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The wettest summer on record, Foot & Mouth restrictions twice, most local shows cancelled, Blue Tongue in the country, not bad for my first year as Chairman. Firstly, I would like to thank Andrew Sutton for his past three years as Chairman and Harry Gillies for his past five years as Secretary and for all their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to promoting the Mule. Although we normally go down to the Devon shows, unfortunately with the Foot & Mouth and the Blue Tongue, these shows were cancelled so a great deal of phone calling via the Auction Mart, the Secretary and myself was called for. It soon became apparent that if the buyers were coming North for the mule gimmer lambs, they would be wanting a lot less and a lot of them were not coming at all because they had not sold their shearlings or were keeping cross gimmer lambs. Finally, sale day arrived on Saturday, 6th October, all-be-it three weeks late and a very good show of gimmer lambs was put forward. 6,482 mule gimmer lambs forward at an average price of £40.30 down £12 on 2006. A special thank you to our Judges, Mr S Cornelius and Mr T Ellis who made the following Awards:-
This year’s sale was kindly sponsored by KentdaleLandrover, NB UK Ltd Animal Feeds, Kendal branch of the NFU, The Watermill, Ings and Highgate Veterinary Clinic. Finally, may I take this opportunity of thanking North West Auction Ltd., and their staff who assisted on the day of our sale. Also, Richard Gardiner, our Secretary, and branch members who have given up their time helping to promote the mule at any open days, shows and events that did go ahead this year. ALAN CLARKE |
