The South West Rouge Club had its AGM last Wednesday, Joy Churchill was re-elected to the chair, Titch Hammett as vice chair and James Siggs as Secretary/Treasurer. Simon Wright was elected to be the Region 3 Representative on Council, Debbie Siggs as the deputy.
After the disaster of 2007, 2008 had turned out not to be too bad a year. The sales at Carlisle and Exeter returned reasonable prices. The South West French Breeds sale at Bridgewater turned out much as expected; the club has decided to leave its future in the hands of the Auctioneers. On the showing front in 2008, participation from the South West at the National Shows was curtailed by the Blue Tongue restrictions; members did support the local shows in the South West. Titch Hammett took the Garlic (UK) Trophy for the South West Show Flock of the year for 2008, Joy Churchill being runner up.
One point raised for 2009 sales was Scrapie genotyping. Given that the scheme will be abandoned, will the society still be demanding Scrapie genotyping certificates for the society sales in 2009 and beyond? It seems an unnecessary expense.
We look forward to 2009 with renewed optimism. A major event will be the NSA Sheep South West to be held on 9th June 2009 at North Alfordon Farm, Okehampton (by kind invitation of Dudley Laxton) where there will be a society stand. James Siggs is Chairman of the NSA South West Region.