Rob’s Llanfyllin Show journey from gymkhana rider to chairman

Sheep, beef and pheasant farmer Rob Jones is combining his new role as Llanfyllin Show chairman with stewarding for next month’s annual event.

Rob, of Pentre Farm, Dolanog, has been attending his local show – known as the ‘friendly show’ due to the warm welcome given to all visitors – since the age of nine.

He started competing in the gymkhana classes, progressed to sheep and horses and joined the show committee in his 20s. He has been chief ring steward, serving alongside chief field steward Pryce Roberts for a number of years.

With Pryce’s retirement, Rob is set to take on both roles with the support of his colleagues.

“The show always runs like clockwork,” he said. “We are very lucky that everybody knows what they are doing and it’s now second nature to them. It takes three nights to set up the show, yet it’s taken down and the site cleared by 1pm next day. The community spirit is great.

“People who attend the show once always seem to come back because they are made to feel so welcome and some travel a long way to show their animals, especially horses.”

Rob has been impressed by the evolution of the show over the years, especially the number and quality of sheep entries.

“In the past, a lot of local farmers would bring the sheep straight off their fields to show them,” he said. “Now, farmers breed sheep especially to show them and ensure that they always look their best.

“Last year, there were 400 show sheep, which is as a strong as any local show and we had another 600 sheep for shearing. It’s a fantastic showcase for our countryside and town and it attracts so many people who are originally from the area.”

Rob and his wife, Ruth, have three children and four grandchildren, many of whom will be attending the show to give their support.

The show is being held at Bodfach Park, Llanfyllin on Saturday, August 8, by permission of Christopher and Laura Acton and Janet Jones.

Closing date for entries is Thursday, July 30, when show section secretaries will be available at The Institute, Llanfyllin from 2pm to 6pm. Entries for the horse section will be accepted on the day at £10 per class.

Star attractions this year include the BMX Show, featuring three riders who perform two, breath-taking, 30-minute displays and Pantasy Steel Band from Telford, which will provide musical entertainment alongside Porthywaen Silver Band and Penybontfawr Male Voice Choir. 

Other highlights are the Four Valleys Speed Shear, organised by Llanfyllin, Dyffryn Banw, Dyffryn Tanat and Vyrnwy Valley Young Farmers’ Clubs and the final qualifying event for the Royal Welsh Lamb Shearing Championship, the final of which is held in Rhayader on August 23. 

Discounted show tickets can be snapped up online for the early bird price before August 1 at:https://llanfyllinshow.co.uk .  Main sponsor for a second year is Llanfyllin-based HIJ Electrical .

Show president is Glandon Lewis, a partner and auctioneer with Welshpool-based Morris Marshall & Poole, He is holding his president’s lunch in a marquee on the show field on August 2. Tickets costing £35 are available from secretary, Sian Lewis at: Email: llanfyllinshowsecretary@hotmail.com  or Tel: 07398183065.

There are classes for sheep, horses, showjumping, cookery and crafts, horticulture and floral art, a dog show, parades by South Shropshire Hunt and Mid Wales Vintage Machinery Club, a fancy dress competition, children’s sports and a Village Green which includes a Punch & Judy show and bouncy castle.