Endaf Griffiths

Endaf Griffiths has been taking over our Instagram account at the Royal Welsh Show this week as YFC's Senior Member of the Year. You can read more about his role below.

What is your role as an ambassador?

As Welsh YFC's Senior Member of the Year, my main role is to promote all the opportunities and experiences the organisation offers to young people between the ages of 10 and 28. From judging stock to cooking, from rugby to fencing, and from public speaking to traveling the world, the organisation has a lot to offer young people.

In addition to this, you don't need to be a farmer to be a Young Farmer! The organisation's doors are open to everyone.

What do you enjoy about the role?

One of the best things about being Senior Member of the Year for YFC Wales is getting to meet members from all over Wales and find out what the Young Farmers means to them. I am now past the age of 28 and so my period as a member is, unfortunately, about to end, but through this role I can give back to an organisation that has given me so much personally throughout the years.

Without the Young Farmers, I wouldn't be the person I am today. The organisation has enabled me to build life skills, gain self-confidence, and make lifelong friends - and all for less than £30 a year! For any Cardi, that's a good deal!

Why is the Welsh language important to you and the Young Farmers?

The Young Farmers movement not only offers invaluable opportunities and experiences to young people, but it also draws in the wider community. And in many rural areas, the Young Farmers' Club is an important part of the community.

In Pontsiân in Ceredigion, where my Young Farmers Club is, we as the local Young Farmers feel that it is our duty to keep the community going - and are proud to do so. Among the events we hold for the community each year are a firework’s night in November, an evening of carol singing at Christmas, and a concert in February.

Regarding the Welsh language, Pontsiân YFC, which has around 60 members, conducts all its activities through the medium of Welsh. In Ceredigion alone, we are proud of the fact that all our 19 clubs are Welsh-speaking, and there are a number of similar clubs in other counties throughout Wales as well. As members, we enjoy and learn together through the Welsh language.

How do you use your Welsh?

I grew up in a Welsh-speaking household and attended Welsh primary and secondary schools, before going to Aberystwyth University to study for a degree in Welsh. I am a translator and editor of children's books by profession (no, not a farmer!) and therefore I use the Welsh language daily. In fact, I live my life through the medium of Welsh.

The best thing about the Royal Show?

The Show is an annual celebration of agriculture and rural life. But you don't need to be a farmer to enjoy them, as there is something for everyone there. It is also an opportunity to meet old friends and make new friends from all over Wales and beyond. It is four days of mutual enjoyment.

Your advice to others who want to use their Welsh?

No matter how fluent you are, don't be afraid to use it. Welsh is a language for everyone of all abilities.