Since a child 21 year-old Heather of Maple Crest, New Inn, Llandeilo, has helped with the family's cattle.As Ambassador, Heather, who works at UGS Builders Merchants in Cross Hands, represents the Society at major events throughout the year such as presenting awards at the Royal Welsh Show to young farmers cooking Welsh Black beef fillet steaks.

“It's been a great honour being the WBCS's Young Ambassador,” said Heather.

“My biggest delight was winning the heifer class at last year's Royal Welsh Show during my year in office. I have had a tremendous time and would encourage any young breeder to put themselves forward for position of Young Ambassador in the future.”

In partnership with her mother Christine – who is WBCS Council member for Carmarthenshire – Heather competes at local, county and national show levels, with great success. Christine, whose family – the Thomas' of Crymlyn Manor, Bethlehem, Llandeilo – also established one of Wales' first pedigree Friesian herds in 1921, has a long association with the Welsh breed, forming the Crymlyn Welsh Black herd in 1967.

On the 12 acre Mapel Crest, are kept six pedigree Welsh Black breeding cows with surplus cattle sold at Society sales at Llandovery and Abergavenny.The mother and daughter team have numerous awards under their belts. During 2004 they had a particularly successful showing season with their cow Graig-Goch Meriel 13th. Among the awards was the cow with suckling calf at foot title at the Royal Welsh Show; the Supreme Beef title in the inter breed competition at the Monmouthshire Show.

There were further successes for Graig-Goch Meriel 13th in 2004, namely WBCS Reserve Female of the Year.Meanwhile 2005 saw a 15 month old home bred heifer – Crymlyn June 3rd – placed first in the yearling class at the Royal Welsh Show, as well as taking the South Wales Welsh Black Breeders' Club's maiden heifer title at the last show of the season in Llandysul.

Heather's show ring successes also include the Young Handlers Competition at the 2005 Royal Welsh Show where she came a tremendous fourth out of 34 entries.

“Heather has proved herself to be an excellent and worthy Ambassador for the Welsh Black breed,” said WBCS Chief Executive, Andrew James.

“She is equally committed to her work life and has recently been appointed sales co-ordinator with UGS and naturally is looking forward to the new challenges which she will face in 2006. Her enthusiasm for Welsh Black cattle shines through, and it is very encouraging to see the next generation of farmers taking such an active interest in both the Society and Wales' native cattle.”

NOTES TO EDITORS
The Young Member Ambassador competition was instigated in August 2001. The winner receives the Andrew James Perpetual Trophy, and to date the position has been held by young members from Monmouthshire, Caernarfon and Carmarthenshire. Any young member wishing to enter next year's competition should contact the WBCS office on 01982 551111. The closing date for entries is April 15, 2006.