From The Young Moonraker 1977, the 1977 Year Book of Wiltshire Federation Of Young Farmers Clubs:
Wilton and District Y.F.C.
Even though Wilton is out on a limb from County, and does not participate very much in County competitions, we are a very active club. The Club has entered a few competitions though and did run a sideshow at the County Show.
During the winter months we had some very successful meetings covering many different subjects, which included talks by a gunsmith, an antique dealer, demonstrations on making of country crafts, on wigs, and the management of a dairy cow. Socially, we have been very busy, having trips to Southampton for ice skating, ten pin bowling and swimming. We had a successful treasure hunt during the summer. Other activities included country dancing, boating up the river (when everyone got soaked!), and a visit to the Pantomime.
We joined with Western Region and had a great time at a Mediaeval Banquet at Rhinefield House. In the summer we had some very enjoyable farm visits.
Sport is also popular with the Club members and we have had many football, hockey and skittle matches. Our best achievement was to reach the final of the County skittles, where we lost narrowly to Chippenham.
The highlight of the year was the exchange visit with Kington Y.F.C. from Herefordshire. Everybody who went to Hereford agreed it was the best weekend they had had. We were shown round a fish farm, poultry farm with 100,000 broilers, and saw the Welsh Mountains on horseback. We were also taken to two barn dances, followed by parties in members’ homes. When Kington returned to Wilton we also had a very enjoyable but hectic, weekend. It was decided to do something different with them, so after meeting at Salisbury we all journeyed to Southampton for ‘a dance on the ocean waves.’ This was hilarious. We hired a boat and had a disco and bar installed. We set sail for Cowes on the Isle of Wight, to the sound of pop music. On reaching Cowes we had an hour to wander around, and then we set sail for the return journey. It’s quite a sensation trying to dance on a swaying ship. However, everyone agreed it had been really memorable.
I hope Wilton Club has an equally successful and enjoyable year in 1977.
Richard Hall.