The Royal Bath & West of England Society has announced Robert Drewett DL as its new president for 2024/25. Robert, who was the High Sheriff of Somerset for 2023/24 and has been involved with the Society for nearly 50 years, took over the role during the Society's Summer Council Meeting and AGM.

Drewett, a Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset, is no stranger to the Royal Bath & West Show. He first began stewarding at the Bicentennial Show in 1977 and spent more than nine years as the Society's Honorary Show Director before retiring in 2022. His involvement with the Society is part of a long family tradition, with three generations of Drewetts having played key roles at the show. His father, Bill Drewett, was the Honorary Show Director from 1978 to 1989, during which time the Dairy Show was established, and HM The Queen visited.

The family connection continues with Robert's three children, who are all involved with the show. Two of them serve as stewards of the Ring Events, while the third is a steward of the Grandstand.

Robert succeeds Lord and Lady Falmouth, who held the presidency over the past year. In his speech, Lord Falmouth expressed his gratitude to the Society and its team for their support during his time in office. In accepting the role, Robert thanked the council for the honour and paid tribute to Lord and Lady Falmouth, acknowledging the high standard they set during their tenure.

Reflecting on his new position, Robert Drewett said, "When I first started stewarding, in a very junior capacity, at the Bicentennial Show in 1977, I never envisaged that I might, one day, find myself invited to be president of the UK's oldest continually operating agricultural society. I am enormously honoured that the Board and membership should have seen fit to do so and look forward to supporting the Society over the coming year."

The Royal Bath & West Society is looking forward to welcoming Robert to his first official event as president at the Dairy Show in October.