2017 Royal Welsh Agricultural Show

The branch attended the 2017 Royal Welsh Agricultural Show between the dates of 24th – 28th July. DSWA Wales were located in the Countryside Area as a demonstrator to the show next to the pond.

The objective of this years show was two fold. Our first objective was to build a small wall enclosure/bench which would surround a memorial wooden bench to the late Moc Morgan OBE. In addition to this the branch would provide information and advice to visitors of the show.

In preparation for the show Master Craftsman Alan Jones,  Secretary Brian Lock and member Martyn Jones had previously visited the show ground at Llanelwedd. On the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of July the members constructed the bench in its entirety as it was deemed unfeasible to construct after the show had commenced. Brian even managed to do a radio interview at 07:00 am for the BBC Radio Wales Country Focus programme (Approximately 20 min. into the show). It turned out to be a very busy day for all, by 1pm Brian and Alan were on the Gower Peninsular to recce a training site at Mewslade Bay! This is part of the Gower Landscape Partnership initiative to provide dry stone walling taster day in August 2017 to the people of Gower.

The week was a thorough success with further television interviews for S4C. A demonstration wall was constructed with care and attention from members Ian, Richard and Chairman John. The most challenging aspect was preventing show visitors from sitting on the unfinished bench!

We thank Gwrhyd Quarry for the Stone and the RWAS for an excellent show. It was an honour to build the memorial bench for the late Moc Morgan OBE and we think he would be very pleased with the finished piece.