The Royal Bath & West of England Society has announced the appointment of Robert Drewett DL as its new President for the 2024/25 term. Robert, who currently serves as Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset and recently held the role of High Sheriff for 2023/24, brings decades of involvement with the Society, having served as Honorary Show Director for over nine years before retiring in 2022.
Robert’s connection with the Royal Bath & West Show spans nearly 50 years, starting as a steward at the Bicentennial Show in 1977. His family has deep roots in the Society, with three generations of Drewetts playing significant roles. His father, Bill Drewett, was Honorary Show Director from 1978 to 1989, a period that saw the visit of HM the Queen and the inception of the Dairy Show. Robert’s three children are also involved, with two stewarding Ring Events and the third acting as a steward for the Grandstand.
Robert officially assumed the role of President during the Society’s Summer Council Meeting and AGM, succeeding Lord and Lady Falmouth. In his farewell address, Lord Falmouth expressed gratitude to the Council and the Society’s team for their support during his presidency. Robert thanked the Council for the honor and acknowledged the high standards set by his predecessors, stating that he looked forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones in the year ahead.
Reflecting on his appointment, Robert 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 be invited to serve as President of the UK’s oldest continually operating agricultural society. I am enormously honoured and look forward to supporting the Society over the coming year.”
The Society is set to welcome Robert at his first official event in October, the Dairy Show, where he will begin his term as President.
