Begun in the reign of George III, the Pembroke Farmers Club can look back upon a very proud history and will soon begin making plans to suitably mark 200 years.

Thanks to the likes of Mr. Pat Russell and others, the founding of the club is well-documented. The annual town and country show now held on meadow fields at Lamphey is the visible public activity of a strong and enthusiastic band of supporters.

The farmers club, founded in 1817, has continued virtually without a break until the present day and is amongst the oldest surviving bodies of its kind in the UK - come the extra special anniversary in 2017 expect special celebrations!

Although the farmers club is long-established, it does not want to be seen as living in the past and is a forward thinking organisation that fully supports the local economy and agri-food sectors. For many years, the annual show has taken place on the first Wednesday in August and attracts entries from some of the very best local breeders of horses, cattle, sheep, dogs and poultry numbering in the hundreds and also boosts more than 80 trade stands displaying their wares.

In an area that caters for numerous holidaymakers, special features have been developed, including displays of vintage tractors and cars, working demonstrations of farm machinery, sheepdog trials and mainring attractions to welcome people from all walks of life to the show and provide a great family day out.

Highlight of the day on Wednesday was the judging of the supreme champion from all the horse and pony section winners and it was here that Sarah Whitfield scored a remarkable success by taking the trophy for the third successive year with the seven-year-old chestnut pony and lead rein winner, Barkway Tiara, delightfully ridden by Emily Locke, aged eight.

Standing in reserve was Matt McGivern with the five-year-old grey Hunter gelding, Kilcannon Kit Cat, shown under saddle.

Kyle Davies stood supreme amongst the cattle entries with his Welsh Black heifer ahead of Patrick Russell with a British Blue bull. Both animals were 30 months of age. The dairy breeds champion was an in calf Jersey heifer named Polo Mint and bred by Rachel Batchelor.

In the sheep pens, a two-year-old Hampshire Down ewe from Eirlys Jones was given best over a local Jacob entry and, in the poultry marquee, Derek Howells, beat of all challengers with his two year old Welsummer bantam cockerel.

Naturally disappointed that the weather which had adversely affected the gate and the enjoyment of the day the president, Mr. Roger Minchin, said that this was something over which we had no control and we have to accept good years and bad.

Chairman Terry Watkins remarked that so many faithful supporters had put in great efforts to make the event a success and it was, in a way, a good thing that much of the judging had been completed before the rain really set in in the afternoon.

Main winners:

HORSES

Supreme: Sarah Whitfield (Show Pony), res. Matthew McGivern.

CATTLE

Supreme: Kyle Davies (Welsh Black), res. Patrick Russell (British Blue).

SHEEP

Supreme: Eirlys Jones (Hampshire Down).

POULTRY

Supreme: Derek Howells, res. D. Picton Jones.

MARQUEE EXHIBITS

Terence Neale - fruit and veg, heaviest veg and most points.

Richard Davies - roses, dahlias, best exhibit and most points.

Gwyneth John and Jo Lawrence - floral art.

Diana Hinde - roses (novice).

Gill Grange - gladioli (novice).

Hilda Barlow - floral art (novice).

Richard Mason - runner beans.

Mrs. Lord - begonias.

G. Donnachie - sweet peas.

Steve Butland - best vegetable exhibit.

Les Fammett - novice.

Lamphey Walled Garden - house plant.

Joan Scourfield - handicrafts.

Victoria Hurrey - craft.

Sandra Thomas - cookery and preserves.

Cerie Davies - wine.

Beccy Bevan - cookery (special needs).

K. Simpson - eggs.

John Blake - woodwork.

Anthony Parhill - country crafts.

Photography - Diane Dungey.

Diane Todd - art

Fern Cumine and Rose Howell - children’s art.

Look out for more results and pictures in next week’s Observer.

Pics. Meyrick Brown