The secretary of Pembroke Farmers’ Club is to step down after this year’s Pembroke Town and Country Show after serving in the post for 18 years.

Elizabeth Minchin’s retirement will create a vacancy for this important role and the search is underway for her replacement.

Elizabeth, of Newton Lodge, Manorbier, joined the club’s ladies committee 37 years ago and was treasurer of this committee when she was asked to take charge of administering the club’s trophies.

She also helped the secretary at that time, Muriel Thomas, by taking minutes at meetings before becoming joint secretary in 2000. The following year she took on the position in its entirety.

The role is one she has hugely enjoyed but has decided to stand down to allow more time to spend with her family.

“I shall greatly miss it but I want to be able to help more with our grandchildren. And the garden might look a bit better too!’’ she laughed.

Elizabeth has words of encouragement for her successor.

“You meet so many different people,’’ she said. “It is a demanding role but it is one that I have very much enjoyed.’’

As well as being secretary, Elizabeth has competed at the show, in the domestic competitions with her jams, cakes and needlework, and supported her husband, Roger, when he exhibited their dairy cattle.

Although she is retiring as secretary, she will still have an important role at Pembroke Farmers’ Club, as its treasurer.

“It will keep me involved, but won’t be anywhere near the workload!’’ she said.

As the club embarks on its search for Elizabeth’s successor, Pembroke Farmers’ Club chairman Chris James said one of the main responsibilities would be to take the lead in organising the annual show.

“Duties include co-ordinating the various agricultural classes and competitions as well as arranging quarterly meetings and the AGM and other occasional meetings as required,’’ he said.

“The position comes with a generous honorarium and all out of pocket expenses will be covered by the club.’’

Chris can be contacted on 07780 661044 for further details.