REPRESENTATIVES of a quintessential Powys organisation visited the Houses of Parliament this week, returning to the very room where it all began, more than 100 years ago.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has played a leading role in the development of agriculture and the rural economy for over a century – 120 years exactly.

Members and guests of the society went to London this week to celebrate this special milestone.

On February 26, 1904, a gathering of influential landowners came together to form the Welsh National Agricultural Society – an organisation that would later become the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

The meeting to form the society took place in Committee Room 12 in the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster.

County Times: Curators from the National Library of Wales presented their collection of artefacts, including the minute book from the very first meeting held in Committee Room 12 at the Houses of Parliament on February 26, 1904. Curators from the National Library of Wales presented their collection of artefacts, including the minute book from the very first meeting held in Committee Room 12 at the Houses of Parliament on February 26, 1904. (Image: RWAS)

120 years to the day later, the society celebrated its history in the same room, and how it has grown to host one of the largest agricultural shows in Europe, the Royal Welsh Show.

Curators from the National Library of Wales presented a selection of archive material, including a minute book relating to the first meeting, the first journal, entry forms and a catalogue from the very first show, which was held in Aberystwyth in 1904.

Several archived photographs of the Royal Welsh Show and other historic artefacts, such as balance sheets, council reports, the original membership form, leaflets, and pamphlets were also on display.

The event was sponsored by Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones, who has attended the show for many years.

County Times: King Charles has been a regular visitor to the Royal Welsh Show over the years. King Charles has been a regular visitor to the Royal Welsh Show over the years.

“This is an incredible milestone in the society’s history, and as we look to the future, I could not think of a better time to be talking about the importance of Welsh agriculture and everything the society does for Welsh rural life,” said Ms Jones.

“I hope this is not even halfway in your fantastic history. A huge congratulations to the society for all that you have achieved in the last 120 years.”

Guests heard from Rhian Gibson, of the National Library of Wales, and curators from the department of archives and manuscripts and photographic collection.

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During that first general meeting in February 1904, founders and supporters passed a number of rules on the society’s constitution and decreed that its aims should be to improve the breeding of stock and encourage agriculture throughout Wales.

Several rules were recorded in the first leather-bound minute book on display during the event. The first being “to hold an annual show, the object of which to get the best of stock from all parts exhibited in Wales”.

The first Royal Welsh Show was held a few months later in Aberystwyth on August 3 and 4, 1904.

County Times: The 120th Royal Welsh Show will be held this summer. The 120th Royal Welsh Show will be held this summer.

RWAS officials attended this special event, including chief executive Aled Rhys Jones, chair of council Nicola Davies, and chair of board of directors Professor Wynne Jones, who spoke about the past, present and future of the society, including plans to develop the permanent 150-acre site in Llanelwedd.

“We’ve heard today about the founding objectives of the society, and it is striking how relevant they still are today,” said chief executive Mr Rhys Jones.

“The agricultural landscape of Wales has changed enormously and is facing a period of accelerated change.

“The role of the Royal Welsh is to be a constant. A constant champion of Welsh farming while celebrating our unique culture and heritage.

“We see our role as a society bridging the divide between rural and urban communities, engaging with the public, raising awareness of food production, fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the wider value of agriculture, and growing public confidence in our industry.”

He added: “It was such a special occasion, everyone felt enormously privileged to be in the very room where it all started, soaking up 120 years of history.

“We also felt a huge sense of responsibility to protect and enhance this wonderful institution for years to come.”