03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Tribute paid to support of society members at Royal Welsh Agricultural Society

“THE RESILIENCE of the society will ensure its continuation for generations to come” said Mr John T Davies, Chair of the Board of Directors, in his address to members at the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society held on 14 June.

Hosted by this year’s Feature County of Pembrokeshire at Drysgolgoch, the beautiful home of this year’s president, Mr Seimon Thomas FRAgS, the 2019 AGM looked back on another successful year, and forward to this year’s 100th Royal Welsh Show, only a few short weeks away.

In a time when the future of the industry, both politically and financially, still remains unclear, members attending the AGM were reassured to hear that the society had already put in place measures to navigate the challenges and maximise opportunities. “The future of the society remains our singular priority. We will continue to be the conduit between town and country and food and the consumer.” explained Mr Davies.

“Looking to secure the future of the society further, we are proud of our continued commitment to supporting the next generation. With an active Future Generations Committee, we can be sure that our young members are given an opportunity to voice ideas. The society is also a keen supporter of Wales YFC, Agri Academy, Nuffield Scholarships, CowsOnTour and other bursaries and awards that support young people”.

“Technology continues to drive change. The permanent EE phone mast on the showground is planned to have an upgrade to 5G, we look forward to also having a new Vodafone/O2 mast installed. Along with a new website and updated App, we are also looking at ways to extend e-ticketing, introduce a system of on line entries and much more. The world moves on, and the RWAS with it.”

As always, the incredible support and fundraising efforts of their feature counties was recognised. Thanks was given to Montgomeryshire, the 2018 feature county, whose incredible £436,000 is being invested in improving the facilities on the showground for our younger members, and will include the creation of a new and improved Members Bar along with redeveloping the existing Montgomery Pavilion.

In addition to capital investment, the society spends over £400k each year on site compliance and maintenance. This roughly equates to the reported surplus achieved, which in effect means that all profits are re-invested in the showground.

Addressing the members, Mr Seimon Thomas, the 2019 President, thanked his wife, Eleanor, and two children, Sion and Hanna, for their support, along with the wider Pembrokeshire team for their hard work and support during a very busy feature year. He also acknowledged the backing from other counties and thanked them for their support.  “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead our hard working team in Pembrokeshire. We have had a momentous time organising events, none more so than last week’s Grassland event.”

The Royal Welsh Show will take place at the showground in Llanelwedd on 22 – 25 July. For more information on the society or the show please visit www.rwas.wales

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