"Day two of the Royal Welsh and unfortunately the classic Welsh weather caught up with us, but as usual spirits were still high and it was a good day for the ducks.
At the YFC arena, it was particularly pleasing to see such strong support for the teams competing despite the weather. It is quite remarkable really that so many people turned out on a wet Welsh windy day to support the Show. It really shows what commitment the farming community has in supporting the World's premier agricultural show.
People were flocking to the YFC stage to watch a multitude of competitions, from dressing up a Club Leader to the hotly contested dancing competition. All of these competitions drew in the crowds and ensured that the YFC arena was one of the MUST visit attractions of the show!
Behind closed doors there are a lot of meetings, receptions and visits that offer an alternative side to the Show that not many are lucky enough to see. Today was just as busy as any other show day with the Chairman's Reception playing host to people from all over the World. A good time was had by all and ex-Chief Executive, Diane Davies was given a present as a reward for all her hard work over the past years for the good of the YFC movement.
The President of the Royal Welsh Show also paid us a visit, which was a great honour and it was an excellent experience to meet her. One of the highlights of the day for me was of course the Training and Promotions presentation for the Show. Every year something unorthodox and entertaining comes along and this year they did not disappoint. Our esteemed Chairman, Vice Chairman, Rural Affairs Vice and YPV Organiser donned err... less than flattering outfits and provided great entertainment. However, it did have a serious side and a lot of money was raised for an excellent cause - Diabetes UK.
I'm halfway through my time with the YFC at the Royal Welsh Show and I have particularly enjoyed it and also learnt some things along the way. My Welsh has come along more in the past two days than it had in six months of School! I've also learnt never to trust park and rides, never to trust Derek and his weather reports and when I grow up I am going to sell umbrellas because today they were the real winners of the show!
During the week, we have been most fortunate to have the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs President, Lionel Hill join us. Those who have met Lionel will agree that he is an excellent asset to the movement and his support is much appreciated. He has been looking after an Austrian visitor and I left her in his capable hands. However, if she goes to the Young People's Village with him, I can assure you she will never be quite the same again!
There are still two good nights entertainment to be had at the YPV and tomorrow night Goldie Lookin' Chain are headlining! Now that will be an interesting experience for all and I'm sure some of the older members will not know what has hit them! The foam party last night was a massive success and the Village was packed nearly to capacity. I will not be able to attend tonight as I have to be bright eyed and bushy tailed tomorrow because I will be appearing on Radio Wales with Jamie Owen and Louise Elliott at 9.00am together with other YFC members to promote our Organisation to a large audience.
Hopefully tomorrow the weather will improve and we will be able to finally venture outside without living in fear of stepping into a massive puddle! There will also be many competitions to enjoy including YFC has got talent, which I am looking forward to. Oh and there is the final of the YFC rugby to enjoy where I will no doubt be supporting my home County of Brecknock."
Report by Aled R Jones, Wales YFC Junior Member of the Year
