Former Western Mail farming editor scoops FUW Bob Davies memorial award 2016

FUW Sally WilliamsFormer Western Mail farming editor Sally Williams has been recognised for her role in promoting the role Welsh farming plays in our rural economy and has been presented with the Farmers’ Union of Wales Bob Davies Memorial award.

Sally is a Senior Reporter for the Shropshire Star which is campaigning to support British farming.

She was awarded Online News Reporter of the Year 2015 by BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in the Wales Media Awards held in Cardiff.

Sally was previously Country and Farming/Powys Editor for the Trinity Mirror Group's Western Mail/Wales Online and is a former Deputy Editor of the County Times.

The award – in memory of Farmers Weekly Wales correspondent Bob Davies, who died in November 2009 – is offered to a media personality who has raised the public profile of Welsh farming every year.

Bob Davies, who lived in Welshpool, Powys, worked for the national magazine Farmers' Weekly for 44 years.

He covered a variety of issues affecting rural life during his career, including foot-and-mouth outbreaks and BSE.

The list of those who have previously received the award - a shepherd’s crook specially carved by award winning Aberystwyth stick maker Hywel Evans - include former FUW director of public relations Peter Roberts, S4C Ffermio presenter and Carmarthenshire farmer’s daughter Meinir Howells, experienced Ceredigion TV and radio journalist John Meredith, Swansea-based Telesgop managing director Elin Rhys,  BBC TV’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, Farmers Guardian journalist Barry Alston, BBC Radio Cymru’s Dei Tomos, Freelance agricultural journalist Meyrick Brown, founding editor of the Welsh Assembly Government’s bilingual Gwlad magazine Roy Hancock, former farming editor of the Western Mail Steve Dube, rural affairs editor at the Daily Post (Wales) Andrew Forgrave and Welsh agricultural broadcaster Hywel James as well as S4C’s Cefn Gwlad presenter Dai Jones, Llanilar.

Presenting the award at the annual FUW President’s reception during the Royal Welsh Show, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Through the award the Union recognises the vital role the media play in highlighting farming and rural affairs issues and bringing the countryside closer to those who may not be directly involved with the industry.

“Sally has reported on the Royal Welsh Show, in print and online with videos and pictures and has been a member of the Royal Welsh Show's Publicity Committee for a number of years. She has interviewed Prime Minister David Cameron and farming leaders about many pressing farming issues, including the TB crisis and climate change.

“Sally has over the years been immensely supportive and highlighted a wide range of issues that affect the farming and rural community and for this we thank her today.”

On being presented with the award, Sally said: "I feel surprised and deeply honoured to receive this award in memory of Bob Davies, such a highly-respected journalist.

"I was in Welshpool High School with Bob's daughter Emma, a photographer and it was lovely to see them working together as an effective team at the show.

"The Press Room wasn't quite the same without Bob there in his usual seat.

"The Welsh farming world is like one big family - we all support each other.

"I was lucky to have my daughter, Phoebe helping me each year at the show for 12 years and mum and dad helping behind the scenes over the years too.

"We have made many good friends here, including past winners of this award, which makes it extra special. Thank you very much to everyone at the FUW for this award, which I will treasure, always.

"I hope that we can all do all that we can to continue to support Welsh farming because there is nothing more important than the food we eat and Welsh produce is the best in the world."

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