SHOW RESULTS for 2009
The West Midland Show 2009
The West Midland Show at Shrewsbury is a great event, an original county show. This year there was once again a disappointing turnout by competitors although we were lucky to be joined this time in the show ring by 2 new competitors to the show; The Donovan family with their Dolwen Flock from Whitland, Carmarthanshire and David Lewis with his Arberth Flock from Narberth, Pembrokeshire. Both are among the strongest flocks in the society and additionally they are great people; fun and interesting company to be with. Officiating over events and Judge for the day was Paul Dixon, this years Society President, from Holmefirth in Yorkshire. Paul is another character, good company and always entertaining. So whilst numbers were low there was quality both in with the sheep and the attendees. The prizes were equally shared around and we were lucky enough to win the Championship with our Shearling Ram - Bradvale Kingstar. The boys from West Wales enjoyed their visit to Shrewsbury that evening and I hope they and many other competitors return next year so the proud and historic breed that is the Ryeland may do this proud and historic show justice.
The Three Counties Show 2009
The 2009 Three Counties show proved to be our most successful, ever, at this event. Over the 2 days we achieved 9 first places, 2 second places and 3 third places. The slight disappointment was the reduction in entries in the Ryeland Classes with the event not as well supported in 2009 as it has been in previous years. Hopefully this will be rectified for 2010. That said, the standard was high with in addition to ourselves, strong teams being entered by Sue Kendrick of Kidderminster, Ann Davies of Brecon, Paula Wills of Penzance and the Parsons family from Bromsgrove. These five teams were joined on the Sunday at the Rare breed day by Andy & Sue Mcvicar from Newtown.The prizes on both days were shared around and the championship was won on both days by Sue Kendrick with her Senior Ram. The events were presided over by two eminent Judges - Mr Simon Donovan on the Saturday and Mr Ifan Lloyd on the Sunday. A word also for Alf & Gill Pink from Yorkshire who have attended this Show for the last three years and despite entering for 2009 failed to attend as their stock lorry broke down at Warwick in transit! I hope they and many other breeders will be seen at Malvern in 2010. Pictured above are our 2 Shearlings Rams, Bradvale Kingstar and Cagedale Kingstone, who were first and second in their category respectively
The Devon County Show 2009
The Devon County Show is the first Major Show of the season. It takes place in Exeter and whilst South Devon is a long way for many it is quicker and easier to get to than many shows as the showground is located just a mile from the M5. There was a great atmosphere and the show and it is one of the friendliest and enjoyable shows on the calendar. I would recommend to all a visit either as a spectator or exhibitor.
This year the Ryeland Classes were superbly supported with 7 teams and over 30 sheep on show. It proved to be a real West Country Derby with Devon represented by Chris and Jean Charlton from Honiton, John Mills from Riddlecombe and new breeders Sonia Smith and Adam Retter from Tiverton. From Dorset was Colin Sherman, of Dorchester, From Cornwall, Paula Wills of Penzance and Richard Wear from Somerset. Finally there was ourselves with our Cagedale Flock, all the way from Herefordshire.
Judging took place on Thursday 21 st May with the Judge for the day David Lewis from Narberth. David is one of the younger judges on the circuit and but has already gained recognition for not only his judging of Sheep and Ryelands but also of cattle. His judging was very diligent and undemonstrative and all who participated agreed that he did an excellent job.
All teams enjoyed a degree of success which was testament to the quality of Ryelands on view. Supreme Breed Champion was a our Shearling Ram Bradvale Kingstar (pictured above with Bobby and the Judge David Lewis being awarded Breed Supreme Champion and here to the left in the pens) He was bred by Steve and Tomos Bradbury of Bethesda, Pembrokeshire from whom we purchased him last year as a lamb. We also had First in the Ram Class, Ram Lamb Class and Ewe with Lamb at foot class. Our Shearling Ewe was Reserve Female Champion and additionally we had three 2nd places and one 3 rd place. So it proved to be a successful show for ourselves.