'Quiet' weekend as young farmers descend on Bay
THE vast majority of young farmers who descended on Torquay for their annual conference have been on their best behaviour this weekend, police have said.
On Friday and Saturday three people were arrested, two for criminal damage and one for drunk and disorderly behaviour. They were all young farmers but police say none was affiliated with the conference, as all three had travelled to the Bay under their own steam.
In 2007 some members of the National Federation of Young Farmers caused a storm in Torquay with incidents of widespread vandalism. But police say this weekend was relatively quiet, with the 4,000 young farmers here for the conference at the Riviera International Centre enjoying the Bay's nightlife.
Two young farmers in their early 20s were arrested at midnight on Saturday for overturning an empty caravan in Belgrave Road belonging to a group of other young farmers.
And another was arrested for being drunk and disorderly on Torquay sea front on Saturday night.
Superintendent Richard Baker was keen to stress that all three were not part of the official convention.
Speaking yesterday afternoon he said: "I would say it's been a very good- natured weekend so far. I've spoken to lots of local people and they have been fairly reasonable in accepting our visitors with open arms. We have had a couple of minor incidents, but with that number of people in town I would have expected that.
"You don't bring 4,000 young people into town intent on having a drink without it being loud, busy and a bit boisterous.
"But generally we have achieved what we set out to do, to allow them to come here, enjoy the Bay and spend some money at the same time as doing it with some consideration for the local community. Generally, they have been in good spirits, having a good time and clearly consuming lots of ale.
"We had fewer people in custody on Sunday morning than we would normally have. From a police perspective it's been a quiet Saturday night and Sunday morning.
"Based on previous events it's been a very, very positive event. We've not had lots of incidents of violence and disorder. When you look at the number of people, proportionally it's been a very, very quiet weekend and they've been very, very good."
Police doubled their presence in Torquay town centre during the conference, partly to reassure the community, Supt Baker said.
He thanked conference organisers for working closely with the police, saying: "It's been very well planned and generally it's been a success, and we would like to thank the organisation and the young farmers for being so well behaved."
Colin Bowden owner of Mojos on Torquay seafront, welcomed the young farmers, saying they had been no trouble.
He said: "They were boisterous, excitable, but weren't any trouble. There were no fights.
"It was so good to have them here — we've had a cracking weekend.
"It's important that Torbay can attract groups like this, as we are not just a resort for older people.
"People of this age are the resort's future."
Anna Avino, a spokeswoman for the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, said they had boosted the local economy by £3million this weekend.
"From our perspective it's been a very pleasant weekend," she said.
"The people of Torbay, residents and businesses, have made us very welcome.
"I understand they've had good trade and interacted very well with the young farmers.
"We've had a lot of positive feedback from all areas.
"We would like to say thank you very much to Torquay — it's beautiful."
16 Comments
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by Garway Lodge guest house, Avenue Road
Tuesday, April 27 2010, 7:51AM
“I would like to personally congratulate the young farmers. The group we had staying from Yarcombe (Devon border) were a real credit to the youth of today. They behaved impeccably at all times, were considerate to us and our neighbours and yes they had a thoroughly good time!
With good planning this event was a great success for many in the Bay both financially and showing our beautiful area off to the youth of today.
Yes these will be our family visitors of the future we should welcome everyone whatever their age.”
by Susan, Young Farners
Tuesday, April 27 2010, 2:45AM
“I am local and still live here. I would rather a whole group came down and spend money on our b&b's and spend money in the area and have a good time and as for the people complaining, if you had a party of 4000 I expect a few of them would get drunk, so what. The Young Farmers have been coming her for years and never been any real bother. This is a seaside resort it is to be expected.”
by Andrea, Reading
Tuesday, April 27 2010, 1:12AM
“As a visiting Young Farmer I would just like to say thank you to the people of Torquay for welcoming us.
Me and my friends had an absolutely fantastic weekend. Yes, we were loud, silly, drunk, happy, and probably a nuisence to some, but we were only there for one weekend! And it's not even an annual occurence. As Mr Chopper pointed out; as residents of a seaside resort you would surely be used to a large number of visitors in the summer months?
There is really no need whatsoever to feel intimidated by us. We are a friendly lot :)
May I also add in regards to the (considerably small) amount of damage and arrests. Would you think a 4000 people stong stag party would come for a weekend and behave better?”
by Biffo, Paignton
Monday, April 26 2010, 10:04PM
“Mike, Torquay...your presumptions are not correct...I am a local boy but I do not live in Torbay BUT I have property there and am moving back to the Torquay very soon.
RICC can only accommodate 1500 bodies in their Forum Hall...it has never been full in the past 10 years and the average conference attendees is 610.... this has only been exceeded twice in the past six years, that is why RICC want council to finance it which they rightly refused to do. It has other rooms for smaller meetings but cannot accommodate 5000, there are only a handful of conference facilities in the UK that can handle more than 5000, the main ones being in London, Birmingham and believe it or not Bournemouth. That is why we have no conference as such in the Bay. And RICC is on the verge of bankruptcy and that is why they are trying to get housing there.
Tell you what Mike we have some room in the Zoo for people like you, if you are interested??? I love the place, free food, free accommodation and all we have to do is show are backsides to the punters and they laugh....sad isn't it but true.”
by Mike, Torquay
Monday, April 26 2010, 7:12PM
“"the conference centre has only room for 750 so where did the other 3250 young farmers go."
I presume you are another one of the locals that has never been to the conferance centre.
The centre with all rooms open can take over 5,000 The 750 is for a sit down meal in one of the large rooms.
Please visit the centre before you make statements that you clearly do not have personal knowledge of.”
by heather, torquay
Monday, April 26 2010, 5:32PM
“we were drinking in fleet street ,the harbour and the strand and found the young farmers to be a happy group just enjoying themselves and no problem ir threat”
by Biffo, Paignton Zoo
Monday, April 26 2010, 5:32PM
“Sorry typo should have put 4000 not 400.
And it is a well known fact that most young farmers in the West of England are now Polish or other Eastern Europeans.”
by h hotine, torquay
Monday, April 26 2010, 5:29PM
“my friends and i were in several pubs on saturday afternoon in fleet street and the strand. the yfa's were no trouble they were just enjoying a good weekend”
by Biffo, Paignton Zoo
Monday, April 26 2010, 5:29PM
“Mr Chopper...Torquay is now a city and we have a 'downtown'??
What I think Stan is pointing out is that figures are bu*****t and they are, 400 young farmers??? £3m to the local economy...rubbish. Where are the number to back this up...the conference centre has only room for 750 so where did the other 3250 young farmers go.
This paper gets crappier by the hour.”
by Mrs Dixon's Husband, Paignton
Monday, April 26 2010, 3:52PM
“Quality versus quantity!
What right do visitors have to take over a place and restrict locals from venturing into their own town, because of the fear of intimidation? Money isn't everything and let's face it, the vast majority of locals don't want their pounds. They are here for one reason only...to get tanked up! Let's improve the place and have more quality people coming to Torbay!”