The Suffolk Sheep Society National Flock Competition Viewing Day for the presentation of awards and trophies for 2022 was hosted at the overall winner’s farm, by the winner of the coveted Bristol Gold Cup, Philip Poole and family, at Beaconsfield Farm, Shrewsbury on the 21 May 2023.
A huge thank you on behalf of the attendees to the Poole family, it really was a family affair for putting on the day. Nobody went without food or refreshment throughout the event with bacon sandwiches on arrival, lunch and as much tea, coffee and cake as anyone could want!
Breeders came from far and wide, and it was great to see such a large turnout for what is a really important event in the calendar. We were blessed with a beautiful day in a fantastic location.
Proceedings started at 11.30 with the presentation of the trophies and certificates of merit by the competition judge Alistair Gault (Forkins Flock) from Northern Ireland handing out the silverware and certificates. A big thank you to him for taking on the judging and for making himself available to present the trophies on the day.
National Flock Competition Sponsor: Norbrook Judge: A Gault, Forkins Flock
BRISTOL GOLD CUP
Overall Winner: Philip Poole, Shropshire, (Salopian Flock)
Overall Reserve: James T Cannon, Wigtownshire (Redbrae Flock)
John Long Cup (16 – 30 Ewes) photo to follow
Winner: James T Cannon, Wigtownshire (Redbrae Flock)
Jt Reserve: S Cobbald, Suffolk (Lavenham Flock) & T&A Mogford, Devon (Mogford Flock)
W E Lloyd Cup (31 – 60 Ewes)
Winner: Dennis Taylor, N Ireland, (Ballynacannon Flock)
Reserve: Mrs R H Goldie, Ayreshire (Harpercroft Flock)
Certificates of Merit: S Lorimer (Cadgerford) Glynis Morgan (Llangeview)
Keeble Cup (61 – 100 Ewes)
Winner: Philip Poole, Shropshire, (Salopian Flock)
Reserve: R K Denby, Cumbria (Carnforth Flock)
Brook Perpetual Challenge Cup (101+ Ewes)
Winner: James Alexander, N Ireland (Jalex Flock)
Reserve: Hallam & Eggleston, Leicestershire (Seagrave Flock)
The Howard Peel Cup (Best Stud Rams)
Winner: P Poole (Salopian Flock)
Reserve: J A Lorimer (Cadgerford Flock)
Shearling Ram and Older
Winner: “Redbrae HRH” Owner J A Lorimer (Cadgerford Flock)
Reserve: “Redbrae Kenny” Owner G Morgan ( Llangeview Flock)
Ram Lamb
Winner: “Sportsman Golden Moments” Owner P Poole (Salopian Flock)
Reserve: “Mullaghboy Magee” Owner Jim Cannon (Redbrae Flock)
The Sainsbury Cup (Best Ewe Lambs)
Winner: Philip Poole, Shropshire, (Salopian Flock)
Reserve:James T Cannon, Wigtownshire (Redbrae Flock)
The Bonnington Cup (Best Flock of Ewes)
Winner: Philip Poole, Shropshire, (Salopian Flock)
Reserve: James Alexander, N Ireland (Jalex Flock)
Progeny Group
Winner: Mrs R H Goldie – ‘Strathbogie 24 Carat’
Reserve: T&A Mogford – ‘Stockton Last Chance’
Congratulations to all the winners and recipients of silverware and certificates!
As an unusual added extra there was a sale of female sheep which followed under joint stewardship of James Little (H&H) and Lyndon Trumper of J Straker, Chadwick & Sons. On offer was a selection of 50 females from the Salopian Flock with some tremendous breeding with lot 5 leading the bidding running to 7,000gns – a 2020 Strathbogie out of a Solwaybank Rock Solid ewe Solwaybank Rock Solid heading out of Shrewsbury and knocked down to Iain Barbour of the Solway bank flock.
Plenty of people around the ring looking for some of the big names in Suffolk genetics to take home and add to their flocks.
All in all a really great occasion for all who attended and our thanks to Phil Poole and family for providing us with a marvellous occasion at a super venue, great weather and of course excellent hospitality.
