We have been very fortunate to have had some lovely weather over the last few days. It was even better to enjoy a sunny day whilst we were visited by the National panel for CARAS (The Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies) who were holding their annual AGM meeting in Llangollen this morning. During their visit at Rhug, CARAS members from Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland were able to witness the operations on the Farm, including the Farm Shop and Bistro and of course, our sustainable energy solutions.
They were welcomed by Lord Newborough and Rhug Farm Manager, Gareth Jones, who is chairman of the Welsh CARAS panel. Before setting off on a tour of the Farm, the CARAS delegates sat down to an introduction to the farming operations at Rhug and challenged Lord Newborough and Gareth to some very interesting questions.
The Farm tour included a visit to the Estate’s hydro electric scheme on the River Alwen as well as the many acerage of solar panels situated in various locations. They also saw some of the Estate’s livestock and were given a guided tour around the main house, The Rhug Hall.
During the evening, the delegates returned to the Rhug Bison Grill Bistro, where they were treated to a three course meal including our very own produce.
For starter they enjoyed Rhug Organic Chicken and Ham Hock Terrine. For main, our famous Aberdeen Angus Braised Steak, and a Panna Cotta with wild berry Compote dessert with homemade oat biscuits.
Our Farm Manager, Gareth Jones is a man of many talents, as he is also chairman of Cor Meibion Bro Glyndwr Male Voice Choir, who provided the entertainment for the evening under the direction of Ann Atkinson and accompinied by pianist, Anne Jones and harpist, Morwen Blythin. The guests were treated to a programme of traditional Welsh songs, with the addition of an Irish tune, Fields of Athenry. Ann Atkinson showcased her own singing talents in a duet with choir soloist, Arwel Tanant Jarvis.
The Welsh aren’t famous for our singing alone, our national dance, the Clog Dance was performed by local primary school pupil, Cadi Glwys Davies, accompanied by her father on the accordian, Mr Bryn Davies. She danced incredibly and has a very bright future ahead of her.
The evening came to a close with Lord Newborough being honoured with an advancement from an Associate of The Royal Agricultural Societies (ARAgS) to a Fellow due to his continued work of promoting the Rhug brand.
We thoroughly enjoyed this visit from the CARAS delegates and sincerely hope that we can host a similar event again, especially as the delegates were more than complimentary about their visit.
Organic Beef