Well-known across Pembrokeshire and beyond, Brian Harries admits he may not have the 'show pedigree' for the President's role but he is bringing his own unique style and enthusiasm to the postition.

He is passionate about promoting the Pembrokeshire County Show, what our county has to offer - and he aims to bring together everyone in our rural community.

Over the next few weeks Brian will be sharing his thoughts as he and the show team prepare for the big event...

"With just three weeks to go before the 2018 County Show opens, I must admit that I feel unexpectedly calm. Everything seems to be falling into place and there is a really positive buzz among the staff, the countless volunteers and pretty well everyone involved.

Depending on who you talk to, the weather is amazing. We are certainly hoping for fine weather during show week but it is difficult to get it right for everyone. Farming and tourism are the two biggest industries in Pembrokeshire and in recent years the summers have tended to be on the wet side which has been perfect for growing bumper crops but not so good for tourism. This year tourism is thriving with visitors flocking to Pembrokeshire in their thousands but the farming community have considerable difficulties due to the lack of rainfall.

At the end of the day we are all so closely linked to each other in this beautiful county and our annual County Show gives us the perfect platform to promote who we are and what we do. The County Show will always have its main focus on farming, but increasingly promotes a whole range of businesses in Pembrokeshire.

Sometimes it is difficult to get this message across but I was heartened this week when a young lady approached us with a view to promoting her new business at the County Show based on personal fitness. She initially felt quite unsure but following discussions with our team in the office she is now really enthusiastic about having a presence at the show. Let's not forget that farmers spend money throughout the year which benefits businesses everywhere in Pembrokeshire.

I have personal experience of this as Margaret my wife has enthusiastically bought into the principle that the President's wife needs to have a new outfit for each day of the show and is currently on a major shopping spree. If I am honest I don't really understand this as I am the President and everyone is happy that I just send my suit to the cleaners. I have had a good look through her wardrobe and have found at least 10 outfits she could wear to the show and also found one of her trouser suits which I could nearly have worn myself!

The other big topic which needs addressing is entry fees to the show.  Please, please everyone go on to the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website and look at the offers available. In particular, families with children can benefit hugely if you plan ahead, for example, one adult with three children under 16 can enter for £18.

This year for the first time, entry fees have been cut to £10 after 4pm and we have among other things introduced live music with local bands playing from 6pm until 8.30pm in a bold attempt to make the show a place to go after normal working hours.

There is so much more happening at our show this year and I will bring you all up to speed in the coming weeks. I am personally looking forward to the show as the most wonderful privilege to be its President and I will pay particular interest to that young lady promoting her new personal fitness business. Who knows, by this time next year I might be able to get into that trouser suit in Margaret's wardrobe."

Brian Harries

PAS Show President