SOUTHERN REGION
Regional Contact Member – Peter Gorringe
Simon and Lesley Pope’s ram, winner of his class at the Kent County Show
A successful trimming workshop was held in the Southern Region and Natalie Ceeney (Hallwood Jacobs) hosted it and writes: “Have you ever thought of showing, but wondered ‘how on earth do I make my sheep look like that?’ Or started showing, feeling rather clueless against the competition? Well – that was us. So when Peter Gorringe of the Shutecome Flock suggested helping to run a trimming workshop, he had lots of takers. My husband (assistant chief shepherd) and I spent a weekend tidying up our barn for visitors, and another shampooing our best sheep ready for trimming. And then we day arrived. 15 people came, and we experienced a masterclass, with Peter and his son, Tom, showing us how to make our sheep look like that. We all had a go – and a few hours later our sheep looked rather lovely. I was also rather pleased that our sheep behaved well for the visitors. I’d made some brownies and lemon cake for the trimming session, so we ended up at the pub afterwards for lunch feeling rather pleased with ourselves, as well as full. I’m still not sure I could really say that I know what I’m doing, but I certainly feel more confident in preparing a sheep for show. And I’m even more in awe of the experts than before. Thanks to Peter and Tom Gorringe for their time and expertise. Unfortunately our washed and trimmed sheep promptly put their heads in the molasses bucket so they no longer look quite as clean… so we will do it all again in August for the Edenbridge and Oxsted shop. Hopefully more successfully thanks to the class.”
