www.sheepevent.org.ukCentral Region
Welcome to the News page for the Central Region
The region includes the counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Derbyshire and Worcestershire.
Regional Council Member
Mrs Jean Simmons
Camster Fold
Aston
Staffs
ST18 9LJ
Tel: 01785 282818
E-mail: simmons@pjsproperties.freeserve.co.uk
I am always pleased to hear from members, please do feel free to contact me with any queries, ideas and comments you have. Pieces of news woould be welcome for this page which would be of interest to other members. I look forward to meeting many of you through the coming season at events and shows.
2010 EVENTS
Central Region Jacob Sheep Society Open Day
Sunday 23rd May at Woodgreen Farm
It was a splendid day that saw the gathering of Central Region members at the farm of Sean and Kay Carpenter. We were welcomed from the heat of the day in a cavernous barn, greeted by the usual refreshments; tea, coffee and soft drinks. There was also Pimms. This set the tone for a day of notable quality. Also greeting members were young helpers,Caitlin, Seren, Rhiannon and Morgan, who wore badges, 'Can I help ewe?'
Kay introducing the day
The main focus of the day was meat and after a formal welcome to the farm by Mr Peter Pratt, we were treated to a butchery demonstration by Mr Allan Bennett of Wolverhampton. There is little that Mr Bennett does not know about the meat trade and we were thoroughly entertained with his anecdotes as well as informed by his talk.
Mr Bennett at work
As part of this talk he had two carcasses, a lean and fat lamb and he graphically demonstrated the differences and consequences of these types of lamb in terms of meat quality and quantity. Interestingly though a fat Jacobs lamb was not really very fat, which we all knew but needs to be said more.
He dealt with the carcasses very effectively and quite clearly took a great pride in his work. He said that the highlights of his day are when a customer comes back and says that the meat they were sold was delicious.
For the shepherd the grading of a carcass starts with the grading of a sheep by the conformation and fat, and in a separate barn there were two sheep penned for us to assess for quality. The results were entered into a competion and the results anounced at the end of the day.
Following the demonstration Kay talked about how the business in rare breed meat started. It was an intriguing story of how a dream was formed and how they moved on to live a busy, but very fulfilling life. Kay's eyes had a definite sparkle as she recounted her move into farmer's markets and her whole body exuded enthusiasm. It was quite inspiring.
Finaly we had a talk by Clive Roads, the Society's auctioneer from McCartney's. He focused on preparing and grading lambs for market and set the earlier butchery demonstartion in context for meat producers. Hearing from the other side of the fence, from someone who is very experienced at selling at auctions, was salutary. One realises that we are really part of the food producing industry.
Clive Roads addressing the audience
One small point was made when referring to the feeling of sheep as part of grading. 'Don't,' said Clive, 'thump down on the sheep. You need a gentle pressure so you can actually feel what is there.'
At the end of the talks Kay and Sean set up their hot meat stall and the assembled company dispersed, some to get food, (which was delicious!) some to look at the display of spinning by Mrs Roberts and Mrs Bishop and the various garments on show.
Mrs Roberts and Mrs Bishop working on their wheels
Members finding out about spinning
The food was delicious
After the splendid lunch we were treated to a tour of the farm, beautifully set near the banks of the River Severn. We saw the flock of Jacobs and the lovely South Devon Cattle.
Mr Pratt and sheep dog moving some Jacobs toward the members
South Devon cattle
The day rounded off with tea and cake, and an auction of the meat prepared earlier, the proceeds going to the Jaclub and Junior Shpeherds to promote activities with the breed for junior members.
It was a lovely day both in the weather and the company. The complete family involvement in what the do and the enthusiasm and enjoyment with which they pursue their aims was integral to the day. From teh wonderful illustrated posters set up around the farm drawn by the younger members, to the bubbly enthusiasm of Kay as she talked about her ventures, the gentle South Devon cattle that Sean showed us and the deft sheep dog skills under the guidance of Mr Pratt, all combined to make us very welcome. It was a good day.
Have a preview at: www.lickhillherd.co.uk/
National Show and Sale
This will be held on Friday 30th July at Worcester Livestock Market.
This is the premier JSS sale where you will be able to view some of the best stock for sale. All the sheep are inspected before the show and the sale takes place usually about half an hour after judging. This is a great place to meet up with other members as well aas the best opportunity to buy and sell sheep. I would be pleased to meet new members there and if you feel that you need some advice about the event do get in touch.
National Sheep Association Sheep 2010
NSA Sheep 2010, the industry' premier biennial initiative, will be staged at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on Tuesday, August 3rd by the National Sheep Association and co-organiser, the Three Counties Agricultural Society.
This is one of the biggest shows devoted to all things sheep in the country. There will be over 220 exhibitors, 52 breed societies and associations, seminare not to mention bodies such as Eblex who are a wealth of information.
For more information see the show website:
The Jacob Sheep Society will have a stand manned by the Breed Promotion Committee and the Central Region who will be working together to promote the breed at this very important showplace.
The show is an ideal place to learn more about any aspect of sheep keeping and we would encourage members of the Society to attend and if you do, make sure that you call by the Jacob stand and make yourself known.
Flock Competition
This competition/assessment will take place over the weekend of 1/2/3rd October. The judges are Anna Milner and Bridget Wilson. If you would like to enter this for the first time and require help and/or advice please do contact me. For more information about this event, follow this link:
www.jacobsheepsociety.co.uk/files/flock_comp_flier_2010.pdf
Ram Assessment - Super stud or Dud??
An informative and practical evening focusing on checking rams before tupping to be held at Brettles Farm by the kind invitation of Mark and Maggie Rushbrooke. It will be held on Tuesday 7th September, 5.30 for 6.00pm. Tea and coffee will be available from 5.30 and the evening will conclude with a light supper at about 8.00 pm.
This event is free, but in order to prepare the catering, please follow the directions on the flier.
www.jacobsheepsociety.co.uk/files/ram_assessment_flier_2010.pdf
Showing Season - Offer to help
The numbers at the regions shows were much improved this year. We have a lot of friendly experienced members who would be willing to help you if you would like to join in - please do contact me.
News
The Central Region Committee has been joined by Bob Bramley as our representative on the Breed Promotion Committee. Bob will report to us on their activities and will lead the region on BP matters.
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