The weather was wonderful, there was so much to see and do and it was a perfect weekend for meeting friends, old and new. What more can you ask? The livestock classes were so well filled and it was a unique opportunity to see the very best examples of the breeds with their owners (also experts in their chosen breed), on hand to discuss the finer points. Smallholder Magazine supported the award for the best Cattle Promotion Stand which went to the Welsh Black Cattle Stand. Manned by friendly, knowledgeable people, the stand also was home to several fine examples of the breed.

It was a well-deserved win. The Breed Club's motto is "The breed where quality comes naturally' and the Welsh Black is kept not only in Wales but throughout the UK and have been exported as far apart as Canada and West Germany. * The 'Seven Ages of Pig' Exhibition was, as ever, stunning as we have come to expect from the Wales and Border Counties Pig Breeders Association and the Welsh Pig, now critically low in numbers, is focused on by the Association. As well as a pig show with really good entries, the Society also had a pig breed parade, novice and junior, 'have a go' pig handling and an open pig forum.

The Angora Goat Craft Competition was new to the Weekend, having previously been held at Chatsworth House, and the beautiful crafts on show were a tribute to the maker's skill and talent - and an inspiration to everyone.

The Garden Section of the show continues to expand and there is much to interest all gardeners from dyed in the wool vegetable growers to smallholders who also like an elegant garden area for barbecues and relaxation. There were five competitive gardens which was really quite a surprise as I have only ever seen this sort of competition at Chelsea - once again Smallholder Weekend is innovative. I was very busy on the stand, meeting readers, so didn't get to see all the main ring events, but as readers know, my passion is for ponies and I sneaked out to see the British Horse Society/Side Saddle Association's display and it lifted my heart to see the gallant Welsh cob with his beautifully costumed rider, trot for Wales across the ring with the back drop of the wonderful Welsh hills. A moment to remember! See you next year.

Next year's Royal Welsh Smallholder and Garden Festival is at Builth Wells on 21 and 22 May 2005

Contact the Welsh Black Cattle Association - Andrew James 01982 551111 mobile 07977 487724

If you require contacts for any of the people mentioned in this article, please contact Liz Wright and she will supply full details.