Montgomeryshire’s incredible Royal Welsh feature county year has come to a close as the its term-of-office ended at the society’s annual council meeting, held on Friday, December 7.

Led by president, Tom Tudor, the 2018 Feature County began its journey with a vision to bring people together and raise funds for the society. “We didn’t set a target”, Mr Tudor said, “We just wanted to enjoy ourselves and have fun.”

The determined Montgomeryshire team worked together and reached the end of its successful campaign having raised an unbelievable £430,000.

David Lewis, chair of Council for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) said: “On behalf of the society I also extend our heartfelt admiration and thanks to our president, Tom Tudor, wife Ann, the whole Tudor family, the wider Montgomeryshire family and everyone who has come together in the name of Sir Drefaldwyn in your successful term as our Feature County. I would also like to pay tribute to your chair, Anwen Orrells, secretary Jan Phillips, treasurer Huw Tudor and lady ambassador Cathrin Roberts. Well done to all of you on an outstanding year.”

Through a whole host of events such as the 2018 Grassland Event, Strictly Come Dancing, a mock wedding, concerts, fashion shows, auctions, Party in the Park, the Tour de Maldwyn, to name just a few, the team has had an extremely busy two years. Not only had they raised money for the society, but their efforts had also resulted in raising over £15,000 for cancer charities, including the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and Bowel Cancer UK.

In her vote of thanks to Mr Tudor, as the retiring 2018 president, chair of the Montgomeryshire advisory committee, Anwen Orrells said: “The one key admiration we all have of Tom is his outstanding grit, determination and strength of character, which has never faulted. With Ann’s amazing support, he has provided us with outstanding guidance and direction throughout.

“Many thanks Tom, Ann and the whole Tudor family. You have been a true inspiration to us all and I, the committee and the people of Montgomeryshire, are proud to be able to have been able to have share the journey with you.”

The society said it was delighted that Montgomeryshire has decided to invest its funds in facilities for the younger Royal Welsh Agricultural Society members. It said the permanent structure that will host the improved Members’ Bar will create a better facility for the next generation. Additional funds will also go towards improving the existing Montgomery Pavilion.

“What makes the Royal Welsh, and its events, so special is our ‘feature county’ model with the people of Wales, our culture and our traditions” said Mr Tudor as he thanked his team members for their, hardwork and support. “The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is a Welsh treasure, and as Brian Jones said so often before me, the efforts of Montgomeryshire are there for the whole of Wales to benefit from.”

Following in the footsteps of the 2018 Feature County of Montgomeryshire, it is now the turn of Pembrokeshire to take up the mantle for forthcoming year of 2019.