When Presteigne Young Farmers’ Club won the Radnor Young Farmers’ Club Drama Festival at Llandrindod Wells’ Albert Hall in February, it was a notable landmark for the club.
It was Presteigne’s first victory in the competition for 27 years and only their second-ever win, but it was all the more remarkable because on both occasions they won with the same play.
’Gosforth’s Fete’ was written by Alan Ayckbourn as part of his ’Confusions’ collection and tells the story of a village fete that descends into chaos, culminating in the ’electrocution’ of the local councillor who is due to open the event.
For producer Trevor Owens it was very much a case of going full circle.
"I was a member of the cast when – produced by the excellent Kay Evans - Presteigne won in 1989," said Trevor.
"As a club we had not even made finals night until then so to go on and win it was amazing.
"I was fortunate enough to enjoy my share of successes in Young Farmers but the roar that came up from the auditorium that night surpassed any other memory from my time in the movement," he added.
Scroll forward 27 years and the club’s current chairman Owen Davies was determined Presteigne YFC should again shake off the tag of ’also-rans’.
"I know we have some talent in Presteigne and it was just a case of finding the right play and someone to produce it for us," he said.
"We had heard at the club’s 60th anniversary dinner last year that ’Gosforth’s Fete’ had been our only success so we thought: ’Why not try it again?’.
"Trevor was asked to come to the read through on the first night we looked at the play and, well, he should have known better as he was always likely to end up as producer," he added.
Presteigne’s success at Radnor saw them go on to represent the county in the All-Wales finals where they were to finish second at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham.
Now the club is planning ’Gosforth’s Final Fling’ as they will be putting on the play one last time at Presteigne’s Memorial Hall on Sunday, April 10.
"We have had a lot of interest from people, many of whom have no direct connection to the Young Farmers’ movement, who have read about our success in the press and who have asked: ’Are you going to do it again?’," said Owen.
"So, we have called in support from other winning acts from around Radnor, including Ffion Price who was superb in winning the ’Time To Shine’ competition at the Wales finals.
"We are looking to wrap up Gosforth’s Fete in fine style and are hoping for a good house for this final performance."
Presteigne Young Farmers will stage ’Gosforth’s Fete’ at the town’s Memorial Hall at 6.00pm on Sunday, April 10. The doors will be open at 5.30pm and admission for the night’s entertainment will be £5 for adults and £3 for children.