Judging Workshop Day Sunday 6th September 2009

One of the most contentious topics in any breed society can be the standard of judging at shows. Whilst I know of no competitor who in the show ring enjoys not winning most breeders are prepared to accept it if they feel they have been judged fairly and consistently. There has been too many instances over recent years of poor judging and it has inflamed much debate. The best advert for any breed are the Sheep and the biggest and best shop window is the shows.

If, as a breed society, we are to encourage participation at these shows and naturally thereby promote the breed we need good and consistent judging. Attending a show can take a lot of preparation, a fair investment and then the traveling and the time spent at the show. People will not make this commitment if they do not have confidence in the judges who are to officiate at these events. It is therefore to great credit to the society that the have embarked on a process of tutoring, training and mentoring potential judges.

This has been proposed for decades but until this year nothing practical had been done or achieved. A committee of 3 respected Society members; Russell Howell, Jon Donovan and Andy McVicar, each a renowned and respected showman and judge, has been established. They commenced the venture by holding a one day judging workshop at our own Shepherds Meadow in Herefordshire. 43 breeders from around the country attended (including a healthy contingent from the Northern Group). It started with an excellent and very informative demonstration and lecture given by Russell Howell followed by a practical judging session with much advice provided by the many experienced judges in attendance. I found it very informative and the day other than being very enjoyable helped highlight many of the differing issues from both a judges and a competitors perspective. The whole process can only improve the standard of judging which is of course the committees very aim. Russell, Jon and Andy have every right to be pleased and proud of what was achieved. I would also like to thank Roy Preece and William Laurie for all their help in preparing the sheep for the demonstration and ensuring the day ran so smoothly. Pictured above are (top right) Russell in full voice with Laura and Wills assisting and (above) the 'delegates' at luncheon!

The home of The Cagedale Ryeland Flock

This has been proposed for decades but until this year nothing practical had been done or achieved. A committee of 3 respected Society members; Russell Howell, Jon Donovan and Andy McVicar, each a renowned and respected showman and judge, has been established. They commenced the venture by holding a one day judging workshop at our own Shepherds Meadow in Herefordshire. 43 breeders from around the country attended (including a healthy contingent from the Northern Group). It started with an excellent and very informative demonstration and lecture given by Russell Howell followed by a practical judging session with much advice provided by the many experienced judges in attendance. I found it very informative and the day other than being very enjoyable helped highlight many of the differing issues from both a judges and a competitors perspective. The whole process can only improve the standard of judging which is of course the committees very aim. Russell, Jon and Andy have every right to be pleased and proud of what was achieved. I would also like to thank Roy Preece and William Laurie for all their help in preparing the sheep for the demonstration and ensuring the day ran so smoothly. Pictured above are (top right) Russell in full voice with Laura and Wills assisting and (above) the 'delegates' at luncheon!