Llanwrtyd Wells pensioner became a champion at the 2024 Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Robert Loveridge said he was surprised to win as there had been a lapse of around 40 years before he started taking part in flower arrangement competitions again four years ago.

The 75 year-old and his wife moved to Beulah, near Llanwrtyd Wells over eight years ago.

He said the first thing he learned when he started competing again at the Royal Welsh was that things changed over the years.

“The first year I gained knowledge, but no prize cards. The stewards and fellow competitors were so welcoming and friendly. 

“The second year I managed a commended card. This third year I hoped and tried to aim for a coloured card for the first, second or third. Imagine my surprise to achieve ‘Best in show’ and Champion with a Welsh crystal glass award, plus two third places and a commended card.”

Mr Loveridge said both he and his wife enjoy gardening and their two acre plot gives them a lot of scope to enjoy this hobby.

He was trained as an amenity horticulturist, and flower arranging for various events was part of that, and as a young man he used to do wedding flowers to augment his salary. 

He said he stopped because he became a researcher and spent 15 year's using plants and hydroponics to treat wastewater, which included overseas aid. 

He then moved to plant fossil research as a research fellow and retired 12 years ago, but he retains an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow appointment.

Mr Loveridge is also a STEM Ambassador often doing fossil and dinosaur school and interactive events. 

“I enjoy palaeontology and am a trustee with the newly formed Heart of Wales Geopark. I sing with the Builth Male Voice Choir and our local Beulah Choir. I also enjoy art, especially painting birds, which is an extension of a bird watching hobby.

“I will be entering the Royal Welsh shows again to enjoy the challenge and friendship experienced .”