The Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders’ Association held their annual AGM on Saturday 21st April at the Tempest Arms, Skipton. The meeting was chaired by new WLSBA President The Hon.Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister and after the ordinary business of the meeting was complete, she presented the Association trophies to the winners from the 2017 season.
Winning the Exhibitor of the Year and taking the historic William H Rhodes Trophy was Mr. Ernie Sherwin from Nosterfield in Bedale; this was won after taking the championship at 5 shows across the summer of 2017. The championships were won at the Great Yorkshire Show, Ryedale, Ripley, Nidderdale and Wensleydale Show. The Hon. Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister also presented young member Miss Laura Beaton from Green Hammerton, York the WLSBA Trophy for Young Achiever after her success taking the reserve Interbreed Championship at the North Yorkshire County Show in June 2017. The Ruth Pedley Memorial Trophy for the most notable Interbreed Achievement of the year was awarded to Mr & Mrs Stacey from South Devon for their success with their 3 shear ram who took the overall Supreme Sheep award at Dorset County Show in 2017, they were also awarded the Cornist Trophy for the most points gained from non-Wensleydale only classes.
The AGM was concluded with a very interesting and light-hearted talk from the WLSBA President the Hon. Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister about the history of Masham Sheep Show and some stories from over the years and was very much enjoyed by all present.
