News
HRH visits Llandovery Rugby Club
24th June 2009
On the last day of TRHs Annual Summer tour of Wales, The Prince of Wales visited Carnau Farm, a Welsh Hill Farm in Llanddewi Brefi, part of The Prince's Cambrian Mountain Initiative.
The Prince launched the brand in June 2008 to help Cambrian farmers better market their produce.
The Prince toured the farm, which has been in the same family for four generations, and spoke to the current farmer's son, Emyr Davies, about the future of farming.
Emyr told The Prince that the future of farming for the current crop of young farmers had rarely been so challenging.
The Prince spoke to a gathering at the farm and paid tribute to the hard work of farming families throughout Wales.
He said: "Thank God people like Emyr are prepared to follow in the footsteps of their great-grandfathers, grandfathers and fathers."
The Prince also highlighted the tourism potential of hill farming areas which are increasingly attracting visitors because of the beauty of their surroundings.
He said that traditionally a greater proportion of people in Wales still lived on the land than elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and efforts should go into preserving the language and local expertise.
He said: "People do not always understand that the beauty in the countryside is created by farming which is part of the beauty of the landscape."
Later The Prince travelled back to Llandovery near his Welsh Home where he unveiled a plaque marking the completion of the town's rugby club's new terrace.
The Prince arrived wearing a new Llandovery rugby football club tie after agreeing to become the club’s Patron.
He was also presented with two club ties for Prince William and Prince Harry.
Up to 400 people turned out to greet The Prince, who had been busy visiting parts of Wales over the previous few days.
On arrival he was entertained by Llandovery Male Voice Choir singing from the club's main grandstand.
The Prince then went up to join them and watched a 30-minute exhibition of rugby and training techniques by an array of town teams from the youngest members aged six up to senior level.
Afterwards The Prince went down on to the field to meet players and staff.
After unveiling the plaque, which was announced by the local town crier, The Prince continued on to the clubhouse to meet local dignitaries.
Tomorrow The Prince will host meetings with his charities and initiatives at his Welsh farmhouse.