LAZONBY BRANCH REPORT 2006

This year Lazonby Branch decided to attend Scotsheep in early June, which was held at Huntly, Aberdeen. In recent years more buyers seem to be coming from north of the border and Scotsheep appeared a better bet than the Highland for effective promotion. Two excellent pens of sheep were provided by Ron Wilson and Les Grainger and the stand looked really well. From the response I am sure we made a good impression and the event was definitely worth the long journey. Many thanks to all those who helped, especially the drivers.

Trade this autumn has been very similar to last years, with size being important at the earlier sales. However fears for the Lazonby third sale smaller lambs proved unfounded as these met a decent trade with plenty of buyers. Lambs put forward have generally being smaller, but the quality has been at least as good as last year. One bright spot this autumn has been the standard of the shows at all the sales. The lambs were again a real credit to all the exhibitors and to the Association.

At the 1st Lazonby Sale on September 13th a reduced entry of 4275 lambs averaged £56, slightly down on the year. Alan Redpath awarded the Joe Armstrong Cup and prizes to:-

1st W&I Watsons & Sons Sanders Close
2nd J Lee Morley Hill
3rd W&I Watsons & Sons Sanders Close
4th G R Wharton & Sons Keisley

The Penrith & District Farmers Sale was held on the 19th September with an entry of 7,100. After a terrific show the NEMSA rosette was awarded to Messrs Lord, West Hewgill.

The Alston Moor Sale on the 27th had a slightly smaller entry of 20,375 which went on to average £55 (down 98p).Another great show was put in front of the judges, Mr Tim Harrison and Ron Wilson for the W Armstrong Memorial Trophy. The eventual placings were:-

1st Messrs Raine Outhwaite
2nd Messrs Wharton Keisley
3rd J Lee & Son Agars Hill
4th R H Lord The Bog
5th W&I Watson & Sons Sanders Close
6th GP Taylor and Sons Swathburn

The third Sale on the 11th October saw an entry of 13,318 sell at an average of £49.27. The show for the Mounsey Kidd Memorial Cup was judged by Peter Hetherington who placed the pens as below:-

1st Weardale Estates  
2nd L Smith & Co Roachburn
3rd R H Lord The Bogg
4th R H Lord The Bogg

Again many thanks to branch members for their help over the year and to Dorothy for her assistance. Promotion of the Mule has never been more important and it has to be a team effort if we are to make a difference.

JOHN RAINE