Council Meeting 2024

Ceredigion’s remarkable year as the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Feature County has drawn to a close, with their term officially ending at the Society’s Annual Council Meeting, held at the showground on Friday, 14th December. The Chair of Council, Mrs Nicola Davies, reflected on what she described as “a year of remarkable growth and achievement by the Society”, while celebrating its 120th anniversary by “honouring its past and embracing its future”.

Under the inspiring leadership of President Denley Jenkins, Ceredigion began their tenure as the 2024 Feature County with enthusiasm and determination. Their tireless efforts culminated in a hugely successful fundraising campaign, raising an astounding £430,000.

Nicola Davies expressed her profound gratitude to the Ceredigion team for their hard work, highlighting the numerous fundraising events arranged over the past two years. She noted how the president had travelled extensively across the county to attend these events and extended thanks to Ceredigion’s Ambassador, Esyllt Ellis Griffiths, for her dedicated service during her term in office.

The county’s efforts were marked by a variety of innovative and engaging fundraising activities. In his address, Ceredigion’s Chair, Mr Rowland Davies, outlined some of these events, including the exceptionally successful 2024 Grassland Event, which raised a staggering £119,030. Other memorable initiatives included quad biking, tractor racing, a “Mr & Mrs” contest, fashion shows, bingos, the ‘Sioe’r Cardis’ pantomime, and the much-loved Nativity Play, which saw committee members and Society officials take centre stage. These activities not only united the community but also raised over £430,000 for the Society as a charity, and an additional £10,000 for local charities.

The Society is delighted with Ceredigion’s decision to invest their funds in improving facilities on the Showground.

In his closing remarks to the Council, Mr Denley Jenkins described being elected as President by the Ceredigion County Advisory Committee as “the greatest honour of my life”. Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed pride in providing a platform for the younger generation, stating, “they are the future of the industry”. He extended heartfelt thanks to the entire Ceredigion committee, with special thanks to Chair, Mr Rowland Davies, Secretary, Mrs Eirlys Lloyd, Treasurer, Mrs Delyth Lloyd-Jones and Vice-Chair, Mr Morris Davies, for all their hard work over the past 2 years. He also noted how fortunate he was to have Mrs Esyllt Ellis Griffiths by his side as Ambassador and how she’d “fulfilled her role admirably”. Mr Jenkins also thanked his family for their continued support throughout his presidency.

Looking ahead, the baton now passes to Caernarfon, who will take up the mantle as the 2025 Feature County. They have already hit the ground running, and the Society is excited to see what they will accomplish in the year ahead.

Thank you, Ceredigion, for an extraordinary year, and best of luck to Caernarfon as they embark on their journey!