SOUTHERN REGION

Regional Contact Member – Peter Gorringe

Following on from the success of the Southern Region open day last October (full report elsewhere in this Journal), a lambing day was organised for members recently which proved a great success.

Southern Region member, Natalie Ceeney, writes: “On Sunday 9th Feb, the Southern Region JSS gathered in Peter Gorringe’s Shutecombe Flock lambing shed to discuss lambing tips. Joined by Ellie Van Mer from Plumpton College, and accompanied by the baas of Peter’s ewes we discussed good lambing practice and top tips as the rain poured down outside and the winds howled.

With cake and hot tea to keep us warm we found that even the most experienced amongst us had things to learn. We shared views on what probiotics to use at birthing, iodine techniques, tagging versus spray numbering new born lambs, CIDR versus natural timing of conception, and bedding/disinfectant techniques for the lambing shed. We had extensive debate about when to intervene in a difficult lambing, and even found time to discuss tips on getting sheepskins made, the best walk-in feeders for Jacob lambs, and castration versus leaving ram lambs intact.

Keeping us on our toes, we were then taken out in the rain and mud to see Peter’s stunning two and four horn rams, and were subsequently tested to see if we could tell which ram sired some selected lambs.  After admiring the wonderful lambs, having guessed correctly in most cases, we retreated to the local pub offering a roaring fire, draft ale, roast dinners and steak pies.

Many thanks to Peter, Tom, Frances and family for their hospitality and generosity in hosting a great event.”

Looking ahead, a trimming workshop to help members get ready for the showing season has been arrange by king invitation of Natalie Ceeney on June 8^th at her Hallwood flock in Kent. Full details on the Southern Region webpage in due course.

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 19^th 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

SOUTHERN REGION

Regional Contact Member – Peter Gorringe

Well a good year for rain and the grass has grown well and a busy summer for out members.

I would like tow elcome five new members to the Southern Region – Rebecca Homfray, Bedmonton Flock; Mark and Karen Friend, Friend Flock;Charlie Barrett and Georgia Ellis, Froxfield Flock; Chris and Carrie Lampitt; and Nicholas and Emily Fitter, Fitter Flock.

The Southern Region open day, regional AGM and judges’ seminar will take place on October 19^th and will be hosted by Hannah Watson at the Canterbury Trust at Woodbridge, Kent, so please support this event.

Wendy Sharp with her champion ewe and Tom Gorringe with his father’s reserve champion ewe lamb at Kent County Show

We attended the Kent County Show which unfortunately did not have the usual beautiful weather but we had a good attendance in the Jacob classes with up to 13 entries in some classes which was lovely to see and a great time was had by all.

At the time of writing Edenbridge and Oxted Show is our next local show and we are hopeful for a good entry.

If you need any advice or help with your flock or the Society please give me a call.

The Gorringe family’s winning group of three at Kent County Show