A spade used by King Charles to plant a tree in Brecon last year has been raffled off for charity.

As part of the King and Queen’s historic visit to Brecon last July, His Majesty planted an oak sapling during the Brecon County Show Taster Day on the King George V Playing Field.

The spade, donated by Hay and Brecon Farmers, was used to plant the tree for the Brecknockshire Agricultural Society on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

The tree was later replanted in the Brecon County Showground.

King Charles planting the sapling last year. Right is the engraved spade which was raffled off
King Charles planting the sapling last year. Right is the engraved spade which was raffled off (.)

Following the historic visit, Hay and Brecon Farmers decided to get the spade engraved and raffle it off for a good cause.

The engraving reads: “HM King Charles III used this spade to plant a beautiful tree. Brecknockshire Agri. Soc. 20th July 2023.”

The proceeds of the raffle - an impressive £600 - have been donated to The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

Recently, the winner of the raffle, David Thomas, was presented with the spade and RABI representatives were presented with the cheque of the raffle proceeds.

Hay and Brecon Farmers would like to thank all those who bought a raffle ticket and supported the important rural charity.

RABI is a charity that works to uplift and support farming people through practical, financial and emotional assistance, touching the lives of thousands of people every year. It offers one-to-one, expert support, advice and guidance, tailored to every unique circumstance.

The King gets a taste of the show

Brecknockshire Agricultural Society welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla on their historic visit to Brecon last July.

On one of their many stop-offs across the town during their visit, the royal couple sampled the Brecon County Show Taster Day.

The show committee put on a small selection of livestock, sheep shearing, exhibitors, trade stands, tractors, machinery and more.

Aberhonddu and District Male Choir serenaded the crowds as Their Majesties walked around.

The royal couple were in good spirits as they met dozens of people on the George V Playing Field, including Brecknock Young Farmers, members of local colleges, Brecon Jazz, food and drink producers and various local people.