by Meyrick Brown

Following a hugely successful launch dinner at the Pembrokeshire Showground, attended by around 600 enthusiastic supporters, the financial appeal for the centenary Royal Welsh Show in 2019 has got well under way.

Chairman Meurig James has confirmed that Pembrokeshire is now officially the feature county elect, with both Seimon Thomas and Emily Davies having been confirmed as president and lady ambassador elect.

He added: “We can now press on in earnest with our fundraising activities, and decide upon what development project we are going to support for the improvement of the Llanelwedd Showground.”

He quoted John Davies, chairman of the board of directors, as commenting that in years gone by, an individual project of around £250,000 was achievable, but with various rising costs etc, possibly it would need more than one county’s efforts to complete a major project from now on.

“The ‘Invest to Save’ projects are now of priority. It must be noted that a prime example where savings can be made is the horticultural marquee, which costs some £50,000 to hire and erect and dismantle every year, and shortly afterwards the Kennel Club erect a similar sized one for their show," he said.

“A proposal presently being favoured is a new two-storey building to accommodate horticulture on the ground floor – which could be used as a conference hall/ exhibition centre at other times – and the society’s main offices to be relocated to the first floor.”

It is anticipated that a variety of fundraising events will be taking place within the county over the next 16 months or so that will bring out the very best of community spirit and at the same time prove to be thoroughly enjoyable for all concerned.

Several area committees have already commenced their programme with a ladies group, the WI and Merched y Wawr and the YFCs all coming together.

PRESELI AREA

President Seimon Davies and his wife, Elinor, have a Celebrity Rugby Match lined up at Narberth RFC on Sunday, April 29 (contact Seimon 01239 698240 for details). Also a social evening following an Open Day at Cardigan Shires by kind invitation of John and Marion Fletcher at Penrallt Uchaf, Moylegrove on Sunday, May 13 (contact Geraint James 01239 820430) and a Noson Lawen at Penrallt ddu, Pontfaen in early June.

Other events being arranged include an afternoon tea at the Salutation Inn, Felindre Farchog and at Castell Henllys: Fashion Shows at Llwyngwair Mansion, Newport, by Ededa J, Newcastle Emlyn and Steil, Cardigan and Aberaeron.

NORTH WEST

Edward Perkins confirms that the North Pembrokeshire Farmers Club had pledged £500 and that a quiz evening at the Fishguard Bay Hotel on Tuesday, April 17, would set their ball rolling. (Team captains to contact Edward on 01348 874121).

Dates have also to be confirmed for a fashion show at Letterston and a pleasure walk around Dinas Island.

CENTRAL AREA

Carwyn Rees reports that various ideas and locations are being discussed and potential sponsors targeted.

With dates yet to be finalised these include a Curry & Quiz night with Peter Llewellin at the Picton Centre; an Open Day at Puffin Produce; a Pony Show; Race Night and a Pig Roast evening at Lower Freystrop at the end of August.

SOUTH WEST

Delana Davies says they propose to stage a Fashion Show by Vanessa of Milford Haven (possibly at Woodhouse Barn, Rosemarket); a Tractor Run and Duck Races at Little Haven in the summer to entertain the tourists.

YOUNG FARMERS

Emily Davies indicated that, although most clubs were presently engaged in rally preparations some 35 to 40 members and the county organiser had attended a very worthwhile meeting.

MARKETING

At the last county meeting thoughts were engaged with several unique events such as Strictly Come Dancing, a major Tug o’ War challenge, a Bavarian Night, Take Me Out event and a Pembs Got Talent of current and ex-YFC members.

Noting that the age of Facebook users is getting older it was also decided to create a Facebook page (pembrokeshire 2019 rwas feature county).

Carwyn Rees noted that three companies had been spoken to with regards to providing items of clothing such as a gilet (bodywarmer), long sleeve rugby shirt, polo T-shirt, tie, and a child’s hoodie.

Gareth James considered that the quality of the clothing was important and Emily Davies felt that the items should be reasonably priced, so that they would be readily saleable and some of the lady members appeared interested in publishing a calendar.