Honours for the men and women working the land

FOR 40 years, without fail, Stephen Adams has turned up for work at Carnguwch Farm on time.

What’s more, he’s never missed a single day’s work through sickness.

“Punctuality is of the utmost importance to him,” said his employer Richard Ellis, who runs a multi-faceted organic farming and leisure operation at Llithfaen on the Llŷn Peninsula.

Last week the 56-yearold farm worker from Uwch Afon, Llannor, Pwllheli, collected a Long Service Medal from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

Stephen was a 16-yearold school leaver when he first arrived at the farm under the Youth Training Scheme, set up in 1978 to alleviate high unemployment rates amongst young people.

Since then he has acquired a huge skillset, from stockman to mechanic, helping out with lambing and calving as well as maintaining fences and stone walls.

He is now part of a large team at Carnguwch, which went organic in 2000, converted outbuildings into holiday cottages and is now the area’s biggest private sector employer.

“He is as busy as ever and, having been with us so long, is very much part of the family,” added Mr Ellis.

Five other Welsh farm workers, with a collective 235 years of service, also received RWAS Long Service Medals at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

They included Gwilym Jones, 67, a gamekeeper from Glasfryn, Pwllheli, who has worked in the industry for 52 years.

For the last four dec- ades he’s been with Jonathan Williams-Ellis, of the Glasfryn Estate, Pwllheli, who described his employee as a “true countryman”.

“Gwilym has been a fantastic watchdog for the estate and a real friend who is always willing to help others,” he said.

At Glasfryn Mr Jones succeeded Johnny Williams, another long-serving keeper who received similar Royal Welsh recognition in the early 1960s.

He has since gone on to become an advocate of well prepared game, often appearing on TV.

All the birds shot at Glasfryn are either sold to local pubs and hotels, or served up to visiting shooters by Gwilym’s wife Wendy. “If you’re going to shoot it, you’d better eat it!” he said.

Clocking up 50 years on Anglesey’s farms was Hefin Parry, 65, of Talwrn, Llangefni.

Much of his service has been at Cefn Carrog, Llangefni, with ELl M & RHT Williams, Dolaugwyn, Bryncrug, Tywyn.

His boss, Hugh Williams, said: “We were chuffed to see Hefin receive his award – he’s been a faithful employee for many years.” ● Michael Bolderston, 58, of Forden, Welshpool, who has worked in farming for 43 years, the last four with RE Cookson & Son, Deffryn, Berriew, Welshpool. ● Lewis Owen, 69, of Llanafan, Aberystwyth, who has 49 years in farming, most recently for Oliver Seeds. ● Kenneth Powell, 65, of Crossways, Newcastle, Monmouth, who has 41 years service, most recently at Whitehouse Farm, Crossways.