SOUTHERN REGION

Regional Contact member – Peter Gorringe

  On Sunday 30th November a group of around 20 JSS members from the Southern Region gathered for a flock visit to Lesley and Simon Pope’s lambing barn before the planned AGM in the local pub.

For those of us who had watched Lesley and Simon’s “lambcam” in previous years (rather addictive, and apparently with a worldwide audience) it was rather thrilling to see the real venue. It was even more exciting to taste the freshly baked sausage rolls (their own pork) and cakes to keep us fuelled while we walked around the Pope’s farm, Albans Barnyard. As well as a friendly flock of Jacobs, the Popes introduced us to their rather impressive cows. A broad consensus all round was that we would happily come to the Popes again if the opportunity presented itself.

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We then retired to the pub, but before being allowed to find out the results of the flock competition, we had an interesting talk by a local farmer about organic fly strike prevention. Concerned for the environment and the toxicity of the current chemicals, a team of local farmers had trialled organic methods alongside the more traditional Crovect and Cik. Rather to their own surprise, other than needing to repeat the treatment every month, the results appeared the same. The sprays that they trialled were Oxalis (from Helios.co.uk) and Blowfly Repel (Barrier Hygiene) if you fancy trying it… Most of us left thinking we might consider it.

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And then the main event – the results of the flock competition. We’d all been visited a few months before by Joseph Hughes and Matthew Kehoe from Ireland, who we all agreed had been very thorough and informed about the breed.  The competition had been fiercely competed this year, so despite all the amiable smiles and “we’re only in it for the fun of it” there was tension in the room as the results were announced. In all, the prizes were spread around the room, so most people went home with something, but particular congratulations to John and Ann Heady as the winners of the best small flock category and overall champions. We left clutching silverware and wishing each other well for a successful lambing in 2026.

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Flock Competition Results:

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Best ram lamb:          Best ram:

1^st – Wendy Sharp          1^st Lesley Pope

2^nd – Anne Heady          2^nd – Natalie Ceeney

3^rd – Peter Gorringe          3^rd – Peter Gorringe

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Best homebred ewe lamb      Best group of ewe lambs

1^st – Natalie Ceeney        1^st – Ann Heady

2^nd – Ann Heady          2^nd – Wendy Sharp

3^rd – Wendy Sharp          3^rd – Lesley Pope

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Best homebred shearling ewe      Best large flock

1^st – Ann Heady          1^st – Peter Gorringe

2^nd – Bedales School        2^nd – Bedales School

3^rd – Wendy Sharp          3^rd – Lesley Pope

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Best small flock          Champion flock

1^st – Ann Heady          Ann Heady

2^nd – Wendy Sharp

3^rd – Gilly Cummings

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SOUTHERN REGION – Regional Contact Member – Peter Gorringe

It has been a great year for support from Southern Region members starting the year with a lambing open day at the Shutecombe flock with guest speaker, Ellie, an experienced shepherdess who teaches at Plumpton College followed by lunch afterwards at a local pub.

In June the Hallwood flock hosted a trimming for shows day which was well attended by members with positive response. An enjoyable walka round the farm and a pub lunch completed the day.

In September we held a flock competition with twelve flocks entering from across the region. In

November the Albans flock will host an open day with a talk on organic fly sprays.

The shows in the region have been well attended with good entries in the Jacob sheep classes which was great to see. Wendy Sharp attended the Edenbridge and Oxted Show and writes: “This year at the Peter Gorringe’s champion ram lamb and Wendy Sharp’s Edenbridge & Oxted reserve champion shearling ewe

Show, my team and I had the pleasure of bringing along eight of my Jacob sheep flock, four rams and four ewes for a weekend of great weather, great competition and great fun, along with a great celebration of rural life. The turnout this year was impressive and it was a wonderful chance to meet other passionate shepherds and exchange breeding tips. Getting the sheep show-ready was a task in itself. Days beforehand, my team had carefully washed and trimmed their fleeces and on the morning of the show, we gave them a final brush and polish. When our judge, Gareth Jones was ready, we started with the ram classes, and my rams looked as good as they could, shown by Vicky , Lexie and Gracie in turn. Mixed results were received with very tough competition. Then the females turn with shearlings first and then ewe lambs, shown by Vicky and I. Better results here with some first prizes enabling us to go into the championship. We entered the championship with a ewe lamb and a shearling ewe, and landed reserve champion Jacob sheep with the shearling. Good result and worth all the hard work… but room for improvement always. While the showing was the main event, what stood out was the atmosphere of shared enthusiasm. Families wandered past the pens, fellow exhibitors stopped by for a chat, and there was a real sense of community. Leaving the show, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The experience was invaluable for showcasing my animals and for strengthening the bonds within the Jacob sheep community. I’ll certainly be back next year to celebrate again.”

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.”

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