​‘Fewer greater privileges than being RWAS president’ says Denley

President Denley Jenkins’ opening address at the annual meeting

“There can be fewer greater privileges in life than being elected president of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society,” Denley Jenkins told the annual meeting held in Ceredigion, featured county at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
 
He thanked the team and committees across Ceredigion for organising fundraising events, making special mention of ambassador Esyllt Griffiths and her family for their support.
 
Held at Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club, in Mr Jenkins’ home area, the meeting reviewed last year’s achievements and looked forward to this year’s show, to be held at the Llanelwedd showground from July 22-25.
 
Chair of RWAS Council Mrs Nicola Davies thanked Ceredigion on its efforts over the past year.
 
Prof. Wynne Jones, OBE, chair of the RWAS Board of Directors, said there had been “a significant” financial turnaround and he thanked chief executive Aled Rhys Jones for his vision to refresh all the society’s activities.
 
He thanked RWAS sponsors and members whom, he said, will have increased representation on a new membership committee.
 
He praised the RWAS for its media campaign against the Welsh Government’s proposed change of summer school term times and declared the society’s support for rural communities to deal with political challenges.
 
Prof. Wynne noted the successes of last year’s events under Glamorgan feature county and praised the new food village ‘Gwledd’ which had provided a relaxing, safe place for families to enjoy.
 
Last year’s show was opened by three young people who were part of the RWAS’s Rural Leadership Programme, including Esyllt Griffiths, Ceredigion’s Ambassador this year who will represent the county on the RWAS Board.
 
Prof. Jones emphasised the importance of initiatives, such as inviting 3,000 school children to the Winter Fair for free, which connect with young people from non-rural areas. RWAS had a “huge job to do in educating people about food production”, he added
 
RWAS chief executive Mr Jones outlined the exciting programme of events for this year’s show. Horticulture returns along with two competition marquees, a new skills and learning hub called Dysgubor, a sensory garden, micro show gardens, commercial stands and a food and drink court.
 
Poultry is also returning following the lifting of Avian Flu restrictions, the Dancing Diggers will entertain in the main ring and there will be a unique display to mark the RWAS’s 120th anniversary. The forestry area will also be a hive of activity with the much-loved pole climbing competition reintroduced.
 
Visit www.rwas.wales for more information about the RWAS and Royal Welsh Show.