David Lewis has stepped down as chairman of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s council after nearly a decade in the role.

Mr Lewis stepped down from his role during a council meeting last week at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

Members of the council have been unable to meet since their last meeting in December 2019, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and did so on Friday, December 10, in person at the showground with the option to join virtually also. During the meeting, Mr Lewis stepped down after beginning his term back in 2012.

Mr Lewis’ enthusiasm for the industry has made him one of the few people to hold all of the highest offices within the society since he joined as a member way back in 1976. In addition to being one of the society’s principal cattle commentators for over 40 years, Mr Lewis was the Royal Welsh Show president in 2005 and has previously held the position of chairman of the board of directors. In 2017 Mr Lewis was awarded the society’s Gold Medal for his ongoing achievements and outstanding contribution to the society.

During the meeting, members thanked him for his service to the society and shared touching tributes of his time as chairman, remarking on how he has been a mentor for many within the society. The current vice chair, Nicola Davies, will now step in as acting chair of the council until a new chair is appointed.