A Celebration of Suffolk Breeding and the Salopian Flock Legacy
As everyone is aware, sadly we recently lost one of our breed stalwarts. Following a period of sustained illness and a courageous battle with cancer, Phil Poole of the Salopian Flock passed away on 6 September 2026, aged 75.
Phil was “at his desk” looking after the business interests of the family right up to his passing, making sure that all was in order.
The 2026 judge and immediate Past President, Glenys Morgan, awarded the prestigious Bristol Gold Cup to the Salopian Flock. This marked the third time the flock had received the title of Overall National Champion.
The Salopian flock had also entered the Western Area Flock Competition. Phil thought it would be fitting to hold both presentations on the same day if they won that award too. In his own words, he wanted this to happen “if I am here or not”. Sadly, Phil did not get to see that day.
What we can assure everyone is that Jill, Russell and Lucy will be carrying on with the Suffolk flock. The next generation is also very keen on the breed and will continue to develop and build upon the legacy of Phil’s Salopian V87 Flock.
The 2026 View Day and Presentation of Awards
The View Day took place after the dust had almost settled for the family, on Thursday 29 October 2026, at Beaconsfield Farm, within the facilities of the Croft Restaurant and Bar complex. The wonderful surroundings provided a fitting setting in which to celebrate the achievements of the 2026 competition and present the awards.
A heartfelt thank you from everyone at the Society goes to the Poole family for making the day happen during what has been an extremely emotional and difficult time for them. The day itself was no exception, and we are enormously grateful for their generosity and commitment.
Helen Roberts took centre stage at the beginning of the presentation to announce the winners of the Western Area Flock Competition. Council member and breed stalwart Merrick Pinny judged the competition. A separate report on the Western Area results will follow, but suffice to say, the Poole family took the main spoils in that competition too!
Assisted by Andrew Evans, Chair of Council, Glenys Morgan, 2026 National Flock Competition Judge and immediate Past President, and Glynis Soulsby, current President, the awards ceremony for the National Flock Competition commenced.
Being a Thursday, some of the award recipients were unfortunately unable to attend on the day. The judge said a few words before announcing the winners.
National Flock Competition 2026 – Results
Judge: Glenys Morgan
0–15 Ewes
Suffolk Sheep Society Cup
5 -15 Ewes – Suffolk Sheep Society Cup
Winner – J Pryce, Horton Flock
Reserve – K Crossley, Cobclough Flock
Certificate of Merit – E Williams, Gweirglodd Flock
16–30 Ewes
John Long Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – M Evans, Rhaeadr Flock
Reserve – A Mitchell, Grassknop Flock
Certificates of Merit – K&L Greaney, Claddagh Flock & T&A Mogford, Mogford Flock
31–60 Ewes
W.E. Lloyd Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – RK Denby, Carnforth Flock
Reserve – JT & JB Cannon, Redbrae Flock
Certificate of Merit – Mrs RH Goldie, Harpercroft Flock
61–100 Ewes
Keeble Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – Poole Family, Salopian Flock
101 Ewes and Over
As there were no entries in this class this year, the Chief Executive encouraged members to keep a few more Suffolks and support the class in future competitions.
Best Stud Ram
Howard Peel Perpetual Trophy
Winner – A Mitchell, Grassknop Flock
Reserve – T&A Mogford, Mogford Flock
Certificates of Merit – RK Denby, Carnforth Flock & The Poole Family, Salopian Flock
Progeny Group
Chebsey Cup
Winner – M Evans, Rhaeadr Flock
Reserve – D Lindon, Wymbleton Flock
Ewe Lambs
Sainsbury Perpetual Challenge Cup
Winner – M Evans, Rhaeadr Flock
Reserve – Poole Family, Salopian Flock
Certificates of Merit – T&A Mogford, Mogford Flock & G Brown – Capielaw Flock
Flock Ewes
Bonnington in Bloomsbury Perpetual Salver
Winner – Poole Family, Salopian Flock
Reserve – M Evans, Rhaeadr Flock
Reserve and Overall Champion Flock
Taking the top honours, the Salopian Flock, owned by the Poole Family, claimed the title of Overall Champion Flock, along with the prestigious Bristol Gold Cup and a £500 prize.
The Reserve Champion Flock for 2026 was awarded to Myfyr Evans of the Rhaeadr Flock.
Thank You
The Suffolk Sheep Society would once again like to extend its sincere thanks to Glenys Morgan for undertaking the judging of the 2026 National Flock Competition and for giving her time, knowledge and expertise to assess the outstanding flocks entered.
Congratulations to all the winners, reserve winners and recipients of Certificates of Merit, and our thanks to every member who supported this year’s competition.
Gallery
