Sian’s three-year wait for her first Llanfyllin Show as secretary
Llanfyllin and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show secretary Sian Lewis can’t wait for the event to return on Saturday, August 13.
She was appointed to succeed Jill Hollinshead in 2020 but, due to the pandemic, this year’s show – the 51st – will be the first time all her hard work has come to fruition with a physical event.
She did help to organise a scaled down virtual show in 2020 to try to keep the event running, but there is nothing like the real thing and Sian has a family tradition to maintain.
Members of her family have been involved for generations with the popular annual event, which has developed a reputation as the “friendly show” because of the warm welcome given to visitors.
Sian, 26, of Caeau, Llanfyllin, follows in the footsteps of her late grandmother, Jean Lewis.
“It has been a long time coming, but when you have grown up with the show the way I have, it comes naturally,” said Sian. “I have organised one and cancelled one, so it will be nice to have the show back, bringing everybody together again.
“I have been attending Llanfyllin Show since I was in a pram and I don’t think that I have missed one since I was born. Serving the show is a family tradition.
“I am just hoping for good weather on the day which is my main concern. We have a great main attraction in the Atkinson Action Horses and more trade stands than ever, at more than 50.”
Montgomery Young Farmers Clubs will also be holding a speed shearing competition after the last of the main ring entertainment on show evening, with up to 60 young farmers competing.
“With the YFC speed shearing competition and food vendors staying open, we hope people will stay on the show field much later this year,” added Sian.
“Llanfyllin Show is very much a family event, where town and countryside mixes and I think it’s very important to the local agricultural community. Farming can be a lonely job and the show is one day in the year when everyone gathers and has a drink at the end of the day. It brings old and young people together.”
Sian, who is also heavily involved with the YFC movement, works on the family’s dairy, sheep and beef farm at Green Hall with her father, uncles, brother, John and cousin, Richard.
Picture caption:
Llanfyllin Show secretary Sian Lewis maintaining a family tradition.