TEESDALE BRANCH REPORT

As I write my first chairman’s report it only seems 5 minutes since I agreed to be Vice Chairman, a very persuasive chap is Mr Bainbridge, my arm still hurts a little.

At the very beginning of the year the scanners were starting. A local farmer and good supporter of our NEMSA sale, Mr A Teward, told me of his results that were: Ewes 139x3, 22x1, 128x2, 12x4, 6 empty. Hoggs 26x1, 13x2, 2x3, no geld ones. i.e. 307 ewes 2.42%, 41 Hoggs 1.42%. Who could want anything else than a mule?

After lambing, time seemed to fly by and shows began. Teesdale branch elected to go to the Royal show along with West Cumbria, who did most of the organizing. They supplied the sheep on the stand which had tremendous lambs, true examples (kindly loaned from Benson Hewitson and W Lawson). Brian Luck and myself set off in the early hours on the Tuesday, many thanks to Brian for joining me and also pointing out I had the map upside down, we could have ended up in Scotland.

The show was very quiet that day but had been busy the two previous days. People that did come along intended coming north for mule gimmers and expected a similar trade. At this point thanks to Dorothy and John, they put a lot of time and effort into these shows.

Teesdale branch held its promotion sales of wether lamb sponsored by NEMSA at Middleton Mart on 20/8/05 and results were: 1st, PD & J Johnson, Watgarth. 2nd, JW & EA Watson, Palletstone. 3rd, RW Makepeace ,Fellopwship Farm.

Wednesday the same week Barnard Castle Mart held its sponsored sale: 1st, J & MJ Walton & Sons,West Shotton. 2nd, WM Reed & Sons, West Biggins. 3rd, JW Dent & Sons, Naby.

Sales came up at an alarming rate and started to look more promising. Unfortunately trade at the Middleton sale was a little disappointing.

Our regular prize winner had moved onto the premier league but the judges A Teward, M Dickens, Referee Judge D Charlton, were not disappointed with some excellent lambs put before them and awarded the following prizes.

1st MC Dent & Son Wythes Hill £220
2nd JB & GE Luck & Son Milestone House £88
3rd J & SE Bainbridge Dousgill £105

Overall average of £54.80 with 5,540 lambs put forward.
A higher percentage of running lambs proved harder to sell and contributed to the
lower average. A week later at Barnard Castle a similar trade, although average
up a pound or two, slightly stronger lambs. Again some very good lambs put before the judges Mr A Teward and Mr I Foote and awarded the following prizes.

1st NB & R Hird Gillfield £100
2nd JW Dent & Son Naby £100
3rd NB & R Hird Gillfield £86

Overall average of £58.50 with 2,235 lambs put forward.
Although prices had been less than expected, we’ll all be there next year trying to do a bit better. Many thanks go out to all sponsors, and to the buyers, some of whom travel many miles and come to support us on one of our most stressful days. We look forward to seeing you all next year. To finish on a lighter note apart from S.F.P. the main concern at the moment is bird flu and as far as I know sheep can’t catch it.

I better go now, a robin has just sneezed and fallen off the washing line!

JOHN BAINBRIDGE