I live in Caerphilly, but consider Carmarthenshire my spiritual home because I worked there for so long. I try and get down as often as I can and, if the truth be known, I'm hoping to eventually move there.
I'll be at the Royal Welsh Spring Festival (yes, they've renamed it again! May 19/20) with my Tamworths, so look forward to arranging a get-together closer to the time. I'll be showing on the Saturday and giving a talk on starting in smallholding in the afternoon in Speakers' Corner in the South Glamorgan Hall. Will also be launching my latest book, the Haynes Smallholding Manual.
The show schedules have just been sent out, so plenty of time to enter (Closing date April 2
www.royalwelsh.co.uk for more info). The pig competitions are organised by the Wales & Border Counties Pig Breeders' Association and all the exhibitors are a very welcoming bunch, so don't be afraid to enter. We'll all help if it's your first time (and even if it's not!). Unlike many shows, there is a VERY secure ring, boarded to the floor, so no need to worry about your tiny January pigs escaping!
The apres-show socialising is always good, so why not join in? We attract exhibitors from all over the UK and the show is a great way of tipping your toe in the water and seeing if you like showing or not. If anyone wants advice on the show, the venue, etc, please feel free to send me a message.
Liz