Royal Welsh Agricultural Society AGM 2024

“It is a pleasure to report back after a successful year, with, at last, some return to normality, being able to plan ahead with some certainty” said Prof. E Wynne Jones OBE FRAg, Chair of Council in his speech to members at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Annual General Meeting on the 26th of June 2024.

The 2024 AGM was held in this year’s Featured County, Ceredigion at Newcastle Emlyn RFC at Dol Wiber, Adpar on the Northern banks of the river Teifi, in this year’s President, Mr Denley Jenkins FRAgS home area. The AGM looked back upon the achievements of last year and forward to this year’s show, which is only a few weeks away.

Chair of Council Mrs Nicola Davies FRAg welcomed members to the AGM. She noted the successes of members and thanked the Featured County, Ceredigion on its efforts over the year “Without doubt 2024 is your year Ceredigion”.

A new Board of Directors was elected at the beginning of the year and Prof. Wynne Jones thanked the previous board for their work and their commitment to the Society. He expressed that the previous board should look back with pride at their contribution to a successful organisation as it moves forward. He acknowledged the contribution of Mrs Nicola Davies FRAg, Chair of Council for her work in revamping the constitution and facilitating the recent changeovers without losing momentum.

Prof. Wynne declared that ‘Financially, we have had a significant turnaround.” He noted that it has been the correct decision to cut out the “nice to do” and focus on the “need to do”. He thanked the Chief Executive for his vision to refresh and re-look at all the Society’s activities. He expressed his gratitude to the Societies Sponsors and its Members who will have increased representation going forward by the new Membership Committee.

Prof. Wynne mentioned the excellent work done on getting the Society’s point of view across to the media on the Welsh Government’s proposed change of School term times. He also declared the Society’s support for the rural community as they deal with political challenges and reminded that the Society supports the industry: “We are you – the membership reflects the rural community”.

Prof. Wynne noted the successes of last year’s events under Glamorgan Feature County, and he congratulated the Chief Executive on the success of the new food village ‘Gwledd’. He mentioned how it had provided a relaxing, safe place for families to enjoy. He also congratulated on the idea of holding an Annual Show Launch in the Featured County and how it had been a success last year at the Senedd and again this year at the National Library of Wales. He felt that it was a great idea to take the Society to its members in the Featured County.

He noted that last year’s show was opened by 3 young people who were part of the RWAS’s Rural Leadership Programme and how impressive the speeches they delivered were. He noted that one of the speakers, Esyllt Griffiths, had gone on to become this year’s Featured County, Ceredigion’s Ambassador and that she had been elected to represent Ceredigion on the Society’s Board.

Whilst noting the Winter Fair’s success, Prof. Wynne congratulated the initiative to bring 3000 school children to the Fair for free. He emphasized the importance of initiatives like this to connect with young people from non-rural areas and that the Society have a “huge job to do in educating people about food production”.

This year’s President, Mr Denley Jenkins FRAg, expressed his delight at being elected President. He said, “There can be fewer greater privileges in life than being elected President of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society by the Committee of the Featured County, Ceredigion”.

He thanked all the team and the Committees across the County who have been organising events to raise funds. He noted the success of the Grassland event at Trawscoed and thanked everyone who had been involved in organising and running the event. He also gave a special thanks to the Ambassador, Esyllt Griffiths and her family for their support.

Treasurer, Mr David Powell presented the Annual Financial Report and reiterated the positive statement that was made by Prof. Wynne Jones at the beginning of his report.

The meeting was concluded with the Chief Executive, Mr Aled Rhys Jones outlined the exciting programme of events for this year’s show; with Horticulture being back, introducing 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 being lifted. The RWAS is excited to welcome the Dancing Diggers to the main ring and a unique display to mark the 120^th anniversary of the Society. The Forestry area will also be a hive of activity as we reach heights with the much-loved pole climbing competition being reintroduced.

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