Saturday, 2nd August saw the Llanthony Valley in the Black Mountains celebrate with forty five years of one of South Wales’ most successful local agricultural shows.The Llanthony Valley and District Show Society was set up in 1961, not just to showcase the usual sheep, cattle and horse classes, the local produce and handicrafts, but to confirm the strength of this tight local community in the heart of the Black Mountains.

Farmer Mark Egerton, this year’s Chairman, explains, “This Show was started by the locals back in 1961, after the BBC had run a documentary film about us called ‘The Dying Valley’. A group of neighbours took exception, and determined to prove them wrong. Over the years, the show has established a reputation as one of the best, and truly local community events. It has always been put on by local volunteers, working without big corporate support, and on a strictly non-commercial basis. It brings us all together and makes us very proud”, he said.

This year’s Show, set in a bowl on the mountains below Llanthony Abbey, was no exception. All the produce and animals were on display, backed by children’s sports, dog races, a beer run, and even a prize for the scruffiest Land Rover, and the best cake made by a man! Last year’s show had to be cancelled because of the weather but this year’s was truly memorable one. It was blessed with beautiful weather and brought visitors from far and wide much to the delight of the organisers.

If you want more information about the Show or would like to help in the organisation of future ones please call the Show Secretary Jayne Hart on 01873 890252.