14 May 2006
Welsh Blacks 'family' gather for annual meeting
Welsh Black Cattle Society members turned out in force for the Society's annual general meeting and dinner at Dolgellau yesterday (May 13th).

The venue was the Fron Olau Farm Hotel, Tabor, Dolgellau, where awards were made and office holders changed.

In his address, retiring President, Evan Tudor of Aber, Trawsfynydd, spoke of his enjoyable year in office which had taken him across the country meeting members and the Society's Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales.

Commenting on the “happy and homely” atmosphere at the gathering Mr Tudor likened the WBCS to a “a large family with everyone working together.”

Mr Tudor handed over the presidential chain of office to Robert Williams, Penywern, Talybont, Ceredigion, who is the WBCS President for 2006-07.

Mr Williams established his Penywern herd in 1946, and his family have been breeding Welsh Black cattle since the turn of the last century. He has held many leading positions within the Society including chairman of council and the 5b project.

President Elect is John Pratt, The Hills Farm, Llanfilo, Talgarth, Brecon. Originally from Yorkshire, Mr Pratt came to Wales in 1957 and has been actively involved with Welsh Black cattle for over 30 years.

It was change-over time for the Young Member Ambassador too, as Heather Carberry, Maple Crest, New Inn, Llandeilo stepped down and Aled John, Gilfach, Llangynog, Carmarthenshire took office.

Various awards* were presented to members based on their achievements during 2005.

It was a great night for the Griffiths family of Glandulais Isaf, Llangybi near Lampeter who took five awards thanks to the performance of their home bred female, Eirianfa Ebrill which was named as the Animal of the Year 2005.

Collecting the awards on behalf of the family was eight year-old Caryl Griffiths, daughter of Alan and Eirian and grand daughter of Gillian Lewis.

Members accepted the Society's accounts and balance sheet, and the AGM concluded with a vote of thanks to the retiring president by Geraint Lloyd Wynne, Meifod Uchaf, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Merionethshire.

The post-AGM dinner was also held at the Fron Olau Farm Hotel, where 150 guests and friends enjoyed a four course meal, the highlight of which was the Welsh Black Beef.

Entertainment was provided by Dafydd Edwards, Plas-y-Bryniau, Bethania, Ceredigion and his two daughters Menna Griffiths and Gwawr Edwards who performed a variety of songs before being joined by S4C presenter and past WBCS President, Dai Jones, Llanilar.

*AWARD RESULTS

Animal of the Year 2006 - Eirianfa Ebrill

Female of the Year 2006 - Eirianfa Ebrill

Reserve Female - Rhyddid Gwenol

Bull of the Year 2006 – Penwernhir Sambo

Reserve Bull – Calveley Ewan

Large Herd of the Year – Graig Goch Herd

Small Herd of the Year – Hafren Herd

Ty'n-y-Bryn Challenge Cup – Graig Goch Berwyn 17 th

Caerberllan Perpetual Trophy – Neuadd Caran Ddu 310 th

J O Pritchard Memorial Challenge – Seisiog Meriel 45 th

Castell Challenge Cup – CwmCynog Samantha

Farmers Marts Award – Owen Bros.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Photos available on request:

Arvid Parry Jones

Tel: 01970 832423

For further information contact:

Andrew James, Chief Executive Welsh Black Cattle Society

Tel: 01982 551111