‘Shows preserve way of life’

 

Businessman James Pickstock from Plas Dyffryn, Meifod is looking forward to the popular annual event on Saturday, August 13.

 

“I am highly honoured to be invited to become show president,” he said. “The community has supported my business and I have great friends in Llanfyllin, which has an excellent banking facility that I use daily for my business.

 

”It also has excellent shops and restaurants and the show reflects the great community spirit.

 

“It’s very important to local communities that shows of this type keep going and are traditional. I think youngsters should be encouraged by their parents to show whatever exhibits they have and it doesn’t have to be a prize-winning beast!

 

“I fear that young people are no longer learning the practical skills that we grew up with. That’s where local shows, like Llanfyllin, come in because they do encourage children to learn skills.

 

“The show attracts a mixture of country and town residents as well as visitors to the area and I think it plays a key role as an educational day. This is an event where you can see agriculture at its best.”

 

Mr Pickstock has fond memories of the show from his childhood. He recalls travelling to Llanfyllin from his home, Celyn Farm between Meifod and Bwlch y Cibau, at the age of 10 with his brother Brian on a Bantam 125 motorbike driven by the late Mr T. C. Gittins, Brookhouse, Meifod.

 

“It was a very exciting day for us, a highlight of school holidays,” he recalls. “As we approached the show I could hear music from Porthywaen Silver Band. I also remember all the top showjumpers of their day competing and Galloway racing and trotting races were a very exciting end to the show.”

 

Mr Pickstock, a member of Llanfyllin Cricket Club for many years, is organising his president’s lunch in a marquee at Plas Dyffryn, Meifod on Sunday, July 31 when entertainment will be provided by auctioneer Glyn Owens from Ruthin. Tickets are now on sale from show committee members.

 

For more information contact show secretary Jill Hollinshead on 01691 828628 or visit the show’s website at www.llanfyllinshow.co.uk.