WHAT a start to the 2018/19 year it has been so far for the Bradworthy Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) after they presented more than £13,000 worth of funding to local charities.

On Wednesday, January 9, the YFC held its cheque presentation evening from the previous year where chairperson Jess James, treasurer Ashlea Hudson and secretary Amy Osborne organised the club’s biggest event so far in aid of the Todd Riggs Scholarship Fund.

The event was a ‘Remembering Iceman’ gig, which the YFC held in August last year. Mad Dog McRea performed in conjunction with Big City House and the event was a sell out raising £8,714.42 for the Todd Riggs Scholarship Fund.

In total the club gave £13,636 to the following charities: Devon Air Ambulance, £2,728.29; British Heart Foundation, £500 (plus £300 from this year); Todd Riggs Scholarship Fund, £8,714.42; CLIC Sargent, £253.90; Little Harbour (Children’s Hospice South West), £640; Talan’s Trust, £400; Breast Cancer Research, £400.

A spokesperson said: “We chose to support these particular charities because as a club we always discuss what charities we would like to give to throughout the year. Some of these are close to members and mean a lot to give back to them.”

They added: “Thank you to all the members’ hard work and determination in raising amazing amounts of money for all of these charities. Now to look forward to a busy upcoming year!”

So far the club has more than 60 members, many of whom have attended the various club events and meetings. The club has held a bowling night, attended the Chrismas Ball and held some sporting events, but there is still much more to come.

The club has two visits booked, South West Area in Weymouth and there are hopes to do the Rural+ module and hold more visits to various local places.