Members, past and present, celebrated Settle District Young Farmers’ 70th anniversary with a dinner and disco at The Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn.

District chairman James Bolland welcomed the 140 guests and gave a resume of the year’s events.

Life member David Booth said Grace and guests enjoyed a three course dinner followed by a brief history of Settle District YFC. A toast was proposed by district president Janet Bolland and she, together with district secretary Melissa Taylor, cut a celebratory cake.

Guest speaker for the evening was former Hanlith resident Robin Hargreaves, president of The British Veterinary Association.

A vote of thanks was given by vice-chairman Robert Polkinghorne.

Settle District Young Farmers began during the Second World War when county boundaries very different. Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale transferred over the border to Cumbria, Slaidburn, Bolton by Bowland and Dunsop Bridge went over to Lancashire, Horton-in-Ribblesdale closed and Gisburn moved to Craven. The district now has four clubs, Burton-in-Lonsdale, Coniston Cold, Lawkland and Rathmell.

The first Chairman of Settle District YFC was Richard Taylor from Armistead Hall and secretary was Norman Thornber.

Winskill Coates, a life member who was secretary in 1948, still plays an active part in Young Farmers today.