2006 REPORT
By Joe Ede

My year as Chairman started when I was elected at the AGM of the Midland Simmental Club held during the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society National Primestock Show in November 2005, Rob Evans was elected as Vice- Chairman and all other officers remained as before.

In December 2005 the club lost a very loyal member, Peter Hill. Peter had been a very active member of our club for several years. He was a keen showman, winning many prizes with his stock. He is sadly missed.

Perth sale, as usual, dominated the month of February for us. Congratulations must be extended to all of those members who exhibited and successfully sold their stock.

March saw a meeting at the Society office; I attended along with about thirty other members to discuss marketing and sale venues. After much deliberation, Market Drayton, Shropshire and Thirsk, Yorkshire were adopted.

The Midland Club was responsible for the sale at Market Drayton held on April 22nd. My thanks go to David Lowry our Judge and to Roger Birch who presented the club with a Perpetual Trophy to be awarded to the Champion Female.

The Moat House, Acton Trussell was the venue for our April meeting. The club discussed the forthcoming sales at Ludlow and Market Drayton, and the February report from Council. Robert Fitton and Boomer Birch gave an account of their enjoyable and rewarding trip to Canada.

May saw us back at the Moat House for our annual quiz. The Charolais Breeders Club, Centre West Simmental Club and Harper Adams also fielded teams. The Centre West Club were triumphant.

Also in May, Bristol Sales Centre again hosted the spring sale. Bob and Christine Farmer dispersed their Highcroft herd very successfully. They have both worked quietly and tirelessly for the Simmental breed. Bob joined as a member of the Society in 1986, and has been a long standing member of our club. We wish them both a long and happy retirement.

In June we had a wonderful day hosted by Jimmy and Vicki Wood. We saw some wonderful cattle on the farm walk and Robert Fitton was the Master Judge for the Junior Stockjudging. Our thanks are extended to both our hosts and judge.

Our herd competition was held in July, Dorothy Moffat took on the onerous task of judging, a very large undertaking, and we thank her for all her time and effort.

Results of the herd competition 2006:-
Large Herd
1. Hugo Arnold (Hockenhull)
2. Dan & Rob Evans (Wroxall)
3. Terry Ford (Shebdon)

Medium Herd
1. A & Y Leedham (Grangewood)
2. Giles Green (Greenfields)
3. The Late Peter Hill (Scotland)

Small Herd
1. Jimmy & Vicki Wood (Popes)
2. Barry Chadwick (Chadston)
3. David Donnelly (Atlow)

Best Cow Family
Hugo Arnold (Girlie)

Best Young Bull
Popes Strongbow (Jimmy & Vicki Wood)

Best Group of Maiden Heifers
A & Y Leedham (Grangewood)

Best Group of In Calf Heifers
Hugo Arnold (Hockenhull)

Overall Herd
Hugo Arnold (Hockenhull)

Reserve Overall
Jimmy & Vicki Wood (Popes)

Best Calf at Foot Born in 2006
Chadston Tremendous (Barry Chadwick)

Judges Special Awards
Barry Chadwick & Richard Green

A beautiful sunny day saw us in Wales for three herd visits. Firstly we visited Gwyndaf Evans and Wynn Jenkins. Followed by Aled Davies and finally to Nick and Nadia Gwynne. The hospitality throughout the day was marvellous and thanks go to all concerned.

Our dinner was once again held at the Staffordshire Showground in October. A good night was had by all. Dorothy was on hand to present the herd competition prizes. There were two judges special prizes this year, Barry Chadwick was awarded a special prize for the most consistent herd for the second year running, and Richard Green was awarded a special prize for his knowledge of cattle and best young bull although this bull was unfortunately too old for the judging category. Congratulations to everybody who took part in the competition.

At the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society Primestock show again. Our club always has a fantastic stand, where members and friends can meet the large amount of commercial customers who also visit the stand for refreshments.

Midland Simmental stand at Bingley Hall

I would like to thank all committee members and especially Mandy for all their hard work and support over the last twelve months.

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