Mrs Janet Thomas, Secretary

Another year has flown by; it seems just like yesterday when I had to think what to write in last year’s journal report! 

This year has been a very busy year with the club.

Our AGM and Sunday dinner was held at the White Hart Inn, Llandeilo on 25th April 2008.  Mr Meirion Botwood was elected as Chairman and Mr Gareth James Vice Chairman.  Secretary – Janet Thomas, and vice secretary - Mrs Delyth John.

Mr Rowland Rees retired as treasurer of the club after 13 years.  We are truly thankful for all the hard work Rowland has done for the club over the years.  Mr Huw Jones was then elected as treasurer.

Congratulations to club members Gwynfryn and Marian Phillips, Dancoed Herd on winning Female of the Year with Dancoed Ceridwen 3rd, also congratulations to Huw Jones, Gwarcwm Herd with “reserve Bull and Female of the Year”.

As a club we organise several competitions during the year – Small Shows competition, New Entrants competition and The Glyn Jones competition, which are held at smaller shows throughout South Wales during the summer. If you require further information regarding the club’s competitions please contact Janet Thomas.

The Glyn Jones champion heifer competition this year was judged at Llandyfaeliog show, where Judge Mr Hubert Gwynne placed Debbie and Richard Cumming’s heifer as Champion and reserve went to Mr Nigel Morgan.  As a club we are truly grateful to Mr Glyn Jones for his continues generosity in providing a silver cup which is won outright every year.

The Small Shows competition was very kindly sponsored by FUW Financial Services.  This competition ensures that the Welsh Black breed is seen at the smaller shows. 
The results were as follows:-

1st – Gwynfryn and Marian Phillips
2nd – Debbie and Richard Cumming
3rd – Nigel Morgan
4th – Wil and Meinir Davies.

We are grateful to all members for their continued support with the competitions.

At the Winter Fair in Llanelwedd Lorraine Howells and Marian Phillips kindly donate a bottle of whisky each to the highest placed club member exhibiting a homebred steer and heifer.  Mr Huw Jones (Gwarcwm) was the lucky winner of one bottle of whisky, while the other went to Mr Hughson, Ty Mawr, Newbridge on Wye.

On 7th of September members of the club travelled north to Tyddyn Bach, Llanfachreth for the Herd visit by the kind permission of Mr & Mrs Rhys Williams and Family.  Having had a lot of rain during the week, it was lovely to see the sun shining on Tyddyn Bach.  A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was had by all as we toured the farm and saw the “Machreth Herd”.

Everyone who made the journey agreed that it was a special day and thanks must go to Rhys and Family for all their hard work, the refreshments we received and making us feel so welcome.

As the latter part of the summer disappeared under rain and high winds, the club chose one of the warmest Sundays in September to hold its Annual Stock judging competition, by the kindness of Mr & Mrs R Williams (council chairman) and family, Penywern, Talybont.

Breed points of the Welsh Black Cattle were given by Mr Trevor Jones, Cwmcae, while Huw Jones was the judge.
The results are as follows:-
Under 16
1st – Caryl Griffiths
2nd – Evan Rowbotham
3rd – Jac Davies

Under 26
1st – Geraint Jenkins
2nd – Richard Cumming
3rd – Angharad Francis

Open
1st – Siarl Owen
2nd – Meirion Botwood
3rd – Keith Thomas

First prize winners were presented with a trophy each kindly presented by ACT, while 2nd prize winners were presented by a fleece jacket, kindly donated by Hybu Cig Cymru.  Finally 3rd prize winners were presented with a Hybu Cig Cymru apron.
Children were presented with sweets and a cap kindly donated by Hybu Cig Cymru.

Many thanks yet again to Bob, Sue and family for their generous hospitality and warm welcome.

Highlight of the year was our Annual Dinner which was held at The Plough Inn, Rhosmaen, Llandeilo where members and friends were joined by the President of the Welsh Black Cattle Society and his wife -  Mr & Mrs Richard Hughes, for a first class meal.  During the evening a very successful raffle was held and our thanks go to all who donated prizes, including Hybu Cig Cymru.

Climax of the evening was the adjudication of The Herd Competition which was judged by the one and only, Mrs Gwenfair Jones, Hafod yr Esgob.

The winners were as follows:-
10 & under breeding cows
1st – Gwynfryn & Marian Phillips, Dancoed Herd
2nd – Chris & Meg Thorpe, Lucton Herd
3rd – Debbie & Richard Cumming, Llanished Herd

11 - 20 cows
1st – Huw Jones, Gwarcwm Herd
2nd – Ian & Delyth John, Gorsgoch Herd
3rd – Peter & Tania Bowen, Meadowsweet Herd

21 – 35 cows
1st – Rowland Rees, Brysgaga Herd
2nd – Mrs Middleton, Rhaedr Herd
3rd -  Colin Evans, Rhuddel Herd

36 & over
1st – Doug Rowbotham, Penwernhir Herd
2nd – Francis, Tynywaun, Cennen Herd
3rd – Huw & Bethan Williams, Deunant Herd

Group of 4
1st – Rowland Rees, Brysgaga Herd
2nd – Peter & Tania Bowen, Meadowsweet Herd
3rd – Doug Rowbotham, Penwernhir Herd

Cow & Calf
1st – Rowland Rees, Brysgaga Herd
2nd – Debbie & Richard, Llanished Herd
3rd Joint –
Davies, Builth Wells
Meirion Botwood, Felinceiro Herd
Huw Jones, Gwarcwm Herd

Rowland Rees also won bottle of welsh wine kindly given by Mrs Sabrina Johnson, Rhiwlas Isaf, Cilcennen in the above competition.

Our sincere thanks go to Mrs Gwenfair Jones for dedication and professionalism in the task she undertook.

The Russell Smith trophy for the Champion Maiden Heifer at Abergavenny sale during November 2008 was presented to Mr J Pugh, Ty Talgarth, Nantymoel, Bridgend.

The J.P. Rees Memorial trophy for the Champion Maiden Heifer at Llandovery sale during October 2008 was presented to Mr & Mrs Chris Thorpe, Yew Tree House, Lucton, Herefordshire.

Members of the club regularly have bulls, heifers and steers for sale – for further information please see our advert.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all club officials and members for their help and support throughout the year.

Hoffem cymerid y cyfle hwn i ddiolch i swyddogion y clwb ac aelodau am eich cymorth yn ystod y flwyddyn.

If you have enjoyed reading about the South Wales Welsh Black Breeders’ Club then come along and join in the fun!!!

Os bod chi wedi mwynhau darllen am y Clwb, dewch i ymuno yn yr hwyl a sbri!!!

For further information regarding the South Wales Welsh Black Breeders’ Club please contact Janet Thomas on 01558 668264 or Delyth John on 01267 290450.

Young members of the club enjoying the day at Penywern

Winners of the Glyn Jones Competition

 Pictured above- Debbie and Richard Cummings with Glyn Jones and Hubert Gwynne, Judge of the Day.

Dafydd and Daniel Rees, Brysgaga pictured with the cups which they won in the herd competition, 21-35 cows, Group of 4, cow & Calf catogaries

Lorraine Howells presenting winners of the small shows competition to Gwynfryn and Marian Phillips, Dancoed Herd.