Simmental Young Members Association

2007 Young Members Report
by Stephanie Birch

It was a great honour in February to be elected as the new Chairman of the S.Y.M.A. I would first like to thank the past Chairman, Rob Fitton, for all his hard work during his two year tenure. Thanks must also go to Anwen Jones for all her hard work and support as Secretary.

As 2007 is coming to a close it is time again to reflect on what the Young Members have been doing. We started the year with the AGM held at Perth in February, when a new Vice Chairman was appointed in Dafydd Jones and Gail Clark was appointed as Secretary.

Across the Country Regional Clubs held Stock Judging competitions whilst preparing for the Royal Show. This years competition was again run in conjunction with the British Blue and Blonde Cattle Societies. It was really encouraging to see so many Young Members taking part in the competition. Congratulations to all the prize winners and thank you to everyone for taking part.

A big congratulation must go to Emma Ogden for winning the overall New Trend Trophy. I would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and without whose donations this competition could not take place; David Donnelly, Atlow Simmentals - £600, Allflex -£500 & Farmers Guardian - £500. All the sponsors have pledged support again next year and also for the Stock Judging to be held during the World Congress – Once again many thanks to you all.

I would also like to thank Penny Lally, who continuingly contributes to the Young members funds via the Sales of her Cattle Lines Poem Book, this book is still available from the Society office for £10.00 and each copy sold has £4.00 donated to our funds, thank you Penny.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Judges, Stewards, Scorers and Time Keepers and all the office staff who gave up their time to help with the competitions at all the Royal Shows and at both the Perth Bull Sales.

The Young Stock Person of the year was well contested and I would like to thank all the sponsors and judges for their time and support, congratulations to all the winners. I would like to commend all those Young Members who have had success in both the show and sale ring. It is great to see our Young Members being involved.

Luke Blomfield has been selected by Council to represent the B.S.C.S. at the 4H Stock Judging competition held at Agribition in Canada during November. Luke is being accompanied by two other Young Members, Emma Blomfield and Emma Ogden, who are travelling of their own accord. Their reports are included in the Review and I thank them all for representing the Society & the Breed so admirably.

Unfortunately our Show Season was cut short this year by the problems associated with Foot and Mouth and Bluetongue, however, I am sure when things return to normal the Young Members can get back into action.

Next year is going to be a big year for S.Y.M.A. as we will be hosting the 2nd Youth Forum as part of the 2008 World Congress. I am sure by now you have all seen the proposed itinerary and it will be great to see as many Young Members as possible joining in the activities. If any of you have any questions, ideas or suggestions or can help in any way please get in touch with me, Dafydd or Gail.

Many thanks must go to Society Council, Claire, Fiona and all the office staff for their continued help, support and encouragement. Also thank you to all those Young Members who have been involved this year and we look forward to your continued support next year. February 2008 will see our AGM held at the Perth Bull sales. All being well we will have the meeting after the Female sale on the Tuesday at approximately 4.30pm. I would like to welcome all young members to attend and contribute to the meeting and if there is anything in particular you would like to see on the Agenda, please contact myself, Dafydd or Gail prior to the meeting.

Young Stock Person of the Year Award 2007

Christopher Weatherup receiving the Young Stockperson of the year award from Judge, Marion O’Connell and NI Club Chairman, Robert Forde at Enniskillen. The Trophy is kindly sponsored by the NI Simmental Club.

Neil McGeoch receiving the Young Stockperson of the year award, kindly sponsored by J & I Green, Corskie Simmentals, at The Royal Highland Show from Scottish Club Chairman Dorothy Moffat

Ashley McInnes recieving the Young Stockperson of the year award at the Royal Show from Judge Penny Lally and sponsor of the Forsdale Trophy, Chris Martindale.

Ashley McInnes receiving the Young Stockperson of the year award at Perth Bull sales in February from Judge Judy MacPherson. The trophy is kindly sponsored by Pasturefield Simmentals, R M Birch

Douglas Smith receiving the Young Stockperson of the Year award at Perth Bull Sales in November from sponsor David Leggat MBE, United Auctions.

Anwen Jones receiving the Dyfed Trophy for Young Stock Person of the Year at the Royal Welsh Show from Aneurien Francis, Chairman of the Welsh Club. The Dyfed Trophy is sponsored by M O & L D Jones.

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