FUW highlights importance of EU membership at national Eisteddfod

The Farmers' Union of Wales will highlight the importance of EU funding to the Welsh farming community and rural economy during the National Eisteddfod at Denbigh (August 3-10).

"Visitors to the FUW stand will have an opportunity to find out why it is vital that Wales, along with the UK, retains its membership of the EU," said the union's Denbighshire and Flintshire county executive officer Rhys Roberts.

One of the week's highlights will be a forum at the stand to discuss the pros and cons of EU membership for Wales and the UK featuring a panel of Conservative, Plaid Cymru, Lib Dem and UKIP politicians along with a member of the union’s presidential team.

The stand's central theme will be the Eisteddfod Crown to be presented to the winning bard on August 5 for a collection of poems of no more than 250 lines in free verse. The title of the work is Terfysg (Riot or Uproar).

The winner will receive the Eisteddfod Crown (pictured) and a prize of £750. The Crown was donated by the FUW's Denbighshire and Flintshire branches and the financial prize by Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd Cyf.

“The Crown was designed to highlight the stunning landscapes of the Vale of Clwyd and Clwydian Hills and the theme will showcase the links between, and the influences of, agriculture and the landscape and how that has formed over time," said Mr Roberts.

"Throughout the week we will also be focussing on the links between EU funding, agricultural practices and environmental management,” he added.

Visitors to the stand will be treated to a pot of delicious yoghurt from the Llaeth y Llan dairy in Llannefydd, kindly sponsored by proprietors Falmai and Gareth Roberts.

There will also be an opportunity to sample a variety of award-winning cheeses from the local Llandyrnog Creamery who are also supplying the milk for the traditional free cup of tea or coffee.

Mr Roberts added: "A display of locally produced food and drink will highlight the diversity of produce available in the Vale of Clwyd. It will be an excellent opportunity for members and the public to sample some of the finest locally produced food at the same time as finding out about the links between farmers, producers and the EU.”

Local artist Llinos Angharad Rogers, daughter of FUW members Huw and Glenda Rogers of Lodge Farm, Denbigh, will be present on Friday August 9 to showcase her artwork whilst creating a new piece live on the stand.

On Tuesday August 6, another local artist Elen Mair Jones will also be showcasing her sketching skills and examples of her work to visitors.

Throughout the week children of all ages will be able to enter competitions related to the Crown and to food production, with a range of prizes on offer to the winners.

Staff from Oswestry-based Davis Meade Property Consultants will also be present on Thursday August 8 to offer advice on a wide range of issues to FUW members.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming local AMs and MPs to the stand to discuss topical issues such as the CAP reform over a cup of tea,” said Mr Roberts.

Picture caption: Flintshire artist and silversmith Andrew Coomber who designed and manufactured the Crown which is inspired by the colour and imagery of the agricultural Vale of Clwyd and Moel Famau and reflects the lyrical qualities of the landscape in harmony with modern technology and materials.

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