SUN SHINES ON THE WILDLIFE TRUST’S BIRTHDAY PARTY!

In the wettest summer on record, there was warm sunshine for the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s Summer Party at the beautiful Cefndyrys estate at Llanelwedd.

The event was held to celebrate the twentieth birthday of the Trust, which was founded in 1987. It was held at Cefndyrys by the very kind invitation of the owners, Nina and Carlos Laborde.

The party was officially opened by Lord Richard Livsey, who was MP for Brecon and Radnor at the time of the Trust’s formation. After congratulating the Trust on its achievements over two decades, he cut a cake beautifully decorated with the Trust’s butterfly logo.

The day’s activities had a strong wildlife theme, starting with a morning walk through the estate grounds to identify and record the birds present, and finishing in the dusk of late evening counting the bats emerging from the roof of one of the estate cottages.

During the day the wildlife theme continued with a botanical walk, displays and guided tours of the grounds. There were also quizzes and activities for children.

Amongst those attending was the current MP for Brecon and Radnor, Roger Williams, who showed a keen interest in the wildlife activities.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a concert by the Mid Powys Youth Choir, under their director Eleanor Madoc Davies. Their lively performance was much enjoyed by the audience.

A Chinese auction with prizes generously donated by local businesses and other sponsors helped to raise funds for the Trust’s work.

The day was rounded off with a delicious dinner prepared and served by volunteers. It was taken on the terrace with the stunning view of Builth and the Royal Welsh Showground as backdrop.

Though many volunteers and the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust staff worked hard, the day was masterminded by Linda Davies, one of the RWT trustees. She not only planned the whole event, but also baked and decorated the cake and cooked dinner for sixty!

Trust chairman, Joan Payne, said that Trust members had thoroughly enjoyed the day. ‘Many people commented on the very special atmosphere. It was a very fitting way to celebrate our twentieth anniversary and we are immensely grateful to our generous hosts, to all who attended and to all who helped to make the day such a success.’