Southern Nov 2024

SOUTHERN REGION

Regional Contact Member – Peter Gorringe

Once again it has been a busy summer on the farm – lots of hay due to the very wet spring.

Showing in the region has seen the number of exhibitors increase with great attendance at the Kent County Show and a fantastic turnout for the greatly improved Edenbridge and Oxted Show with their new committee. The Jacob sheep entries even had an entire tent to themselves.

The Jacob sheep pens at Edenbnridge & Oxted Show

After the Kent County Show Southern Region member, Wendy Sharp, wrote about her experience at the show: “Only our second time at the Kent Show as exhibitors, and what a weekend it turned out to be. Furnished with a little more knowledge than last year and some keen helpers in the team we headed out with fourteen sheep. The problem was that we had expectations this year, and that usually leads to disappointment, but we were determined to have fun. Jacob judging was in the afternoon this year, so time for breakfast, and more washing and grooming before our turn in the ring. The whole team had a chance to show their favourite sheep on Friday in the breed classes as we had one or more in each class and then six young handlers for Saturday’s classes. We all worked together supporting each other, and helping others in and out of the ring, the camaraderie was amazing. Classes progressed quickly, Adrenalin flowed, with no time to think in between classes and there was strong competition too with a buzz in the sheep lines. Rosettes started to come in, Thirds, seconds and then a first for aged ewe, and then another for shearling ewe, how did that happen ? So we had two in the Jacob championship line up, and then the cherry on the cake, what a surprise, champion with Star, our shearling ewe. Wwho would have thought it. A few tears shed, and hugs exchanged and hands shaken. What a surprise, we were elated. All that work paid off. We had the privilege of being in the parade of champions in the main ring. The children showed their favourite sheep on Saturday, and were becoming more confident, but we have a way to go with some hot completion there, it was a pleasure to watch.
But we couldn’t have done it without our advisors in the Jacob Sheep Society
, with special thanks to the Pope and Gorringe families, and all my other helpers and advisors, it means a lot.”

Wendy Sharp (right) with one of her helpers and the judge, Mike Bundy, at the Kent County Show

By the time you read this we will have had our annual open day at the Rare Breeds Trust Centre in Kent on the 19th October. A full report will be in the spring Journal.

Welcome to our new members in the Southern Region, Mr William Harrison

Miss Sandra Lowe, members no 05984, and I look forward to meeting you at one of our Southern region events.

I am available as you know for any questions regarding the breed and look forward to seeing everyone at future events.

I wish you all a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year with you all ready for lambing in 2025.

Simon Jones’ champion ram and reserve champion ewe at Romsey Show with the judge, Sue Taylor

Posted in Southern.