Each year the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society presents a series of honorary awards to people who have given exceptional service to the society, mainly in a voluntary capacity, and in many cases for well over 30 years.

Yesterday (Monday July 18) a total of eight honorary awards were presented at an award ceremony on the first day of the Royal Welsh Show. The awards included including one honorary life membership, five honorary life governorships and two honorary life vice-presidency.

The Hon Mrs Shan Legge Bourke DCVO received her life vice-presidency award from the 2016 President, Mr Richard Jones and his wife, Linda.

Shan has been a loyal supporter of the Society for many years. As member of the Breconshire Advisory, Previous Board and Council Member, she also played a key role in the society’s centenary celebrations in 2004. As Lord Lieutenant of Powys Shan has also played an important role in the many visits of members of the Royal family and it is fitting in this, the Queen's 90th year, that we pay tribute to the outstanding contribution Shan has made to the Society.

The lists of other awardees is as follows.

Honorary life membership

Mr Cliff Howells

Cliff has been a cattle steward for many years and more recently has been responsible for organising and running the dairy parlour. Cliff recently suffered a stroke and has stepped down from stewarding at the Winter Fair and this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

Honorary Life Governorship

Mr Beverley Watkins

Bev Watkins has been a steward in the society’s International Pavilion for over 33 years. He started before the current pavilion was built and is often the first face to greet you in reception. He has been a member of the Radnor Advisory Committee.

Mr Howard Owens

Howard has also stewarded in the International Pavilion for over 33 years and is particularly adept at entertaining civic guests. Howard is described a helpful and supportive by Assistant Honorary Directors.

Mr David England

David recently retired as one of the society’s most senior vets, having performed the role since 1986. Over that time he provided the society with expert advice and support on animal welfare issues and is a credit to his profession.

Mr David Owens and Mrs Anne Owens

Together David and Ann Owens have contributed 85 years to the society (David 50 years and Ann 35 years). David has stewarded in the driving section and judged in the trotting. Ann has been a hostess in the main ring control tower, looking after judges.

Honorary Life Vice Presidency

Mr Ellis Davies

Mr Ellis Davies has been a lifelong supporter of Welsh Ploughing. He currently serves on the society’s board of directors and is both a council member and trustee of the Welsh Ploughing Association. In September 2015, he stood down as a Field Director of the All Wales Ploughing & Hedging Championships, a position he has held for 32 years. During that time he has travelled the length and breadth of Wales to further the cause of ploughing and hedge laying. Ellis has also been a driving force and supported of Heavy Horses at the Royal Welsh Show and has worked hard to ensure both numbers and quality at our events.

Welsh Agricultural Society Chief Executive Steve Hughson said, “We are always grateful for the hard work and commitment from all the stewards and volunteers involved with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. In excess of 1,500 people give up their time to sit on committees, join the county advisory groups, fundraise and help with the society events, and we are well aware that this is what makes our show so special.

“The presentation of our honorary society awards is a way for us to show our appreciation to those that have given exceptional service to the society for many years. It is this commitment and generosity which make the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society so successful.”