IT was certainly a celebration with style for Newton St Cyres Young Farmers’ Club which marked its 85th birthday with a Grand Anniversary Ball, followed the next day by a Charity Cream Tea event in the same marquee.

At the Ball, on Saturday, September 3, YFC members and guests enjoyed catching up with each other, dancing, and enjoying lovely food from Exe Valley Farm Shop and The Ruby Red Cafe, Thorverton, where the event was held.

Ross May, the current club chairman and his mother, Helen, ran the hog roast along with their staff from the farm shop assisted by Beth, Lily May, Marion and Rob Cann, with Angie Prouse running the bar with a number of other volunteers, mainly club leaders.

Past and current members were among the 180 who attended the Ball, which included dancing to the band “Not the Cowboys”, described by one past member as “awesome as ever”.

The next day the Charity Cream Tea was held to mark the birthday and to also raise funds for FORCE Cancer Charity and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Helen May made a splendid celebration cake which was cut by the oldest surviving member, Michael Lee (90).

Mr Lee said that he joined Newton St Cyres YFC when he was just 10.

Many cakes were made by YFC members and friends and the scones, which received high praise, were made by Victoria Grace.