Record breaking ‘friendly show’

The records keep tumbling at the ‘friendly show’ in Llanfyllin where the organisers were blessed with their best ever gate receipts and bumper entries in most competition classes on Saturday.

The fine weather was perfect as more than 5,000 people, including a high number of tourists, flocked to the annual Llanfyllin Show held at Bodfach Park by permission of Simon and Maggie Baynes and Janet Jones.

Five hundred sheep entries were received, a 180-foot long floral art, horticulture and cookery marquee had to be extended by 30 feet to pack in all the floral arrangements, 25 per cent more horses competed and the dog show attracted 280 entries, as the event continued to set new standards.

Star attraction this year was Above and Beyond, who performed two visually stunning and breathtaking aerial displays and the last event in the main ring was terrier racing.

Local sheepdog trials were held on the eve and day of the show and the Village Green had children’s activities and performances by Tanat Folk Dancers and Porthywaen Silver Band, while a fashion show, organised by Jems Dress Agency, Oswestry, was held in the horticulture marquee.

Other attractions included showjumping, a donkey derby, fun fair, a display by Montgomeryshire Vintage Club, Tanatside Hounds and 50 trade stands.

Emyr Jones, chairman, praised the contribution made by president Mrs Moyra Griffiths and her family and congratulated secretary Jill Hollinshead and section secretaries for organising another “fantastic” show.

“I was very pleased with how everything worked on the day and it’s great that the show continues to grow,” said Mr Jones. “Probably the two highlights for me were standing at the top of the sheep line and seeing the 500 sheep and admiring all the produce and preparation that had gone into the horticulture, cookery and craft entries. They were phenomenal.”

He was also greatly encouraged by the large number of young volunteers who turned out on Sunday to clear the showground.

“There is a family tradition that the children follow their parents and come on board to support the show, but it’s still very nice to see them on a Sunday morning helping with the clean-up,” he added. “The show just couldn’t exist without all these people and its continued growth is a testament to their hard work.”

Bethan Jones, secretary of the horticulture section, believes the secrets of the show’s enduring success are its beautiful setting, its traditional approach, the strength of each of the show sections alongside the family entertainment programme and its friendly atmosphere.

“I met a lady who travels up every year from Hampshire with her family to attend the show, which she loves,” she said. “The fun of competing and creating your exhibits, then spending the day in beautiful Bodfach Park is a strong appeal.”