SAYFC members, clubs and districts are being encouraged to apply for grants from the Willie Davidson 75th Anniversary Fund, which was set up to commemorate 75 years of the Association.

The fund differs from others available through the organisation, such as the Ellen Kerr Fund, in that it focuses on education as well as health and safety, with grants already awarded going towards first aid training courses, welding courses, and cattle dressing equipment. It even part-funded a group of 20 members of the Ayrshire District on a visit to a new club on Arran.

The board – comprising a panel of past and current SAYFC members from the National council as well as the North, East and West Regions – outlined four objectives of the fund, and applications must comply with at least one in order to be considered.

These include; to advance the education and training of young people within SAYFC in agriculture, country life, home craft, citizenship skills and related subjects; to provide assistance to help promote and develop farm safety initiatives through increased awareness; to provide and promote the provision of facilities and activities for recreation and other leisure time occupations; and to provide assistance to prospective new clubs being formed, and the continuous encouragement and development of existing clubs.

There are three deadlines per year and with the next on April 1, now is the time to apply. Forms are available on the SAYFC website or, for more details, members can email wd75f@aol.co.uk.