, the new Club Room was opened in September 1977 by the then Chief YFC Officer for Wales Mr Martin Pugh.
Nearly half a decade on the club room continues to serve its original purpose of supporting creative and enthusiastic young people, in their quest to acquire life skills and opportunities.
Nearly half a decade on the club room continues to serve its original purpose of supporting creative and enthusiastic young people, in their quest to acquire life skills and opportunities. Since the late 70’s in its permanent home, Eglwyswrw YFC has gone from strength to strength, never in doubt and always succeeding to draw a diverse and inclusive membership.
It is one of the few YFC Clubs in Pembrokeshire which remains predominantly Welsh in its patronage and proceedings. It is little wonder really given the Community of Eglwyswrw remains with circa 50% of its residents as first language Welsh Speakers according to the Census of 2021. Since its inception some seven decades ago the Club in Eglwyswrw has raised in excess of £100k for local charities and good causes and at the same time have managed to self-sustain themselves as well.
The YfC in Eglwyswrw is blessed to have a productive working relationship with the local village school of circa 100 pupils.
Currently the Club at Eglwyswrw enjoy a vibrant and dynamic membership of circa 60 members , which is a credible number at a time of falling numbers in schools across Pembrokeshire. The YfC in Eglwyswrw is blessed to have a productive working relationship with the local village school of circa 100 pupils. That unique relationship allows the school to tap into the huge source of voluntary help and support when needed, and in return the YFC receives unfettered access to the introduction to new would be members.
In concluding, Eglwyswrw remains a huge success story surrounded by widespread support and patronage. Its ability to foster new skills and confidence amongst young individuals who do not associate with the more formal setting of learning is legendary. Long may it continue to foster Good Farmers, Good Countrymen and Good Citizens.
