A man who has been a competitor and judge at Llanfyllin Show is stepping up this year to become president of the popular summer event on August 11.
“I feel very honoured to be president this year,” said Simon Baynes, of Bodfach Hall, Llanfyllin. “It’s a fantastic show which seems to get better every year.
“I have been very impressed by the hard working committee because putting on an event like this is a huge task.”
Mr Baynes and his wife, Maggie, are hosting a president’s lunch in a marquee at Bodfach Park on July 29, where entertainment will be provided by the Glyn Owens duo. Tickets, which include a drink on arrival and a two course hot lunch, cost £22.50 and are available from show secretary Jill Hollinshead on 01691 828628.
Mr Baynes, who recently stood down as a local Powys County Councillor, was brought up from the age of 12 at Llanwddyn where his late father, Sir John Baynes, ran Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
He recalls attending Llanfyllin Show, fondly known as the “friendly show”, as a teenager and won first prize with home-grown sweetpeas when he was 15.
“The show is important for the agricultural community in particular and the local community in general,” said Mr Baynes. “It is also an important tourist attraction, bringing money to the town.”
Mr Baynes and his family moved to Bodfach Hall five and half years ago and his mother, Lady Shirley Baynes, lives just outside the town. His brother, Christopher, used to play cricket for Llanfyllin at Bodfach Hall and his parents were loyal supporters of charity events there, when it was owned by Ian Gray, a former High Sheriff.
Having spent 25 years working in the City, he moved back to the area in 2007 and is now following in his father’s footsteps by developing a career as a writer of history books.
Star attraction at this year’s action-packed Llanfyllin Show is Savage Skills from Clun, described as the UK’s most accomplished freestyle mountain bike stunt team. The show attracts around 4,000 visitors and competitors from across Wales and the border counties.
PICTURE: Llanfyllin Show president Simon Baynes with his family.