01/10/2026
Chair of Pleasley Young Farmers in Derbyshire YFC Thomas Wildgoose is leading 55 members and following in his familyâs footsteps.
Why did you want to take on a role in your club?
I wanted to step up because I care deeply about the future of Pleasley YFC, preserving what makes it special and helping pass it on to the next generation, all while making sure we have plenty of fun along the way.
It also means a great deal to me personally. My mother, father, all their siblings, my grandparents, and even their siblings were part of Pleasley YFC, with many of them serving as Chair over the years. The club is woven into my familyâs history, so taking on this role is not only about supporting the members we have today, but also about making my family proud and continuing the legacy they helped build.
How do you balance your club duties with your personal/professional life?
Having a brilliant team around me makes all the difference. Our officers are fantastic, if anything needs doing, theyâre only a phone call away, and together we get things sorted quickly and efficiently.
Tell us about a top skill you've developed through this role.
Strong, clear communication across a team. Itâs become one of the most valuable skills Iâve gained.
How is your club structured?
We donât run separate meetings. Our membership has a wide age range, especially between 15-19, and splitting younger and older members wouldnât suit our club dynamic. Instead, we plan meetings that work for all ages and keep everyone involved.
How does your club recruit and welcome new members?
We recently held a new membersâ evening using ideas from the NFYFC template, including icebreakers. Whether youâre brand new or returning, everyone is always welcome at Pleasley YFC.
How does your club plan its programme?
We build our programme around key events throughout the year (dinner dances, bonfire night, race night) and prepare well in advance. As a competitive club, we also schedule meetings to practice public speaking, stockjudging, sports and more ahead of competition dates. Our calendar is always full, and members play a big part in shaping meeting ideas. One of the most exciting upcoming ones is âIâm a Farmer⌠Get Me Out of Here!â which has definitely sparked curiosity.
What's a challenge you have faced as a young leader?
Encouraging members to take part in competitions used to be a challenge. Leading by example has been the best solution, when members see you getting involved, it helps them realise they can do it too. Now, with the club on the up, participation has grown naturally.
What one tip would you give to others in a similar role to you?
Build a strong support network, pick up the phone to get things done, and always show appreciation for the people who give up their time. A positive, respectful atmosphere makes your club a great place to be.
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