Great response to 150th Llanfyllin Show memorabilia display appeal

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An appeal for memorabilia for a special display to celebrate Llanfyllin Show’s 150th anniversary next month has generated an enthusiastic response.

 

The show committee, which is pulling out all the stops to mark the landmark event in the history of Llanfyllin and surrounding area on Saturday, August 10, has received show schedules dating back to the early 1900s, old show posters, lots of old photographs and newspaper cuttings and even the promise of some artefacts.

 

“We have had a great response to the appeal and most of the donated items are newspaper cuttings and old photographs relating to the pictorial history of the show over the decades,” said Janet Jones, this year’s show president.

 

“We even have old show schedules going back to the 1900s which are brilliant. Some people who have cups, which they won outright, have offered to bring them to this year’s show for the display.”

 

She and Derwenna Davies spent time researching the show’s history by viewing back copies of the County Times and Express and the newspaper’s predecessor in library archives.

 

“It was a fascinating afternoon,” added Janet. “At the turn of the century, it was the local gentry who were show president and chairman, but that changed over the years as local families began to take on the roles.

 

“Generations of families have supported the show and I think that is a big plus for Llanfyllin. The only times there hasn’t been a show was during the two World Wars and during Foot and Mouth Disease. That’s a very impressive record of bringing the community together.

 

“A recurring theme every 20 to 30 years has been the need to get young people involved on the committee and it’s the same today. The show has changed with the times and adapted to what younger people would like to see.”

 

There’s still time to loan memorabilia for the display. Contact secretary Jill Hollinshead, Newbridge Cottage, Llansantffraid, Powys SY22 6SY, Tel: 07398 310735 or Email: secretary@llanfyllinshow.co.uk .

 

Janet’s President’s Lunch is being held in a marquee at Bodfach Park on Sunday, July 28 when entertainment will be provided by pupils from Llanfyllin High School.

 

Show chairman for the third time is local businessman Dyfrig Jones from Four Crosses, who follows in the footsteps of his father and uncles in filling the hot seat.

 

Known as the ‘friendly show’ because of the warm welcome extended to visitors, the event is held at Bodfach Park by kind permission of the Bodfach Trust and this year’s president.

 

Star attraction is the Broke FMX Stunt Display Team which will give two electrifying displays of freestyle motocross. The thrill of seeing motorbike riders jumping 35 feet in the air pulling acrobatic stunts over gaps approaching 100 feet is certain to entertain spectators.

 

Another show highlight is the sheep shearing competition, which brings together some of the best sheep shearers from across Wales.

 

New this year is circus skills, while returning favourites include Porthywaen Silver Band, a Village Green, a vintage machinery display, a fun fair, children’s activities, a donkey derby and a good selection of trade stands.

 

Following cases of equine flu across Wales and the UK, owners who wish to enter horses in the show must have had them vaccinated in time.

 

There are also classes for sheep, horticulture, floral art, cookery and craft, sheep shearing and sheepdog trials. Spectators are encouraged to take along their dogs to enter in a dog show and terrier racing.

 

The show schedule and entry forms are available to download online from http://www.llanfyllinshow.co.uk/ . Entries close on Thursday, August 1 when officials will be available at the Institute, Llanfyllin from 2pm to 6pm to receive them.

 

Picture caption:

 

To celebrate Llanfyllin Show’s 150th anniversary on August 10, pupils of Llanfyllin Primary School took part in a special photo call to spell out the milestone.

 

Ends

 

For more information please contact either Llanfyllin Show secretary Jill Hollinshead on 07398 310735 or Duncan Foulkes, public relations consultant, on 01686 650818.