What is your name, how old are you and where are you from?
My name is Dr Geoff Thompson, I am 28 and from Katesbridge, Country Down… the coldest place in Northern Ireland.
What is your experience with Young Farmers’ Club?
I’ve been a member of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster for over 16 years now. During that time, I’ve been the leader of my local club (Annaclone and Magherally YFC), a member of the County Down sub-committee, a member of the national executive, a member of the national agriculture and rural affairs committee and a member of our programming and development committee. I have also served 2 years as national Vice President and was Chairman of the Workshops and Excursions committee for the RYEurope rally in Ulster (2016).
What is your best RYEurope memory?
Oh that’s a tough one – very hard to split between late night swimming in Lake Lucerne beneath the Alps in Switzerland (Autumn Seminar, 2012), taking a selfie with a wild mountain sheep on top of a glacier in the Austrian Alps looking down at the beautiful lake Hallstatter (Rally, 2015) or a late night boat ride down the Danube in Budapest whilst enjoying a beer with great friends (Study Session, 2014).
Why do you want to be in the RYEurope board?
RYEurope has been an amazing part of my life and the education and experience that I have gained through the organisation has and will continue to help me in every facet of my day to day life. Personally, I believe that it’s important that those who have received give back. As such, I’m very keen to give back and serve the organisation to try to ensure that those who follow will have all of the amazing life opportunities through RYEurope that I have got to enjoy.
A hidden talent of yours?
Hmm don’t know if you’d call it a talent, but I did win the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster – Strictly Come Dancing competition.
What is your favourite quote? Anyone that follows me on Facebook will know that I love a good quote and have one for almost any occasion. So on this occasion, I’ll use one that is applicable to every member of RYEurope no matter what level you are at or what committee you sit on:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" – Margaret Mead
You all, as individuals, have the power to be a positive change in your own club, community, organisation, country or the world. So I’d encourage you all to be the change you want to see in the world and be an example for those around you to follow.
Anything else you want to say to the readers?
At this year’s RYEurope rally, the General Assembly decided that they wanted RYEurope to have a stronger voice representing the views of our membership. As part of this process, from time to time we are going to have to put out consultations to our members. I’d really appreciate it if you could respond to the questions being asked so your views can be represented. Remember, "If you’re not around the table, you could be on the menu" so please get involved to make sure your voice is heard and your views are not forgotten.