June guest speaker report

Our speaker this month was Rhodri Davies from Rosedew Farm in Llantwit Major. Rhodri is a well-known businessman and talked to us about how all his various businesses came into being.

Originally from Lampeter, Rhodri and his wife Gaynor bought Rosedew Farm in 1995 and, together with their 3 children, they run a number of businesses set up to diversify and compliment the farm. There is a large herd of cattle of various breeds, and the home bred beef is slaughtered at the local slaughterhouse and brought back to the farm to supply another businesses The Farmers Pantry Butchers, with shops in Llantwit, Cardiff and Pugh`s Garden Village. Farmers Pantry also caters for another business – Rosedew Farm wedding venue, which hosted 90 weddings in 2022, with accommodation for guests in the form of cottages and lodges . Another business venture is Acorn Campsite situated a short distance from Rosedew, and many local people are employed here.

Rhodri grows a variety of crops, including sugarbeet, wheat, barley, maize and potatoes. There is also a wildflower meadow and a field of sunflowers. Rhodri has also diversified into wine and gin making! Yet another venture is a woodchip business based on Llandow.

This was the first time Rhodri had given a talk and we thank him for taking the time to come and tell us about his various local businesses. It was a very good turnout for a fascinating insight into his life, and we thank everyone who came.

Our next speaker will be Sheena Crossley who will be talking to us about shrubs for all year round interest. 

Please note: Members continue to be able to attend for free, but non members will be charged £1 for entry to our talks. Don’t forget - membership only costs £5 for the year for you and a partner, but entry to all our talks for the year will cost you £10! If you are a member, please remember to bring your membership card along with you.

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED: Due to demand, we are in need of volunteers to help out with serving tea & coffee during our monthly talks. If you can help out please contact Cath Thomas on 01446 750552 or email llantwitmajorhortsoc@gmail.com