The 4H program has played a vital part in the lives of hundreds of young people growing up in Canada, for the last 81 years. Here, in our community, the Lumby 4H Beef Club has had an important role in the development of our children for many years.

     Ron Hill could affectionately be called the founder of the Lumby Club. His love of young people, animals, spurred him on to forming a club where the rural children could take an active part in raising an animal, and living the 4H motto, "Learn by doing." Ernie Rannie, a rancher from Cherryville, was said to have been a great help with getting the club up and going as well.

     The club was organized in 1949, but it was not until 1950 that any of the members actually had 4H steer projects. The Charter for 4H Clubs has the gold seal on it for 1950, which gave it official recognition as an organized 4H club in Canada. It seems only fitting to name the members of the original 4H Club. Our apologies if we have left anyone out. They were: Denise Gallon (first club president), Kathy Flaig, Irene Jaik, Doris Wutzke, Betty Seigner, Lillian Seigner, Art Jaik, Wilfrid Treen, Ken Altwasser, Leonel Gallon, Len Treen, Brian Inglis and Bill Paterson (junior leader).

     During the early 1950's, every December, the 4H members transported their steer projects to the Christmas Fat Stock Show and Sale in Kamloops. John Rouck remembers himself, and Mike Porter helping to haul the animals over to the show using John Seigner's truck. Here the 4H'ers competed with their steers in weight and showmanship classes, all hoping to win some ribbons and prizes for their efforts. The final day brought the sale of the 4H steers, and a few tears, as the members parted with their animal friends. The year concluded, with a club gathering and recognition of achievement for the 4H members. It was under the leadership of Ron Hill, that Bill Paterson and Art Jaik earned an award trip to the Toronto Royal Winter Fair for beef judging.

     Henry Catt took over the leadership of the club in early 1950's (believed to be 1951 or 52). He also proved to be an expert leader. The Catt Ranch was located close to Lumby, which made it convenient to hold field days and judging practices right on his ranch. It is said that the Shorthorn cattle were the "in" breed at this time, with a typical market steer being shorter legged, thicker bodied and carrying more condition than our carcass steers of today.

     It was during the early years of the Lumby 4H Beef Club that several trophies were donated to the club, to be awarded to it's 4H members for top achievements. Probably without a doubt, the most sought after trophy then, and still is to this day, is the "Lumby Merchant's Trophy", presented to the senior member with the highest aggregate score in beef club work. This was first won by Walter in 1951 and 1952. The "Lumby Legion Trophy", for the best fitted steer, was also won by Walter in 1951 and 1952. The "Ron Hill Trophy", for the best kept record book, was first awarded to Wilfrid Treen in 1953. The "Bank of Nova Scotia Trophy", for the top member in public speaking, was presented to Hilda Berryhill in 1954.

     Doug Hay became the next enthusiastic volunteer leader of the 4H club in 1958. Growing up in a family that was very involved in the cattle industry, it seemed only natural for him to share his capabilities. His parents, Art and Eva Hay raised registered Angus cattle, and Doug shared an active part. The 4H members continued to learn and have a lot of fun under his leadership. It was under the leadership of Doug Hay that Grant Smith attended the Toronto Royal Winter Fair as Beef Club representative for B.C. in November 1958. In August 1959 Grant attended the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto as a scholarship winner for B.C.

     Looking back over the years, 4H leaders, parents, and members, fondly remember receiving much guidance, encouragement, and friendship from District Agriculturists Jim Ryder, and later Arnold Allan.

     Roy and Thelma Quesnel became leaders of the club in 1960, and throughout the next 27 years of their leadership, proved to be energetic, dedicated workers. Their efforts were rewarded, as time and time again, their 4H members brought back to Lumby aggregate trophies, scholarships, gold watches, and award trips, from as far away as Toronto, Quebec, and Hawaii. Art Hay spent many years coachingthe club in showmanship and judging skills. In order to afford the annual trip to the Kamloops show, the club, under Thelma's tireless direction, catered to countless weddings, banquets, and concessions. Besides running their ranch and tending to the 4H responsibilities, the Quesnels still made time to coach many local Miss Lumby candidates to successful royalty. Work with 4H continued, even after they passed their leadership on in 1986. Roy and Thelma still make themselves available to help coach the members in the public speaking, and they continue to host the annual club achievement day in June each year. Is it any wonder they were chosen as Lumby's "Good Citizens" for 1984.

     Fred and Maureen Ziemer took over as leaders in 1987, and are still leading the club today. 4H has always been a "family affair", and the club continues to enjoy the benefits of leaders, parents, members and 4H supporters working cooperatively together.

     In 1987, the 4H club decided to start attending the Okanagan 4H Stock Show and Sale in Armstrong. The members continue their winning style, having won almost every trophy there is at this show. The enthusiasm, dedication, and responsibility they have, makes their club, their community, and their country proud of their future citizens.