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My first year as Branch Chairman didn’t start well with a cold wet spring, then I was unable to get down to Cornwall Show and with recent poor prices it hasn’t finished well either. Never mind, but must do better next year! Many thanks to all branch members for their help and support during my running-in period, especially those who did fly the flag in Cornwall. There was a lot of interest shown by potential buyers and to keep the Mule in peoples thoughts down there can only have done good. In the new world of decoupled payments promotion of the breed can only be more and more important, even if it seems like running faster to stand still. One bright spot this autumn has been the standard of the shows at all the sales. The lambs were a real credit to all the exhibitors and to the Association. At the 1st Lazonby Sale on September 14th Gordon and Andrew Jackson awarded the prizes to:-
The Penrith &District Farmers Sale was held on the 20th September, the NEMSA rosette being awarded to Messrs Lord, West Hewgill in an excellent show. The Alston Moor Sale on the 28th had a large entry of 22,550 and another great show with 19 pens put in front of the judges, Mr Graham Mather and Ian Edmondson. The eventual winners were:-
The third Sale on the 12th October saw a show for the first time, judged by Nigel Barker as below:-
I would particularly like to thank the Kidd family for the Cup they presented in memory of Mounsey Kidd, who died earlier this year. He was always a strong supporter of the Mule and a good friend of the Association, and will be missed by all. Also greatly missed will be our President, Val Caton. I didn’t know him very well, but I quickly realised what a helpful, generous and friendly man he was. He worked hard for the Association, and truly had the Mule and its breeders interest at heart. I wish I had known him longer. JOHN RAINE |
