The Committee of Brecon County Show can be extremely proud to have organised such a record-breaking day in near perfect weather conditions.

This year was the show’s 269th anniversary - giving the 2024 President Frank Sutton a fitting tribute for his 50-plus years of support of Brecon County Show as an exhibitor of bringing the latest in John Deere tractors and technology to the Brecon show. 

The 205 equine entries, 50 cattle entries, 630 sheep entries as well as 50 dairy goats and 50 pygmy goats certainly gave their respective judges plenty to think about.

The equine section had quality exhibits across all sections, although entries weren’t huge there were some worthy champions. The supreme of the show was taken by the Welsh Section A brood mare “Cilmery Mirror Edition” owned and bred by J. H. & H. A. Williams. The afternoon’s events saw the exciting and ever-popular inter hunt relay with five teams competing in a thrilling final being won by the Sennybridge Hunt team. 

Ridden Classes: Champion: Miss Abbie Dark (Blaencila Penny) Sect C. Reserve: Mrs M Davies (Nantfforchog Blue) Sect A.

Sect A in Hand: Champion: Miss L. Courtney Roberts (Zonneweide Mary J Blige). Reserve: Mr C.D. Cobley (Tryfel Sinead).

Sect B in Hand: Champion: Ms Sharron Roberts-Hunt (Rockbury Princess Tiana). Reserve: Mrs Ann Rees (Froann Lilibet).

Sect C in Hand: Champion: Mrs C. Lapping (Cilmery Lady Diamond). Reserve: Miss Emma Davies (Pantyfid Rollo).

Sect D in Hand: Champion: Mrs C. Lapping (CoedwigdduPrincess Rosia). Reserve: Miss R. J. Ferris (Rotherdale Hera).

Mountain & Moorland in Hand and Ridden: Champion: Miss Abbie Dark (Blaencila Penny. Reserve: Miss Megan Williams (Greening Dijon)

Mountain & Moorland Pony Classes: Champion: Mrs Melanie Davies (Nantfforchog Blue Moonphase). Reserve: Mr Layton Edwards (Trevadlock Lizzie Longstockings).

Coloured Horses & Ponies: Champion: Miss Deborah Mitchell (Weggs Dakota). Reserve: Miss S. J. Forkings (Bartleaze Miss Twiggy-Winkle).

Palomino: Champion: Mrs C. Lapping (Thistledown Artic). Reserve: Miss E. Staley (Tawelfan Xena).

Shetland: Champion: Mrs S. Harris (Ronelle Paragon). Reserve: Mrs M Barlow (Acresdale Braveheart).

Donkeys: Champion: Miss H. James (Freystrop Cristabelle) Reserve: Miss H. James (Freystrop Lily May).

Side Saddle: Champion: Miss C. Harry (Kilcannon Kit Cat). Reserve: Miss Gemma Roberts (Touch Diamond).

Hunter: Champion: Miss M. Royon (Roseberry Top Hat). Reserve: Mrs S. Costin (Kilcannon Skyfall).

RoR: Champion: Miss K. Llewellyn (20436).

Show Ponies: Champion: Mrs R. Williams (Little Miss Mischief). Reserve: Mr Layton Edwards (Rosedale Pixie-Lotte).

Shires & Heavy Horses: Champion: Mrs A.M. Mason (Jacktons Fanta). Reserve: Anthony Szopa (Catwg Jessie).

Private Drive: Champion: Ms Helen Stevens (Parc Gwyn Spirit & Parc Gwyn Falcon). Reserve: Mrs Julie Lewis (Brynllwyn Union Jack).

Champion Welsh: Cilmery Mirror Edition (J.H. & H.A. Williams).

Champion Gelding: Heath Zipo (Mrs C.S. Fraser).

Supreme Champion: Blaencila Penny (Miss Abbie Dark).

Sheep entries were astounding and 28 breeds were represented from the native Brecknock Hill Cheviot to the continental Dutch Spotted Texels.

Exhibitors were of national standard with many of this year’s Royal Welsh and Three Counties championships present.

After five hours of intense judging, 18 breed champions came out against each other and overall judge Mr Derek Farr of Pontrilas declared the Suffolk ewe from Messrs Pugh of Clifford as Supreme Champion, over the exceptional North Country Cheviot ewe of Messrs Meakin and Sloyan of Carmarthen.

The Supreme Group of Three Sheep was justly awarded to the Charolais sheep team of local Paul Curran of Talgarth which in itself was a lovely tribute to his late showman and Champion sheep breeding father, David Curran, who will be missed from our show ring.

The ever-popular Young Handler competition saw 30 children aged 5 to 15 demonstrating skills in showing a sheep to a large ring side audience, with capable compare Tom Pritchard, auctioneer of McCartneys, holding our watching crowd throughout the day.

Suffolk: Champion: Michael Pugh (Aged Ewe). Reserve: Paul Curran (Yearling Ewe). Group: Michael Pugh.

Beltex: Champion: Richard Jerman (Yearling Ewe). Reserve: Richard Jerman (Ram lamb).

Charollais: Champion: Paul Curran (Yearling Ewe) Reserve: Paul Curran (Ram Lamb). Group: Paul Curran.

Lleyn: Champion: Keith & Eirlys James- Evans (Aged Ewe). Reserve: Colin and Julie Price (Yearling Ram). Group: Colin and Julie Price.

Texel: Champion: RM & G L Watkins (Yearling Ram). Reserve: Deri Morgan (Aged Ewe). Group: R M & G L Watkins.

Blue Texel: Champion: Delyth Brute (Ram Lamb). Reserve: Chris Davies (Ewe Lamb). Group: Chris Davies.

Ryeland: Champion: A Davies (Yearling Ewe). Reserve: A Davies (Ram Lamb). Group: A Davies.

Berrichon: Champion: Ian Pritchard (Yearling Ram). Reserve: David Gwynne (Ewe Lamb). Group: Ian Pritchard.

Cup donated for Champion ‘The Glannant Cup for Champion British Berrichon Brecon County Show’ - David Gwynne.

Badger Face (Torwen): Champion: Gareth Lloyd (Yearling Ram). Reserve: Sara Hermanis (Ewe Lamb). Group: Llewelyn Evans

Badger Face (Torddu): Champion: Matthew Bevan (Ewe Lamb). Reserve: Matthew & Donna Evans (Yearling Ewe). Group: Matthew & Donna Evans.

Balwen: Champion: Steve Newman. Reserve: Jack Thoman. Group: Steve Newman.

North Country Cheviot: Champion: Messrs Meakins & Sloyan. Reserve: R Jones.

Black Welsh Mountain: Champion: Morgan Family (Yearling Ram). Reserve: Kirsty Holman (Aged Ewe). Group: Justin Davies.

Brecknock Hill Cheviot: Champion: C, A & R Joseph (Ewe). Reserve: C, A & R Joseph (Aged Ram) Group: LG & R J Jones.

Herdwick: Champion: Whittle Family (Aged Ewe). Reserve: T & E Wilcox (Aged Ram). Group: A Hewitt & E Hunt

Kerry Hill: Champion: Will Evans (Ewe Lamb). Reserve: Will Evans (Yearling Ram). Group: Will Evans.

Radnor: Champion: DCL & CJ Williams (Ewe). Reserve: Aubrey & Tracey Evans (Yearling Ewe). Group: DCL & CJ Williams.

South Wales Mountain Sheep: Champion: Arthur Davies (Aged Ram). Reserve: Arthur Davies (Yearling Ram). Group: Williams Partners.

Any Other Breed Upland: Champion: Jose Evans (LONK).

Any Other Breed Lowland: Champion: I T Davies & Son Breed: Clun (Aged Ram). Reserve: Lewis Rees Breed: Blue Face Leicester (Yearling Ewe). Group: Steph & Alfie Savidge Breed: Poll Dorset.

Any Other Breed Continental: Champion: S Duggan & G James. Reserve: Jess Phillis. Breed: Dutch Spotted Texel. Continental Group: Wayne Lloyd. Breed: Dutch Spotted Texel.

Commercial Sheep: Champion: Lewis Rees (Single Ewe). Reserve: Lewis Rees (Single Ewe Lamb).

Butchers Lambs: Champion: I T Davies & Son. Reserve: I T Davies & Son.

YFC Prime Lamb: Champion: Michael Pugh. Reserve: Shauna Evans

Young Handler Classes: Primary school under 10 years of age: 1st: Gwesyn Powell, 2nd: Ethan Jones, 3rd: Ioan Bevan, 4th: Elin Davies.

Aged 10 to 15 years: 1st: Josh Witcomb, 2nd: Ffion Evans, 3rd: Sam Duggan, 4th: Angharad Wiliams.

Supreme Champion Group of Three: Paul Curran, Talgarth, Brecon. Breed: Charolais.

Reserve Champion Group of Three: Michael Pugh, Sheepcote Farm, Clifford. Breed: Suffolk .

Lowland Championship Champion: Michael Pugh, Sheepcote Farm, Clifford. Breed: Suffolk (Aged Ewe). Reserve: Ian Pritchard, Gloucestershire. Breed: Berrichon (Yearling Ram).

Upland Championship Champion: Messrs Meakins & Sloyan, Carmarthen. Breed: North Country Cheviot (Yearling Ewe). Reserve: Will Evans, Lowlands Farm, Tenby. Breed: Kerry Hill (Ewe Lamb).

Supreme Champion: Michael Pugh, Sheepcote Farm, Clifford. Breed: Suffolk (Aged Ewe).

Reserve Supreme Champion: Messrs Meakins & Sloyan, Carmarthen. Breed: North Country Cheviot (Yearling ewe).

There was a good entry of 50 quality cattle and seven breeds of a very high standard.

The Limousin ‘Reddragon TopGirl’ shown by Thomas Price was awarded the Supreme Champion with “Miss Dior” shown by Annie Lewis being awarded the Reserve Champion.

The President was pleased to see his beloved Longhorn breed of cattle well represented. 

The full results were as follows:

Hereford: Male Champion: “Cleland 1 Rega” - L & L Bowen. Reserve: “Brynside Archie” - J Lawrence & Sons. Female Champion: “Bowendu 1 Holly 3rd” – L&L Bowen. Reserve: “Bounds Unity - L&L Bowen      Overall Champion: “Bowendu 1 Holly 3rd” – L&L Bowen, Reserve: “Celynen 1 Seabreeze” – AD Richards & GM Morgan.

Longhorn: Male Champion: “Arlebrook Valentino” – Mark Wheeler. Reserve: “Gupworthy Wiseman” – GH Woollatt. Female Champion: Carreg Sunshine – Mark Wheeler. Reserve: “Melborne Park Kiggle”- B&J Sutton. Overall Champion: Carreg Sunshine – Mark Wheeler. Reserve: “Melborne Park Kiggle”- B&J Sutton.

Limousin: Male Champion: “Blaencwm Urock” – D&E Davies. Reserve: “Ashledge Universe” – AG Kirton & Son. Female Champion: “Calogale Umbria” – GJ Lee & CM Lloyd. Reserve: “Glyncoed Unique” – P Davies. Overall Champion: “Reddragon TopGirl” – Thomas Price. Reserve: “Blaencwm Urock” – D&E Davies.

Commercial: Champion Steer: “Sarkley Unos” – Miss SA Williams. Reserve: “Harvey” – Colin Harris & Annie Lewis. Champion Heifer: “Miss Dior” - Colin Harris & Annie Lewis. Reserve: “Blackberry” – SA Williams. Overall Champion: “Miss Dior” – Colin Harris & Annie Lewis. Reserve: “Blackberry” – SA Williams.

Calf Handling: Elliw Grug Davies

Any Other Breed: Male Champion: “Ynysfor William 14th” – SJ Layton. Reserve: “Wernisaf Ultimate” – Will Edwards. Female Champion: “Rhymil Pocahontas” – Rhys Millichap. Reserve: “Gretnahouse Unnabel” – GG Sevenoaks. Overall Champion: “Rhymil Pocahontas” – Rhys Millichap. Reserve: “Gretnahouse Unnabel” – GG Sevenoaks”.

Pairs: Champion: “Reddragon TopGirl” – Thomas Price, “Blaencwm Urock” – D&E Davies. Reserve: “Miss Dior” – Colin Harris & Annie Lewis, “Blackberry” – SA Williams.

Supreme Champion: “Reddragon TopGirl” -Thomas Price.

Reserve Champion: “Miss Dior” - Colin Harris & Annie Lewis.

Pets: Young Stock “Dreamers Wilbur” – Tracey Cater, Mature Stock “Sunny Valantino” - A Lewis & A Evans

Young Handler: (5 to 10 years): Max Skinner (8). (11 to16 years): Lauren Taylor (13)

Female Kid: “Willowbrae Belle” – Clare Franklyn

Goatling: “Willowbrae Flora” – Clare Franklyn

Adult Female: Willowbrae Lyric – Clare Franklyn

Veteran Female: “Penrhiw Breeze” – Lisa Meek

Male Kid: “Willowbrae Ozzy” – Tracey Cater

Buckling: “Sunnymount Maximus” – Clare Franklyn

Adult Male: “Willowbrae Oscar” – Clare Franklyn

Dam & Offspring: “Penrhiw Folie” – Rhianwen Price

Sire & Progeny: “Willoebrae Oscar” – Clare Franklyn

Best in Show: “Willowbrae Flora” – Clare Franklyn, 

Reserve Best in Show: “Sunnymount Maximus” – Clare Franklyn

Best Pet in Show: “Sunny Valantino” – A Lewis & A M Evans

British Toggenburg Milkers: “Madmacs Mollie” - Mrs S Forsyth & Miss A Shuffley.

Saanen/British Saanen Milkers: “Windmilcot Galia” - Mr A Edwards.

British Alpine Milkers: “Wilowriver Yuzu” - Mrs R Sparkes.

Anglo Nubian Milkers: “Reddawn Youksel” - Mr A Edwards.

Any Other Variety Milkers: “Klimova Karolina” - Mr A Edwards.

Toggenburg Goatlings: “Ysguborfawr Arwen” - Mr & Mrs N Thomas.

British Toggenburg Goatlings: “Madmacs Frieda” - Mrs S Forsyth & Miss A Shuffley.

British Alpine Goatlings: “Ebreywoods Jet” - Mr & Mrs Cintas.

Golden/British Guernsey Goatlings: “Ysguborfawr Enfys” - Mr & Mrs N Thomas.

Anglo Nubian Goatlings: “Klimova Kenya” - Mr A Edwards.

Any Other Variety Goatlings: “Klimova Agnes” - Mr A Edwards.

Toggenburg Kids: “Brookmeadow Cassia” - S Williams & R Thomas.

British Toggenburg Kids: “Madmacs Matilda” - Mrs S Forsyth & Miss A Shuffley.

Saanen/British Saanen Kids: “Klimova Krystyna “ - Mr A Edwards.

British Alpine Kids: “Ebreywoods Kedda” - Mr & Mrs Cintas.

Anglo Nubian Kids: “Klimova Sheynnis” - Mr A Edwards.

Any Other Variety Kids: “Kerborne Verona” - T & M Ogborne.

Best Kid: “Klimova Sheynnis” - Mr A Edwards.

Reserve: “Kerborne Verona” - T & M Ogborne.

Best Goatling: “Klimova Agnes” - Mr A Edwards.

Reserve: “Ebreywoods Jupiter” - Mr & Mrs Cintas.

The shearing certainly fascinated the public who witnessed more than 850 sheep being expertly shorn in the various shearing classes, with the eventual winners of the classes as follows:

Junior Champion Shearer: Jamie Farmer 

Intermediate Champion Shearer: Luke Price 

Senior Champion Shearer: Ewan Davies 

Open Champion Shearer: Rich Jones

Following the return of the poultry show from previous bans throughout the UK due to avian flu, the Chief Steward Robert Davies was thrilled with the number of entries - especially waterfowl classes and the growing popularity of the egg classes.

Coffee sponge: Linda Morgan. 5 Welsh cakes: Ruth Stephens. 5 Eccles cakes: Stephanie Jones. Banana & lime loaf: Lauren Abberley. Fruit tart: Linda Morgan. Quiche: Ruth Stephens, 5 fruit scones: Joyce Williams. Herb bread: Stephanie Jones. Boiled fruit cake: Lauren Abberley. Cheesecake: Sheryl Walker. 2 cheese & onion pasties: Gill Bowen. Denzil Griffiths Cup and voucher: Stephanie Jones.

Jar of raspberry jam: Grant Henderson. Jam other than raspberry: Stephanie Jones. Jar of jelly: Rosie Gibson. Jar of marmalade: Charlotte Marshall. Jar of chutney: Rosie Gibson. Jar of lemon curd: Rosie Gibson. Any other preserve: Rosie Gibson. Margaret Roderick Cup: Rosie Gibson.

Hand-knitted garment: Angela Lewis. Crochet item: Rhian Davies. Cushion: Avril Guinan. Upcycled bag: Alison Noble. Knitted scarf: Alison Noble. Keepsake box: Alison Noble. Cross-stitch article: Julie Hazeldene. Wedding favour: Alison Noble. Quilted article: Julie Hazeldene. Item made from hand-spun yarn: Anna Marr. Article not catered for in any other class: Avril Guinan. Brecknock Guild of Spinners and Weavers Shield: Anna Marr.

Acrostic Poem “Brecon”: Katie de Winton. Painting: Tegan James. Sketch drawing: Kath Price. Antique item: Jane Morgan. Photo “Make me laugh: Jessie Morgan. Photo “At work”: Jessie Morgan. Photo “Water”: Lydia Clyde. Photo for a Christmas Card: Jonathan Pimm. Photo “Garden Hideaway”: Louise Peart. The late Miss Gwyneth Pryce Cup & Voucher: Alison Noble.

Shepherd’s crook horn plain: Reg Marshall. Shepherd’s crook wood plain: Hywel Lewis. Thumb stick horn plain: Reg Marshall. Thumb stick wood plain: Reg Marshall. Market stick horn: Hywel Lewis. Market Stick wood: Reg Marshall. Walking stick horn plain: Hywel Lewis. Walking stick wood plain: Hywel Lewis. Ladies’ walking stick horn: Reg Marshall. Ladies’ walking stick wood: Reg Marshall. Decorated stick horn: Reg Marshall. Decorated stick wood: Reg Marshall. Any stick antler head: Reg Marshall. Knob stick horn: Reg Marshall. Knob stick wood: Reg Marshall. Mary Gittoes Cup and voucher: Reg Marshall.

4 years and under: 3 monster biscuits: Nelly Newman. Pasta necklace: Emmeline Denner Harris.

6 years and under: Vegetable animal: Brychan Pritchard. 4 Rice Krispie cakes: Lottie Gittoes.

8 years and under: 4 rocky road squares: Holly Evans. Funny face sandwich: Brychan Pritchard.

11 years and under: 5 flapjacks: George Morgan. 5 decorated cupcakes: George Morgan.

14 years and under: 5 chocolate brownies: Lauren Abberley. 5 cheese scones: Owen Pugh.

16 years and under: Chocolate sponge: Molly Morgan. Homemade pizza: Molly Morgan. Voucher winner Nia Pritchard.

Pre-school finger painting: Elsie Parry.

4 years and under: Painting “My Family”: Nia Pritchard. Clown face on paper plate: Brychan Pritchard. Plasticine/playdough animal: Nia Pritchard.

6 years and under: Mr Men/Little Miss Character: Charlotte Gittoes. Butterfly collage: Nia Pritchard. Cardboard tube model: Zak Davies Bowen. 

8 years and under: Handwriting “10 item shopping list”: Abigail Pimm. Decorated jam jar: Holly Evans. Design a play park: Celyn Morgan.

11 years and under: Coaster emoji: Beth Thompson. Handwriting “The National Anthem”: Joseph Probert. Photo “My Pet”: Celyn Morgan.

14 years and under: Poster “My Favourite Gladiator”: Beth Thompson. Item of jewellery: Molly Morgan. 

16 years of age and under: Photo “Celebration”: Molly Morgan. Invitation to a birthday party: Molly Morgan.

Jones-Powell Challenge Cup: Joseph Probert – Handwriting - National Anthem.

Voucher most points – Nia Pritchard.

Bottle dry wine: Anna Marr. Bottle sweet wine: Charlotte Marshall. Homemade cordial: Stephanie Jones. Bottle of lemonade: Stephanie Jones. Bottle of any other homemade drink: Rosie Gibson. Viv & Des Price Award – Rosie Gibson.

The Brecon County Show Horticulture Section committee members would like to thank all exhibitors for making the show a very successful day. All entries were beautifully displayed, making the area so aromatic and colourful.

The children’s section was well represented by local entries, ensuring the continued success of future shows.

The cup winners are as follows;

F H Moore (Best Flower Exhibit) - Gareth Davies.

E Simmonds Cup - Jim Thompson.

The Committee Challenge Cup - Mr Scorey.

P M Phillips Challenge Cup - Rob Holmes.

Brecon Chamber of Trade Trophy - Gareth Davies.

John deWinton Cup - Jim Thompson.

Alderman S Jenkins Challenge Cup - Rhiannon Lloyd.

Dr TCR George Challenge Cup - Elwyn Williams.

Mrs Marlies George Challenge Cup -Gareth Davies.

Joan deWinton Perpetual Trophy - Beverley deWinton.

Don Palmer Memorial Shield - Gareth Davies.

J J Morgan Memorial Cup (most points honey) - Glyn Jones.

Brecknock Gardening Association Challenge Cup - Ivor Davies

Ffrwdgrech Challenge Trophy (most points dahlia classes) - Ivor Davies

E A Watts Challenge Cup - Margaret Eckley.

Victor Games Jones Silver Salva - Rachel Watkins.

Eunice Matthews Memorial Award – most points in floral art - Jen Davies.

Lady Brecon Challenge Cup – most points children’s section - Susan Thomas.

Committee Trophy for most points Division 1 - Rob Holmes.

Jack Davies Memorial Cup – most points in Division 2 - Ivor Davies.