In a year when Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society had to cancel its three-day show due to foot and mouth disease, it passed four important milestones in its 217-year history.

The irony of the situation was outlined by president Mr Len Thomas in his speech to the annual dinner dance at the County Show Pavilion recently. He said 2001 marked the centenary of the societys revival in 1901, the golden jubilee of its move from the Bridge Meadow and the first two day show in 1951 and the 20th anniversary of the introduction of a three day show in 1981.

The sad fact is that next year, when I hope to have a show to go to, there are no particular milestones or anniversaries to celebrate, he told his audience of 130 members and guests.

He said the century since the last revival in 1901 was the societys longest continuous period of operation, and, apart from some gaps during the two world wars, 2001 was the only year in which no show had been held. It had been a difficult year, but, thanks to the show directors, trustees and staff and the recently formed finance group headed by Mr David Rees, the society had so far weathered the storm.

He paid tribute to those concerned, including the loyal band of stewards who make the shows possible, and thanked his wife Rose, and president-elect Mr John Evans and his wife Janet, for their support. He proposed a toast to the 2002 show and said: May it be the best ever and compensate us for this lost year when we were among the victims of foot and mouth disease.