CHAIR of the Maesmawr Group Roche Davies has been recognised by Powys County Council for his outstanding contribution to the community. Roche, of Trewythen Farm , was presented with a Silver Kite 2023 award by Council Chair Cllr Beverley Baynham for 58 years of service in an awards ceremony at the Royal Welsh Show in July. She said Roche had been a committed county, district and community councillor and served as a school governor for Llandinam, Caersws and Llanidloes schools. “He played a pivotal role in saving Llandinam School when it was threatened with closure and it is now a thriving school with a pre school early years section which attracts families to the area”, she said. “He also supported the new playground in the village. Without Roche we would not have these. He also is a veteran fund-raiser for numerous charities including Wales Air Ambulance and the Orthopaedic Hospital at Gobowen. He has had a successful farming career and helped the next generation along the farming ladder.” Roche said the award “is a great honour” and thanked the local county councillors Karl Lewis and Les George who had nominated him. He himself was later thanked by MP Craig Williams. The ceremony was watched by wife Ceinwen, daughters Ann and Jane along with other family members. It was the second award for Trewythen farm at the Show with farm worker Delwyn Meredith receiving a long-service award for 63 years of service. Delwyn started at the farm part-time as a schoolboy aged 12 before joining full-time aged 14. He recalls Prince Charles – the now King – presenting his previous long service award on behalf of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and “being very interested in how farming had changed over the years.” Delwyn’s family members were also in attendance.
