Little did I know what was on the horizon for us all. Who would have thought at that time that we would have seen such an extraordinary sequence of events in the coming year that would affect all of us in so many ways.

Firstly, the Society’s trusted Official Auctioneers withdrew their services following the closure of their Equine department, closely followed by the closure of the Animal Health trust who had done so much laboratory work for our members over the years. To then be sideswiped by the Covid 19 pandemic resulting in the cancellation of so many pivotal and core events in our calendar; and the terrible effect it has had on everyone’s lives made me wonder what else could be around the corner!

These have all been great tests of the tenacity of Members, Trustees and WPCS Office staff. It has trialled our resilience and commitment in a way never seen before and I am very proud to share that as a Breed Society we have kept going throughout these unyielding challenges. Trustees have met regularly via online Team meetings and adopted new technology to facilitate good governance.

Today we announced the results of the first ever World Online Fun show, which drew just under 400 entries by competitors from Canada, USA, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, and the home nations.

We thank the judges for their support and energies and congratulate all who took part.

Tonight sees the final evening of bidding before the closing of tomorrows inaugural Official Online sale; where I am pleased to report a brisk interest in the quality lots on offer, with many entries already reaching their reserves. Let us hope that a high number of those entered will soon be on their way to new homes. There is still time to register and bid, if you have not yet taken the opportunity.

Traditional sales will always be the first choice for the Society, but in times like these we must adapt, adopt change and overcome. Thank you to those vendors brave enough to be supportive of the Online sale concept in entering their stock and thereby benefiting the Society and the membership through part of their entry fee and a percentage of the commission charged.

On Tuesday the furloughed staff will return to the office and we will be glad to welcome them back to Bronaeron. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those staff members who have worked so hard since March to keep the traffic of transfers, passports and DNA/ microchipping activities flowing. Yes – there may be some of you who have experienced delays and it has tested your patience, but we are getting there; and I hope by the end of 2020 that the secretariat will be in a much stronger position than a year ago. An increase in correctly filled forms submitted is helping us deal with the first major wave at the end of July. Transfers; if the passports are completed correctly, signed and dated are swiftly turned around.

In the offing are price increases for some services to bring us in line with other societies. I am pleased to say that these will not affect members rates, thereby reaffirming the benefit of becoming a member of the WPCS.

We are also working on refocusing and overhauling the Society’s website, which will be released in stages over the coming months.

Soon it will be time to think about Journal advertisements – indeed if you have any ideas for articles or interesting photographs please send them to anna.goodwin@wpcs.uk.com . We have an exciting offer for all advertisers in the pipeline and I do hope that despite this disruptive year, members will continue to support the journal as a volume of interest, and an important publication to continue to be the archive book of reference leading us into the Society’s next 120 years.

In tandem the invaluable first of four Stud books will soon be going to print.

Let’s hope for a good autumn, good health and a successful weaning period

Regards / Cofion

Meirion

Photo “What it’s all about!” Young Myfanwy Donati says hello to her new friend.