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As this is my first chairman's report I must start by thanking Kirkby Stephen branch members for their support, especially Christine Lambert (secretary) and Ian Davidson (vice-chairman) during the past year. Many thanks go to Robert Hayton for his dedicated hard work and enthusiasm during the past three years. My first official duties as chairman were to organise our trip to the Royal Cornwall Show. This year sharing the promotional responsibilities with the Kendal branch- everything went very well, meeting many old friends and acquaintances as well as several new ones. The show is a tremendous agricultural event and all the locals make us very welcome year in year out. Many thanks go to Kendal and Kirkby Stephen members for making it such a successful NEMSA stand. Two exceptional hoggs with lambs were kindly loaned by Davidson Bros, Penruddock. Sale day arrives, Friday 8th September, glorious sunshine for the first NEMSA sale at Kirkby Stephen- 11775 lambs were sold to an average of £56.71 (-£5.44 on last year). The show had taken place the previous evening to a packed ringside and my congratulations go to all members who showed sheep to make it such a successful evening. Refreshments were kindly provided by Harrison and Hetherington. The judges were David Ford and Gary Rylands. The results were as follows: Class 1 - Open to all vendors
Class 2 Kirkby Stephen members presenting no more than 200 lambs; William Dent memorial perpetual trophy
Champion pen of lambs - The late Charlie Jackson Cup -Messrs Lord Reserve Champion- HR Hayton and Sons Second NEMSA sale held on 22nd September at Kirkby Stephen.
Finally, having spent several years promoting British sheep breeds in Europe as a member of Swalex Ltd, it is very obvious that we have a most diverse sheep industry, and envied by other European countries. Many have heard about the North of England Mule and its place as the no. 1 prime lamb producer in the UK. We must be proud of our Mule and continue its further development. DAVID DIXON |
