A successful AGM and two very different farm visits were held on September 19th, helped – again – by some lovely weather. Having met at the Rhug Estate near Corwen for a quick lunch, we had a somewhat adventurous trip to visit the splendid cattle of Wenallt Fawr, courtesy of Hedd and Helen Jones. High up on the hillside, with the sun shining on a herd with a particularly historic lineage, there was a distinct feeling of being on hafod (summer grazing) pasture, and of having a clear connection back to older times.
We then returned to Rhug for a trailer tour of the Estate, led by the Farm Manager, Gareth Jones, and his wife, Fran. This was an illustration in fully utilising the opportunities for diversification; from hosting community events, through solar panels for energy production and retail facilities via the famous farm shop, to a wide variety of livestock and poultry. The highlight for most was probably the field of bison (and a new Welsh word for some of us!). Although few members will get to farm on the scale of the Rhug Estate, there was plenty to think about as we gathered for the AGM and photo competition in another of the farm’s resources – its dedicated meeting room.
Minutes for the AGM will be distributed in due course. In the meantime, the officers were unanimously re-elected, and a special ‘thank you’ was expressed to the secretaries for all their efforts. Members received their annual reminder of the importance of REGISTERING their animals.
The winners of the photo competition were then announced, having been kindly judged by Dewi Jones. For the third year running, Meirion Owen was overall Champion and Geraint Jones Lewis took Reserve. Congratulations to all.
The evening concluded with a delicious meal in the Rhug farm restaurant, with a menu strongly based on products from the Estate.
The Society sends its warmest thanks to Hedd and Helen Jones, the management and staff of the Rhug Estate, Dewi Jones for judging the photos, and Siân and Gareth Ioan for organising the whole thing!