PEMBROKESHIRE Agricultural Society is well on the road to a bright future, members have been told.

At the AGM at the county showground, general manager Alex Bruce said: “In the two years from 2009-10, our income over expenditure has improved by £160,000, to £230,000 by the end of September last year.”

And when attendance at outdoor events throughout the country had been down by 20%, county show sponsors had remained loyal, with sponsorship up 34%, producing the magnificent sum of £80,000.

“It is all very positive,”

added Mr Bruce, who also revealed that the first ever full trade stand survey showed that 88% felt prices offered good value, while 60% felt last year’s show was good to very good, despite the fact that the Wednesday was an almost complete wash-out because of the weather.

All four of the society’s business streams were a success and the society was adding significant value to the economy of the county and great benefit to the agricultural community.

Treasurer Malcolm Lewis endorsed the positive message in his annual report, but warned that many areas of the estate business were in danger of suffering due to the economic downturn and factors beyond the society’s control, and members should not be averse to innovation and new ideas. Loss of any of the income streams could be painful and challenging, he added.

Before handing over to his successor, outgoing president George Thorne, thanked those who had contributed to a successful year for him and his wife Ionwy, and praised the tremendous support he received from fellow Hereford breeders throughout the country towards the great success of the show’s Hereford cattle celebration.

New president Mike Davies, expressed pride in being elected President of the biggest county show in Wales and thanked Mr and Mrs Thorne for their support and guidance.

Also elected was the new lady ambassador, Kate Lewis, of Landers Hook, Spittal.

Former show director and treasurer, David Rees, was elected an honorary life show director and Gwynfor Llewellyn, of Llawhaden, was presented with a plaque for long service to mark his 80th birthday.