2005 REPORT
by Pauline Barker

At our Annual General Meeting, Andrew Grossey stood down as Chairman, due to other commitments, David Edwards was elected Chairman.

Our dinner was at Oake Manor Golf Club and was well attended, with the excellent carvery enjoyed by all as was our speaker Keith Donague who was interesting and amusing.

Once again the Society Sale at Bristol proved successful.  The judge, Frank Palk, a commercial breeder from Paignton, Devon, selected Regency Paprika from Les Owen of Bilston, West Midlands as Male Champion, he sold for 2000gns. The Reserve Male from Richard and Jenny Gubb was Horizon Ranger and sold for 2750gns, equal top price with Starline Premier from Henry Widdicombe.  23 bulls averaged £1697.50.

Female Champion and Reserve came from the Beeches herd, Beeches Rhea and Beeches Pomona selling for 1800gns and 1750gns respectively. Congratulations to Michael and Janet Jones and their band of helpers for the excellent turned out consignment they brought to Bristol, a credit to you all and proved hard work does pay.  Top Price was 2700gns for Heywood Empress 3rd from David Barker.  56 Females averaged £971.70.

I can assure you the 2006 Simmental Sale will be on Saturday 13th May at The Bristol Sales Centre with Richard Pringle of Stags and Clive Roads of McCartney’s as official auctioneers. This is one of the few successful sales in the UK at present, especially for females.

Entries at the one day shows were thin on the ground, except for Gillingham and Shaftsbury.  Congratulations to David and Christina Mills with their cow Wishful Lavender unbeaten and breed Champion, as well as doing well in the Interbreeds, also at Dunster show gaining 1st and 5th with their cows Wishful Lavender and Wishful Krumpet in a strong A.O.B section as well as winning the interbreed continental pairs.  Also flying the flag was Jack Ellicott with his junior bull Roadhill Razzmatazz who has supported all the shows, so the mileage Jack and his bull have clocked up must be incredible.  Other show results in journal result section.

Congratulations to Jessica Curry winning the young handlers and Naomi Taylor (David Gibbs Granddaughter) placed 4th with their Simmental calves in a strong class at Gillingham and Shaftsbury show, also to Jason Curry (Jessica’s brother) gaining 2nd with an *********** breed calf!  These are the stockpersons of the future and need encouraging.

It was pleasing for the South West Club to be represented at the Royal Show Junior Judging competition by Laura Darch and Sam Beach.

Twenty four members had a great day visiting Peter Hill’s, Scotland herd, it was a very hot day, but Peter’s cattle looked well, and Hooray-Henry looked exceedingly well and active for his age!  The hospitality was second to none, thank you Peter and all your helpers for making us so welcome and the visit enjoyable.

SW Club Visit to Peter Hill’s Scotland Herd, Leicestershire.

On a sad note the Club lost two stalwart members.  Sam Loughbridge M.R.C.V.S a great forceful character, very active in the club with his professionalism at Sales, he enjoyed his Bluebell herd and after his sale still kept in touch with Club events and members.  Past Chairman Alan Hedge, enjoyed showing his Longmead cattle until ill health made him sell up, but still remained an active member.  Condolences go to both families.

Our herd competition was judged by Paul Clements (Darsham herd) ably navigated by his wife Valerie.  The results are:- Overall and large Section went to Boddington Estates (Sterling herd) runners up were R & V Loud (Taurus herd), small and best bull calf went to P Lally (Chyanhal herd) runner up was V Hall (Chegwidden herd).  Young Stock was a J Berry (Cathedral herd).  The Flexie Trophy was awarded to Marjorie Ellicott for herd knowledge and information of her stock without referring to paperwork.  A visit to the winning herd was held on Sunday 13th November, when 30 members and friends enjoyed an interesting afternoon seeing good cattle, followed by a very welcome tea as it was rather cold. Thanks to Rob, Pam, John and his family for their hospitality.

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