THIS year Powys County Council’s (PCC) activities at the Royal Welsh Show will be smaller then usual, due to the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election.

But they still have many activities and events planned for the week that is seen by many as the pinnacle of UK’s Farming year.

The slimmed down itinerary,  which includes a visit by royalty, is due to the lock down of political decisions imposed by “Purdah”.

Until the polls close at 10pm on Thursday, August 1, PCC’s work is constrained,

This is in case decisions made by the council gives a candidate in the by-election an advantage.

On Monday afternoon, July 22, a formal reception will be held for their Royal Highnesses, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Pumi, head of the Zulu nation, who will be visiting the show.

This year is the 140th anniversary of the Anglo-Zulu war in what is now South Africa.

Following the aftermath of the Battle of Isandlwana where Zulu warriors routed the British Forces, a group of around 150 soldiers many from the Brecon based 24th Regiment of Foot, were at Rorke’s Drift.

They faced another Zulu army of 4,000 warriors which they fended off following 10 hours of fighting.

Following the battle 11 defenders were awarded Victoria Crosses and the 24th foot eventually the became known as the South Wales Borderers.

Later on Monday the council will highlight the work of The DPJ Foundation which was set up in July 2016 following the death of Daniel Picton-Jones. The foundation aims to support people in rural communities with poor mental health, especially men in the agricultural sector.

On Tuesday, July 23, a formal meeting to discuss trade links between, Powys, Wales, and South Africa which include the deputy high commissioner of South Africa will take place.

A reception hosted by Social Care Wales raising awareness and discussing the challenges and opportunities around recruiting and retaining care workers in rural Wales, will take place.

A  reception celebrating volunteers in Powys, and the work they do to support their communities will be held from 5pm.

On Wednesday, July 24, PCC will launch their own trading company, Powys Commercial Services.

At 5pm a reception celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Welsh Show, and the fact that it has been held in Powys for 63 of those years, wil be held.

There will also be displays about PCC services and organisation can be seen outside the Twr Brycheiniog building including:

Growing Mid Wales;

Mid Wales My Way (information);

Mid Wales My Way (display);

Move to Powys;

Powys Recycles;

Dragon Tree;

Wales Co-Operative Centre;

Dementia Matters;

Canal and Rivers Trust (information).