A PROMINENT Powys farmer has belatedly received an award bestowed upon him by the UK Prime Minister for his outstanding contribution to Welsh farming.
Tom Evans, who was presented with an MBE in 2020 by King Charles, who was Prince of Wales at the time, initially had his Points of Light award presented to him at the Royal Welsh Show back in 2015, by then Prime Minister David Cameron.
However, the envelope Tom was handed by Mr Cameron proved to be empty. Now, eight years later, he has received the certificate, signed by current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Former Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) chief executive Steve Hughson and Brecon and Radnor MP Fay Jones rectified the mistake, travelling to 80-year-old Tom’s home in Beulah, near Builth Wells, last week to present him with his award.
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“Even an MBE and now this certificate doesn’t feel quite enough to recognise Tom’s enormous contribution to his community,” said Ms Jones about Tom, whose autobiography, ‘Where the Hell’s the Time Gone: A Life in Farming’, was officially launched at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
“He is a truly great man and I’m so proud to have played a tiny part in getting him his certificate.
“I have always enjoyed my chats with Tom in the market or at local shows and this meeting was no different, still full of brilliant stories and a sharp message for politicians.
“His book is a hilarious account of a life dedicated to farming. I am so very proud to know him and his wonderful family."
Tom received an envelope from Mr Cameron at the 2015 show but, due to an oversight by the Prime Minister’s team, there was no certificate inside. The award recognised his outstanding contribution to agriculture, Young Farmers Clubs and the RWAS.
Points of Light awards are presented by the Prime Minister to outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community.
A retired sheep farmer, Tom is renowned as being the ‘voice of Welsh shearing’, having commentated for nearly 40 years at the Royal Welsh Show, as well as at the Three Counties Show and world championship shearing competitions across the globe.
Mr Hughson only recently discovered that Tom, who has suffered ill health, had never received his Points of Light award, so set about rectifying the oversight, with a little help from their local MP.
Tom’s daughter Amanda and grandson Greg were also involved and arranged the surprise presentation at his home.
Tom said he was delighted to have finally received the award from the current Prime Minister and thanked Ms Jones and Mr Hughson for rectifying this error.
He had been surprised when, on arriving home after the 2015 Royal Welsh Show, there was no certificate enclosed.
“As former RWAS chief executive, I understand the huge contribution that Tom has made to agriculture and rural skills and simply wanted to do something for him,” said Mr Hughson.
“Getting this certificate seemed appropriate.
“Knowing Tom is an honour. Among his many achievements, he was instrumental in securing the future of the World Shearing Championships and he is, of course, a champion hedger, having worked alongside King Charles at Highgrove.
“I am delighted that we were able to surprise Tom with this certificate and we all offer him our very best wishes as he deals with his ongoing health issues.”
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