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Having been Hawes Branch chairman for the past three years, I am writing my final report for Mule News, and to be quite honest I haven’t a clue where to start. A great lambing time, wet summer and then the events which started in Surrey on 3rd August I just haven’t the words or the space to describe (so I won’t even try!). Just to say let’s hope for a much better 2008 and beyond. There is no question we have all suffered greatly due to circumstances out of our control and not of our own making and just what effect Bluetongue will have for us we shall just have to wait and see, but I think we have many reasons to be positive for the future of the industry and I know that does little to compensate for the present disastrous sheep prices but we must continue to work hard and not lose hope! In August myself and the Brown Family went to the Ashbourne Show in Derbyshire. A new venture for us at Hawes Branch and one I feel was very worthwhile for us and the breed. Unfortunately, due to FMD there was not stock allowed, but the show still went ahead, so we took the stand along and despite the lack of stock and a very wet afternoon we still had a very positive day. We were pleased to be there and the local farmers were pleased to see the Mule Association represented. Thanks to Ashbourne Show for their co-operation and help and we will most definitely be looking to return next year. Sales came and shearlings at Leyburn saw our first NEMSA Hawes Branch rosette, awarded to Martin and Val Brown (Bedale), 2nd M&V Brown, 3rd. H Brown, 4th M Dale. Ave. £94.50. Following another major setback, gimmer lamb sales eventually came (better late than never!). Many lambs already having been sold, first sales were incorporated with second sales in order to get lambs away in time. We began with Leyburn on 11th October. 3,678 lambs forward – Average £36.70. Taking the prizes:- 1st Bainbridge Bros,2nd J Fawcett & Sons, 3rd N White, 4th W A Dinsdale & Sons. Onto Hawes Sunday 14th October n12,859 lambs forward – Average £40.02 Honours awarded as follows:-
Tuesday 16th October 12,227 lambs forward – Average £38.52 Prizes taken on this day:-
Overall average 25,086 lambs - Average £39.29 Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank all the committee members for their support, friendship and help over the last three years’. Special thanks to Val (secretary) who does a fantastic job and has been a great help to me. Also special thanks to John (vice chairman) for all his advice and guidance and best wishes for the future as chairman. Best wishes also to all our members for 2008 and let’s hope it’s a much better and more prosperous one. DAVID LAWSON |
