26th April 2021
Dear member,
Firstly, I apologise for the delay in getting back to you all following our regional meeting held via zoom on Saturday 30th January. Following two family members passing suddenly and in a short period of time, everything has been thrown out of the window, but I am now catching up with my to-do list. Here’s a brief summary of what was discussed at the meeting, all “plans” will be subject to any Covid restrictions in place at the time, and therefore are likely to alter.
Gordon Connor
Unfortunately, on the 13th of January, the society lost a well-known and respected member, friend, Field Officer and font of knowledge within the society, following his battle with Cancer. As a mark of respect on the day of his funeral (22nd January), each region changed their profile photos on Social Media to a wonderful photo of Gordon in the showring. A full obituary for Gordon can be found on page 11 of the Spring 2021 Journal. Clive Richardson has since taken over the role as acting Field Officer within the society.
Open Day
It was discussed by those present that we would like to hold some sort of Open day. A virtual option was discussed due to the likely ongoing limitations of group gatherings due to Covid. As Jackie Lewis (née Jones) was meant to be holding it in 2020, it was put forward that we approach Jackie once more this year. Having spoken to Jackie, she is happy for this to happen and we are in ongoing discussion regarding how it will be done and when.
Show & Sale
Once again we have been welcomed back to the Monmouthshire Livestock Centre by kind permission of J Straker Chadwick & sons, on Friday 27th August. In the hope that a show can take place, it was suggested that we have a Welsh judge to avoid the complications of limited travel. This was agreed with names put forward, it has since been confirmed that Siwan Harries will Judges, with Jackie Jones & Mark Wakelin inspecting and Jean Simmons adjudicating.
Young Handlers
With minimal and limited shows to be held this year, I was keen to avoid a second year without the trophies being presented to the future of the society. Various alternative classes were suggested for each category (Junior; 9 and under, Intermediate; 10-15 years old & Senior; 16-18 yr old) of which I am looking into. If you have any further suggestions, whether you were above to attend the meeting or not please do contact me. With regards to the Senior class it was suggested that it be in the form of a panel interview discussing breed characteristics, general sheep health/welfare/husbandry etc to encourage those members who may not show their animals but are stock people. This suggestion was taken to National Board for discussion, in order for regional “heats” to take place with representatives from each region then going on for the Pat Bromley Trophy. Board thought this to be a good idea. More details will be released in the near future regarding each class, what would be required and judges/how it would be judged.
Flock Competition
Thankfully this year was due to be a Regional Flock competition with Judges from Wales, thus hopefully aiding with logistics of Judges pending Covid restrictions. Members were keen to have a form of flock competition whether it be in the traditional format with judges visiting farms, or a virtual format. We are aiming for either the weekend of the 2nd of October or the 9th October – again pending Covid restrictions, and availability of judges. It was agreed that this would be considered again later in the year (during summer months) when hopefully we will have some more clarity on the situation.
Christmas Social
Yes, of course we discussed the Christmas social and regional meeting in January! All were in favour of pencilling in a date with the Plough, Rhosmaen, Llandeilo for this annual occasion as something for us to hopefully be able to look forward to. I have pencilled in Saturday 4th December – again more details will be provided closer to the time.
If you have any questions, queries, suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me. The regional Facebook page seems to be the most convenient way for most members to be contacted, if you don’t already – please follow us on https://www.facebook.com/JacobSheepSocietyWales/
I’m also in the process of setting up a Regional Whatsapp group and Text group in order to try and keep in contact with all members. I will be using information provided by Grassroots so please ensure all of your details are correct and up-to-date.
Let’s see what this year brings our way.
Kind regards
Carys Lewis
Wales Region RCM
07717 520 926
