Hailed as ‘the best day ever’ by Angus Wyse a member of the Llandsyul and District Agricultural Show committee, the last local show of 2018 went ahead this year with some good entries, a great turnout of spectators, and to top it all, ideal weather. Held at Caeau Hengae Fields on the outskirts of Llandysul, the show saw a very high standard of stock in all sections, writes Anwen Francis

Its longstanding secretary, Beth Davies said everything went to plan.

“It’s been great and things have run to time. We’ve had a lot of entries on the day and we see a trend that more and more people are entering on the day rather than before -hand. We’ve had good entries and over 50 equine exhibitors pre-entered. We seem to have more people on the field too and that’s good news.”

Angus added: “I must say it has gone particularly well – fantastic in fact. We are very pleased with the quality of the stock, the judging too. It’s been the best day ever for the show and we must thank everyone for helping and attending.”

At around midday, the main ring saw a colourful display of fox hounds from the Vale of Clettwr Hunt, led by new huntsman, Martin Richards on his grey steed.

Llanarth village Welsh Pony and Cob breeders Glen and Karen Harris added to their success this year with their homebred Section A dun stallion Windleshaw Mr Darcy wiping the board. By Dyfed Harlequin out of Windleshaw Destiny, the seven year old stallion was first in the Section A stallion class and took the championship, was then awarded a first and res champion in the Mountain and Moorland section before proceeding to the Overall Welsh Breeds supreme and being awarded res champion to Ffosyffin’s Mathew Dixon with his Section C mare – Maesllwch Madam Heartbreaker.

This Section C broodmare went on to win Supreme of Show and winning her first ever Welsh Pony and Cob Society bronze medal.

Mathew said: “It was a fantastic feeling to have not only won the C championship but to go on and win the supreme with a young mare.”

Reserve Supreme of show went to the Harris and Evans Families of Rhos, Llangeler – with the Llandysul Show being literally on their doorstep. The families had a 2018 show to remember returning with a fistful of rosettes and cups for the trophy cabinet.

“Alis had reserve supreme with Rhosalen First of May, a six year old homebred mare. The pair took champion children’s riding and champion WPBR. Her sister Elen had champion veteran in hand with Manorfields Puzzle and reserve champion with the Section A, Lacy Ellie. Cadi had a first in the lead rein M&M with the same pony,” said proud mum Sarah Evans.

Valmai Thomas of the Mount Pleasant Stud, north Pembrokeshire, helped by her daughter Ceirios, saw their three year old bay homebred filly Mount Pleasant China Doll taking the Pony Breeding Championship, with Mount Pleasant Magic Mike, a foal, taking reserve spot. China Doll was also res champion in the Welsh Part Bred section.The Stud has had great success this year with China Doll taking Champion Welsh Part Bred at Pembrokeshire County Show, Welsh Part Bred, Part Bred Arab and Riding Pony Breeding Champion at Cothi Bridge and the Champion Arab at Pontardulais Show - all in very good company.

Mother of three Valmai said: “We always come to Llandysul Show – it’s local to us, and we support local shows. It’s also a nice, friendly show and the good weather has really helped. It’s so important to support shows like this, as without our support, shows won’t survive.”

The new rubbish bin competition organised by the show committee specifically for junior schools saw very colourful bins adorning the show field, with Teifi Tots from Newcastle Emlyn winning the competition, Canolfan Deuluol Llandysul Family Centre in second and Ysgol Penboyr, Drefach Felindre in third place. 11 junior schools in the area entered the competition.

The show came to an end with the popular dance in the company of H A’i Fand, Newshan and Dafydd Pantrod a’i Fand on the show field.

Beth concluded: “It was a very successful show both day and night!

The committee would like to thank everyone for their tireless work and continued support and we look forward to seeing everyone next year.”

Results:

Cattle:

Supreme and Champion Beef: Lewis Glandulais with their Welsh Blacks.

Charolais: Steffan James, Carmarthen

Limousin: Phil Davies, Coedybryn

Sheep: Gethin Davies, Bethania.

Tradestand Large: Evans Bros, Llanybydder (first time at the show)

Small tradestand: Anni-bendod – glitter / craft making

Vintage: Wyn Thomas / Vintage small: Ivor Thomas, Capel Dewi.

Horses and Ponies

Shires: Elfed and Louise Davies