23 July 2007

 Welsh confidence in Charolais: The Charolais Pavilion opened  

BCCS immediate past president, David Lewis and chairman, Steven Nesbitt officially open the Pavilion

BCCS immediate past president, David Lewis and chairman,
Steven Nesbitt officially open the Pavilion with builder, Kevin Thomas

The British Charolais Cattle Society’s new purpose built facility on the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells was officially opened yesterday, Sunday 22 July by David Lewis, its immediate past president.

 The Charolais Pavilion which represents the first Continental breed society to have a permanent presence on the showground, was wholly funded by the BCCS, with £10,000 contribution towards furnishings and fittings from the Welsh Charolais Region’s ‘buy-a-brick’ initiative. The single storey building with mezzanine floor and conference facilities for up to 75 delegates, was built by Kevin Thomas, of Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn, who also owns the 50 cow Moelfre pedigree Charolais herd. The pavilion is sited overlooking the cattle ring and will be available for use throughout the year to both society members and other industry representatives.

 “This impressive, attractive and very adaptable building is making an important statement by the British Charolais Cattle Society,” Mr Lewis explained. “Firstly, it reflects our continued growing confidence in Charolais as the terminal beef sire among the Welsh suckler herd. The performance of Charolais cross calves remains completely unrivalled. 

 “Secondly, in terms of investment, with the ever increasing costs of marquees and the setting up of temporary stands, the financial commitment has been based on BCCS’s sound judgment,” he said adding: “Conception to completion was literally within the 12 months of my presidential year, a response that signifies the co-operation between both Charolais and Royal Welsh societies.”

 RWAS chief executive, David Walters commented: “We are pleased to welcome the British Charolais Cattle Society to Llanelwedd. We are thoroughly aware of the breed’s increasing contribution to the Welsh beef sector and look forward to a long and constructive working relationship.” 

The officials at the opening

BCCS immediate past president, David Lewis and chairman, Steven Nesbitt officially open the Pavilion with, RWAS’s …………… and builder, Kevin Thomas, of the Moelfre herd