South West rural insurance company Cornish Mutual has donated £25,000 to the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) to support their fundraising efforts for a brand new headquarters.
Devon’s young farmers are fundraising to help pay for the redevelopment of a former pub at Cheriton Bishop, which has currently started the transformation into a new base for young farmers across the county.
The group have so far raised over £230,000 of the £400,000 target. The new Amory Building keeps the name of the current headquarters, named after the former Devon County Councillor and former deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Sir Ian Amory.
The aim of the new premises and rural hub is to have a central point for the main YFC office for meetings, competitions and training events.
Alan Goddard, Managing Director for Cornish Mutual, handed over the cheque to Jake Henson, Devon County Young Farmers County Chairman, at the Devon County Show on Friday 20 May.
Nick Creasey, County Organiser for the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, said: "On behalf of The Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs I would like to thank Cornish Mutual for this very generous donation towards the new Amory Building.
"This support continues the company’s long association with, and backing of, the young farmers clubs across the South West.
"This money makes a huge impact on our fundraising and our efforts towards making the new building a reality.
"It will not only be a hub for young farmers, it will also provide a base for the Farm Community Network and The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution."
Alan Goddard, Managing Director for Cornish Mutual, said: "I am very proud to make this donation on behalf of Cornish Mutual.
"The company was created by farmers for farmers and I have no doubt that our founding Members would be delighted to see the company support the next generation in this way.
"The Young Farmers is an extremely important institution within the South West community; they represent the future of our industry.
"I look forward to seeing the new headquarters take shape over the coming months and I urge people to support YFC in any way they can.”
Nick Creasey highlighted the fact that the organisation is still fundraising to reach its target and welcomes support and donations.
