Suffolk Young Farmer Harry Suckling admits some people think that he is biting off more than he can chew.

The 23-year-old potato grower from Holbrook wants to create a new Young Farmers Club to serve the Suffolk Coastal area.

He is due to installed as Suffolk Young Farmers county chairman at its annual general meeting on October 7 after standing unopposed.

Harry Suckling with his beet crop (Image: Lucy Taylor) But even before he takes office he is determined to try to revive one of Suffolk's lost clubs. 

Melton Young Farmers' club fell by the wayside back in 2018 - one of three casualties among the senior clubs in recent years.

"It has been slowly going downhill," he explained. "They have all finished in the last 10 years and it just seems such a shame there's nothing serving our coast.

"There are certainly young people on farms working in that area. It's just putting on the right programme of meetings that people will enjoy and drag them out to meet people rather than sitting at home." 

(Image: Lucy Taylor)

When Harry started with Young Farmers 12 years ago it was still thriving with senior clubs in Debenham, Hadleigh, Bury St Edmunds, Melton, Halesworth and Stowmarket. 

"Melton, Halesworth Stowmarket - all three of these have now gone. If you look on the map there's an area of the Suffolk coast which is completely unserved," he said.

"There's no option unless you travel an hour inland so I thought I would see how much interest there is (in reviving Melton YFC).

"I have got about 10 people interested and it's just a discussion meeting and I have put the word out there and see who turns up.

"It's just taking that first step really."

Currently Harry drives 50 minutes to attend the Debenham Young Farmers' meeting. Debenham and Hadleigh are pretty much equi-distant for him. 

For the last year Harry has been county fundraising officer at Suffolk Young Farmers - which means he has organised a variety of events from balls to charity fundraisers and muck moves.

He and dad Chris Suckling - who was badly injured in a farm accident many years ago - opened up the farm for Open Farm Sunday last year and more than a thousand people poured through the gates.

It was to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance - a cause close the family's heart as it saved Chris's life

Harry Suckling with dad Chris loading potatoes (Image: Lucy Taylor) Harry is now focused on reviving Melton Young Farmers. He has invited all-comers aged 16 to 28 to attend a meeting on Friday, September 20, at the King's Head, Market Square, Woodbridge, where he hopes to launch it.

"I'm hoping it's going to be a goer," he said. But he admitted: "It's ruffled a few feathers. They feel because I'm not actually voted in as county chairman yet it's being a bit of a bull in a china shop." 

The senior clubs cater for young people aged 16 to 30. Contrary to some people's assumptions, members don't have to be farmers or even from the countryside - just interested in it and in getting out, socialising and taking part in activities or events.

He and his incoming committee would also like to hear from people who have experience of being in or running a similar club or who could offer support and guidance and people who could offer talks, meetings or tours in the coming months related to the agricultural industry or countryside.

Harry with dad Chris  (Image: Lucy Taylor) The evening - to be held in the meeting room above the pub - will include a short presentation from Harry followed by a farming and countryside quiz. Drinks can be purchased from the bar.

Harry started out at Gipping Juniors. Today there are seven clubs in Suffolk - three seniors at Debenham, Hadleigh and Bury St Edmunds and four junior clubs (for ages 10 to 16) at Gipping, Deben (near Framlingham), Brett (Hadleigh) and Lark (Bury St Edmunds).

"We’re a friendly bunch, so don’t be afraid to come along to find out what Young Farmers is about," he said. 

Anyone who can't make the meeting but is interested in getting involved or supporting the club can email office@suffolkyoungfarmers.com