The longest serving member of the Farmers' Union of Wales staff, Llanrwst-based Gwyn Williams, is retiring at the end of this month after more than 39 years with the organisation.
Mr Williams started working for the union in July 1975 and, as an area officer covering much of the Conwy Valley and surrounding area, saw the organisation develop from a “pressure group” to the force it is today. He also witnessed the official recognition of the union in 1977 by the then Westminster agriculture minister John Silkin.
"Among the high points of my career as an FUW area officer was experiencing the union grow in stature and influence," he said.
"Most importantly, it was an honour and privilege to serve the farming community of the Hiraethog and north Clwyd area. Even up to today I have fourth generation farmers that have done business with me personally."
Among the low points of his union service were the Chernobyl and BSE disasters. "History has taught us that Foot & Mouth, despite being serious, would end at some point but we were treading unknown territory with both Chernobyl and BSE.
"Although I consider myself a very positive person, I recall times when I seriously believed livestock farming in its previous form would not be possible.
"I wish to thank the members and rural businesses I have had the privilege of working with for their support throughout the last 39 years.
"I am now looking forward to having more time with my family. I enjoy walking and caravanning and I will be assisting my son who has a business in Betws y Coed."
FUW Insurance Services managing director Mark Roberts said: “Gwyn is not only our longest serving area officer, he is also our most successful. When he commenced his employment with us in 1975 the insurance premium income in his area was approximately £25,000 - at the time of his retirement it is approximately £1,500,000 - and what would have taken a year to collect in 1975 is now collected every four days!
“He has been so successful in growing his account that he needs to be replaced by three area officers - Caryl Edwards, Lowri Evans and Gwyn Jones.
“Gwyn has seen many changes in his career with FUW, including the move towards the use of computer technology and the move away from the use of a single insurer to that of an insurance broking model. Rather than resist change, Gwyn has embraced it.
“He was the first area officer to work from an office and the first area officer to employ an administrative assistant, both of which are now the norm rather than the exception.
“Whilst he has often queried some of my decisions, I wish I had 32 area officers like him. He is one of the most dedicated, driven and organised people that I have ever met and I shall miss him. I wish him a long and happy retirement.”
[caption id="attachment_3133" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
The longest serving member of the Farmers' Union of Wales staff, Llanrwst-based Gwyn Williams, is retiring at the end of this month after more than 39 years with the organisation[/caption]