The current top table of Macclesfield Young Farmers
A gathering of 200 past members, officials and supporters recently attended Macclesfield Young Farmers’ 80th anniversary celebration meal, hosted by Graham Parks at Shellow Lane in North Rode.
Guests were welcomed by the club’s president Lorraine Brunt and deputy president Wendy Davenport – both of whom are former club chair ladies.
Isabel Worthington – who made history when she became Macclesfield YFC’s first chair lady in 1967 – gave the grace, which was followed by a buffet and sweets.
The honour of cutting the celebration cake went to Winston Heath, who was chair man from 1968 to 1970.
Mr Heath has also been the club treasurer for more than 56 years, making him the longest serving official in Cheshire Young Farmers Club (YFC) history.
A vote of thanks was given by James Brunt and Lara Dicesare – the club’s current chair man and chair lady.
Winston Heath, who has been club treasurer for 56 years
Macclesfield YFC deputy president, Wendy Davenport writes…
Over the years there have been many Macclesfield ladies who have been chosen as Cheshire dairy maids and dairy queens, and it was lovely to see the different styles of dresses over the years.
A wonderful part of the afternoon was the ability to catch up with friends from over the years and as everyone was given a name badge it was easy to see who everyone was!
This milestone is not only a reflection of the club’s long history, but also of the friendships, loyalty and shared spirit that has carried us through decades.
There was a fabulous display of old memorabilia including old editions of paper programmes, photos and Toplink magazines.
It was wonderful to see old fashion and hair styles of the past, and older member regaled younger members of fun they had before it was all captured on social media!
Everyone agreed that being part of young farmers had shaped their lives in different ways and many have made friendships for life.
It is also known as a great way to find a soulmate and there are many happy marriages and families formed through meeting at young farmers.
A great deal of thought and preparation had gone into the afternoon and the committee were thanked for all their hard work over the last few months.
Some of the county’s previous dairy queen and dairy maid dresses
How it all began…
The Adlington Village Club was formed in 1929 providing a social hub for the community through games, whist drives and outings.
It gave funds and a billiard table to help establish Adlington & District Young Farmers Club in December 1945, with Mrs Legh as president and key local farmers in leadership roles.
The club quickly became a centre for friendship, leadership and community spirit.
Over time it grew and evolved, formally adopting the name Macclesfield Young Farmers Club in 1973.
The membership fee was 5 shillings and the new club kept the local village hall open three nights a week where the billiards table was provided.
Today, Macclesfield YFC is one of the 12 clubs in the Cheshire federation, and although they have never won the converted Moody bowl (the top prize in the Cheshire young farmers’ competitive calendar) their members enter all competitions and excel in many areas – including the senior debate, stock judging, sport and entertainments.
Club members have organised eight events during Macclesfield YFC’s 80th year – including a neon party as well as walking the Sutton 8 charity walk.
The nine members of the Macclesfield YFC 80th committee, responsible for organising all events during the milestone year
Commemorative book
Members took plenty of photos – including former chair men, chair ladies, presidents and county officials.
Former member Jo Eardley took a number of photographs, and a commemorative book has been compiled which will include all photos from the afternoon.
The books can be pre-ordered at £10 each. Please contact chairlady.macclesfield@cheshireyfc.co.uk if you want to order a copy.
Macclesfield YFC’s annual dinner dance takes place on Friday 30th January 2026 at Heaton House Farm.
Please contact chairlady.macclesfield@cheshireyfc.co.uk for tickets.
The beautifully decorated marquee, hosted by the Parks family
How to join
Young people can be a member from the ages of 14 to 30 and those who are part of it say once you join you will be part of one of the greatest youth groups in the country.
If you want to join, or get more details about how being a member, please contact Lara Dicesare by emailing: chairlady.macclesfield@cheshireyfc.co.uk
All those who attended the celebration meal
