A Message at Christmas Time

2021 was the second highest year for numbers of scholars and we are pleased to report greater interaction with the YFC than previously. Without going into all the detail, we were delighted that Vicky Smith with her West End Barns project, in Hertfordshire won the NFYFC Entrepreneur of the year award, with two other scholars from the same year being runners up. In the Leadership Category we were also delighted to support Lucy Mitchell in her application entitled Challenge of Rural Leadership to The Worshipful Company of Farmers. Lucy is currently Vice-Chairman of The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Club and will have a very responsible part to play in the next few years, potentially one of the most challenging periods to be faced by farming and rural communities for a very long time.

The benefits of the Henry Plumb Foundation mentoring system is a key element of our offering and this is a matter which we believe has grown as the experience gained within the organisation has grown.The true value of this can only be realised after our scholars have been helped and whereas we’ve had some applicants who only think of the financial benefit, the total package is a matter which we believe will be valued more as the business progresses.

For this reason we pay real tribute to all our many Mentors, most of whom are either known personally to our trustees or are recommended by friends of trustees. Between us we have a huge range of people who we can approach and it is very interesting to see new friendships blossom as a consequence