Wales YFC News

YFC members from across Wales gathered at The Angel Hotel, Cardiff, for Wales YFC’s Annual General Meeting, held on Saturday, 20th September 2025.

The meeting marked the beginning of the new YFC year and was chaired by outgoing Wales YFC President, Mrs Sarah Lewis. During the AGM, members elected officials for the year ahead. Both Sarah Lewis and Dewi Davies concluded their terms as President and Chair respectively, and Wales YFC extends its sincere thanks to them for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to the organisation.

Angharad Thomas, of Dyffryn Tywi YFC (Carmarthenshire), was elected as the new Chair of Wales YFC, with Dominic Hampson Smith, of Usk YFC (Gwent), elected as Vice Chair.

Angharad Thomas, newly elected Chair, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be elected Chairman of Wales YFC. This organisation is so much more than a movement – it represents friendship, opportunity, unforgettable experiences, and lifelong memories. Without a doubt, without the YFC I would not be the person I am today. I’m truly looking forward to working alongside everyone involved in the year ahead, especially as we prepare to celebrate 90 remarkable years of Wales YFC.”

Dominic Hampson Smith, newly elected Vice Chair, said: “I’m very honoured and excited to be your vice chair for the forthcoming year. I look forward to visiting counties throughout the year, I’m always happy to help in any way I can so please don’t be shy to get in touch.”

Mr David Price from Brecknock YFC was elected as the new President for Wales YFC. 

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be elected as President of Wales YFC. I will endeavour to continue the excellent work of me predecessor, Sarah Lewis. YFC is in my DNA. This movement afforded me so many wonderful opportunities as a member, and like so many past members, I simply continue to try and give back to an organisation that gave me so much. In celebrating 90 years of Wales YFC, we can reflect upon all that has been achieved throughout those decades and also look forward with optimism to an exciting and successful future, safe in the hands of such a talented and committed membership that we see today. I very much look forward to working with the newly appointed Chair of Wales YFC, Angharad Thomas, the wider officer team, staff and members. Diolch yn fawr”

Award Presentations

Several annual awards were presented during the meeting:

• NFU Cymru Membership Trophy – Awarded to Radnor YFC for achieving the largest increase in membership gained in the past twelve months, when compared to the figures from 2023-2024 with a 19.05% rise.
• Beynon Thomas Trophy – Presented to Carmarthenshire YFC for gaining the highest number of marks in the activities programme for Junior members during the 2024/25 YFC year.
• Western Mail Trophy – Awarded to Ceredigion YFC for securing the highest overall score across all YFC programmes in 2024/25.

Chairman’s Challenge Presentation

A cheque presentation also took place during the AGM, recognising the efforts of outgoing Chair Dewi Davies, who completed a sponsored walk from Pumlumon Fawr to Aberystwyth on Saturday, 30th August. The walk raised a total of £2,200.18, which was presented to Jayne Lewis, representing Dewi’s chosen charity, The British Heart Foundation – Cymru.

Angharad Thomas, the new chair of Wales YFC announced her chosen charity for the year ahead: “This year, I’ve decided to support Cancer Research Wales as the Chair’s charity, a charity that has become incredibly important to my family. Earlier this year, my Dad had surgery to remove a tumour, and the very next day, my Dad-cu began a series of chemotherapy treatments. We’re so fortunate that because of recent advancements in technology and new treatment options, they both have been able to receive the care they needed. But I know that many other families and friendship groups aren’t as fortunate. With cancer affecting one in two people in Wales, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research Wales. The money raised will help develop new treatments and technologies that will directly benefit people across Wales.”

Sub-Committee Meetings and Elections

Following the AGM, four sub-committee meetings were held: Rural Affairs, Competitions, Events & Marketing, and International. Members discussed upcoming projects, competitions, events, and trips for the 2025/26 year. Each committee also elected new officers for the year ahead:

• Rural Affairs:
• Chair: Ifan Davies (Meirionnydd YFC)
• Vice Chair: Will Worthington (Montgomery YFC)
• Competitions:
• Chair: Elin Lewis (Montgomery YFC)
• Vice Chair: Mared Lloyd-Jones (Ceredigion YFC)
• Events & Marketing:
• Chair: Rhodri Jones (Eryri YFC)
• Vice Chair: Caryl Morris (Ceredigion YFC)
• International:
• Chair: Will Hughes (Ynys Môn YFC)
• Vice Chair: Bethan Jenkins (Pembrokeshire YFC)

Wales YFC would like to thank all officers for their commitment and contributions throughout the 2024/25 year.

Finally, Wales YFC extends its thanks to all members, guests, officers, and staff who attended the AGM in Cardiff.