A PWLLHELI farmer has stood down from South Caernarfon Creameries’ board of directors after 43 years’ service.

Rhisiart Lewis from Llangybi, near Pwllheli, has served on the board since 1974 and became chairman in 1996 – a position he held for 15 years. He remained on the board and was an active member of the creamery before standing down at last month’s AGM.

In 2011, Mr Lewis was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his services to the dairy industry.

Mr Lewis said: “I have always had a great passion for the dairy industry and saw the benefits of co-operative working in agriculture.

“I was very proud to serve the creamery for over 40 years, but the time has come to hand things over to the next generation.

“South Caernarfon Creameries has kept employment in an area where there aren’t too many opportunities and I’m very proud of that. I am pleased that at my final AGM, record profits were announced for the co-operative.”

Bernard Harris, chairman at South Caernarfon Creameries, said: “We are obviously so grateful to Rhisiart for his hard work and continued passion over the decades.

“We are indebted to the phenomenal amount of time and effort he has invested in South Caernarfon Creameries. He’s been an important member of the board in a period where the creamery enjoyed significant growth and investment. We wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

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