Charollais Times April 2017

CHAROLLAIS TIMES April 2017

Introducing your New Chairman and shearling ewes and ram lambs moving toward sale dates.

APRIL 2017 ISSUE  New National Chairman  Get ready for sales  Obituary  National Young Stars  Champion Awards  Regional News  All the financial results for 2016 WWW.CHAROLLAISSHEEP.COM visit us on FACEBOOK

HEADING WELSH CHAIRMAN FOR THE SOCIETY CONTENTS

Page

New Chairman

2

Breeders News

3

Scrapie Testing

4

New sale venues

5

40th Year Activities

6

National Young Stars

6

Shows 2017

7

Chairman’s Report

8

Annual Report & Financial Statements

9

Regional News

10/11

New Members

12

Charollais Times is published by the British Charollais Sheep Society.

Editors : Carroll Barber Jonathan Barber For more information on any of the subjects covered in this edition, please call the office or visit our website at www.charollaissheep.com Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy neither the Charollais Society nor the authors can accept liability for errors and omissions.

BCSS Youngmans Road, Wymondham, Norfolk. NR18 0RR

Tel : 01953 603335 Email : office@charollaissheep.com 2 - CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017

The Charollais Sheep Society is delighted that after 40 years in the UK, they have appointed their first National Chairman from Wales.

Mr Arwyn Thomas from Whitland in Carmarthenshire will take over the role after the Annual General Meeting to be held at the end of April.

Arwyn is known to many of you as the owner of the Arbryn Flock and has bred Charollais for 27 years. Previously he was Welsh Chairman for 6 years from 2000, so has knowledge of the structure and workings of the Society. The flock has been extremely successful over the years; with top prices at breed sales and numerous awards in the show ring.

Arwyn is a qualified Chartered Surveyor and is team leader in the Valuation Office Agency, Wales Unit working with over 100 people throughout Wales and in direct control of a team of 13. His responsibilities cover budgeting, staffing issues to valuation trouble shooting.

His other passion (other than pedigree livestock breeding) is rugby.

As Chairman of Whitland semi-professional Ruby Union Club for 15 years he oversaw the growth of this village club from 6 teams to 16 including Ladies teams at Senior, under 18 and under 15 levels. Over this period the club has produced from their junior ranks 2 British Lions in Australia, 3 Welsh capped players and one Olympic 7’s silver medallist in Rio. The club has received recognition from the WRU as one of the 3 most progressive clubs in Wales. “This experience with a membership of over 500 members and a diverse range of personnel will I am sure help me with expanding and enthusing the Charollais membership to greater achievements.”

Arwyn is clear on what the priorities must be for Charollais over the next few years “We need to stabilise and increase our membership and market share for our breed against our competitors. The society must have firm foundations and this can only be worked from having a strong regional base. Attendance at meetings in our region has declined and we need to encourage and enthuse to achieve greater participation at this level. Other organisations have also suffered similar problems and lessons can be learnt from discussion with them on their strategies at grass root level.”

“The breed has developed a far better product (in particular hardiness) since I first purchased Charollais in 1989 but clearly from recent surveys this is still buyer’s major concern. We clearly need to develop our message both through digital social networking and also the farming press to emphasise our strengths compared to other breeds in particular easy lambing /tremendous live weightgain.”

Arwyn is keen to stress the positive benefits on involvement at all levels of younger sheep farmers. “In Wales a few years ago the YFC movement used Charollais as the nominated breed for their stock judging competitions culminating in the finals at the Royal Welsh.

This exposed the breed to a new younger generation and led to considerable interest that was beneficial in new members and potential new buyers at Ram sales. This showed the benefit of closer links with the YFC movement & colleges is something to pursue in the short term.”

Arwyn is pictured on the front cover with his champion shearling ram at Builth Wells Sale in 2016.

BREEDERS HEADING NEWS REGIONAL ELECTIONS

OBITUARY

SALE ENTRIES

Elections were due in two regions this year.

We are sorry to report the recent deaths of a number of our Charollais breeders, who played significant roles with the Society and our breed.

In the South of Scotland, James Clanachan has been returned unopposed for a further 3 year term of office.

This year we will be taking sale entries via the Grassroots Pedeweb system and also through the original paper system.

PETER COOMBS

Please note that closing dates on the web work automatically, so you will not be able to get late entries in. BUT this does not mean we will take late entries via other routes. Please help us to get information out in good time - this works to help sell the sheep more effectively - so please be on time.

In the South West there is currently a postal ballot underway between John Osborne and Amy Pedrick. All members in this region have been sent a voting paper and return envelope. The result will been announced on the 10th April.

F&GP COMMITTEE Two members of Council serve on the F&GP committee. They are appointed by Council on an annual basis. The two members who continue in this role are Bruce Irvine and Kenton Foster.

WEB ADVERTISING We offer members the opportunity to advertise their rams, ewes, semen for sale on our website. The charge for this service for a 6 week period is £18 (+VAT) for those who have advertised in the Year Book and £36 (+VAT) for all other members.

Included with this service is a FREE posting on Facebook of your advert. This also gets tweeted on Twitter.

SELL MY LIVESTOCK Don’t forget to use this web based portal for marketing your stock this year. It costs just £3.50 per advert. Go onto to the Charollais website - click the link on the Home Page to Sell My Livestock and start entering your details.

Do try and get a good image of your stock for sale - they do sell much better.

Peter founded the Mendip Flock (BK) in Avon in 1981 and remained until his death in February 2017 a firm supporter of the Charollais breed. He served as Regional Chairman for the South-West region from 1985-1988. The flock is carrying on with his son, Andrew.

PAYMENTS

JACK MAXWELL Jack was one of the first breeders to establish a Charollais flock in Scotland. The Gall Flock (AM) started in Dumfriesshire in 1979.

He served as a Council member from 1987-1990. The Maxwell interest in the breed carries on through his son, John who farms in Cambridgeshire and John’s daughter Gemma, who has her own Newmarket Flock.

PHILIP ASHFORD Philip was our National Chairman from 1994-1998. He farmed in Norfolk with his son Stephen and made his first purchase of Charollais in 1978 to form his Heathley Flock (AK). Philip died in March 2017 after a short illness he regularly popped into the office to check on how the breed was progressing.

We offer members a variety of ways in which to pay their invoices to the Society. As you are all aware the charges for accepting payments by cheque have increased, so we are encouraging all members to pay by a different route. You can pay by:

Direct Debit if you wish to pay your invoices from the Society by Direct Debit payment, then please contact us for the relevant form.

Card Payment If you would like to pay by card then just call the office and we will take the details over the phone. Please note there is a small charge of 1.5% for payments by credit card. Debit cards are free of charge.

Ebank We pass on our condolences to all their family and friends.

To pay by ebanking, please put your Flock Reference letters as the reference on the payment, so we can allocate it correctly. The bank details are : Sort Code : 20-99-08 Account No : 30196851

Cheque From 1st July 2016 we will only accept payment by cheque for amounts of £30 and over. Also there will be an additional charge of £2.50 / cheque to cover the cost from our bank.

CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017 - 3

BREEDERS INFORMATION HEADING For commercial ram sales we will also cut back the amount of information in the catalogue to save on printing and postage costs. Each animal will have ear A reminder that all sheep entered number, date of birth, mode, sire and dam plus notes and for the Worcester Premier Sale performance figures (where have to be ARR/ARR genotype. available). This measure will make So now is the time to get your potential entries tested. Our scale substantial savings - particularly on the larger sales such as Builth. of charges is itemised on the left.

The more samples we can submit We would urge breeders to use Grassroots as a source of in one batch will keep the cost information on the breeding of down for everyone. stock in which they are interested.

SCRAPIE TESTING GET READY FOR The Society offers a service to WORCESTER members to process scrapie PREMIER SALE tests.

Members should contact the office to request sample collectors - one collector is needed for each sheep you wish to test. We will then send you all the details you need to take the sample and dispatch it to the laboratory. Sampling is by taking a small piece of ear tissue with the collector and pliers.

The costs will be :-

Sample collectors £1.70 (+VAT) each Genotyping test 1 - 10 samples £13 each 11 - 50 samples £12 each 51 - 99 samples £11 each 100+ samples - £10 each (+VAT)

Give the office a call to order the testing kits and check when the next batch is being sent off to Germany from our office.

We have heard from Agrobiogen that they have submitted their application for their laboratory and test to be accredited for EU export. They hope that full approval should be forthcoming within the next few weeks. We will keep you updated and confirm what tests will be required for export this year.

Hire of applicator £4 (+VAT) for 2 weeks

SALES CATALOGUES

Purchase of applicator £30 (+VAT)

This year we will be cutting back on the number of catalogues sent out by post to members. More and more people access our catalogues on line and with the cost of postage going up every year, we are going to make some savings without reducing the service.

Handling Charge £5 (+ VAT) The handling charge will be chargeable on all batches of samples sent to Agrobiogen, so in order to assist breeders to obtain a discounted rate, BCSS will collect samples here and send in one batch, typically on the last Friday of each month.

However during busier times, we will send two batches per month - please contact the office to find the next posting date to Germany.

Breeders should allow at least 2 weeks from sampling for their results. Results are supplied to the Society as well as the breeder, so we can enter these details on the sheep database.

All members will be sent catalogues for: Worcester Premier Sale.

We will continue to circulate information to commercial purchasers and use Facebook, Twitter and text messaging to get buyers to our sales.

MEMBERS HANDBOOK The 2017 edition of the Members Handbook has been circulated to all full members. Please take time to read this, especially if you will be entering sales during the year.

A few alterations from 2017 that you should be aware of are :

CHANGES IN THE REQUIREMENTS FOR IN-LAMB EWE SALES AND SCRAPIE TESTING To ensure that scrapie monitored flocks can adhere to the rules for segregation and also give all members the opportunity to enter in-lamb ewes at our sales, we have introduced just 2 categories for these sales.

SECTION 1 All members in NI Dungannon Premier Sale Dungannon Female Sale All members in Scotland Stirling Premier Sale

This section will be for all sheep that have been tested ARR/ARR genotype. All sheep from scrapie monitored flocks must have been tested and must be ARR/ARR to go in this section. These sheep will be sold first.

Tested ARR/ARR sheep are free to Vendors of course will receive a move in / out of all levels of catalogue for each sale they are scrapie monitored flocks. entered in. For all other sales members should request a printed catalogue, if they would like one.

4 - CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017

BREEDERS INFORMATION HEADING SECTION 2

GRASSROOTS

This section will be for all other sheep. These animals do not need A huge thank you and congratulations to the 80% of to be tested. They will be sold breeders who did their early birth after Section 1. notifications on the Grassroots system. We know it was the first Vendors may enter sheep in time many of you had used this both sections BUT scrapie way to log your information with us - so it was a great achievement! monitored flocks may only

purchase or take home sheep from Section 1.

UK Flock Number Do let us have your UK Flock Number, if it is not already on your record. We require this information as part of your sheep’s EID number. Auction sales now require this for their invoicing and movement documentation.

EMAIL BULLETIN We send out regular (weekly during the busy season) email bulletins to all members with an email address logged with us. If you are not receiving them, then give us a call with your details.

Some do bounce back, so you might have changed your address and not informed us.

Closing Date for the Worcester Premier Sale is Friday 26th May  No Late Entries.  Entries on BCSS forms or via Grassroots  Genotype Results at time of entry.

Not only does using this system allow us to make savings in time within the office but familiarising everyone with the programme opens up a world of information on breeding lines etc.

But if you prefer to submit the information on paper then we are more than happy to take it this way. We do however now charge a little extra for this service. Don’t forget to upgrade your April 2016 born females by the end of the month to qualify for the ewe lamb rate. And similarly April 2015 born shearling ewes should be done before the deadline.

SCHMALLENBERG DISEASE This disease has again proved to be a problem for a number of flocks. Many flocks would like to use vaccine again (which does seem to have been highly effective) but at the moment none is being produced. The drug companies will not take the plunge to get it on the shelves unless the demand is there. We understand that it seems pointless to send away or get your vet to check out dead lambs that you know had SBV. A survey is now being undertaken by Nottingham and Liverpool Veterinary Universities to gather data, the results of which will be used to increase knowledge of the virus.

Those who don’t think they have experienced any Schmallenberg cases are also asked to complete it. Click here (on the electronic version) to access the survey. http://nationalsheep.us6.listmanage1.com/track/click?u=ab49 bd3283&id=1f8c85d6fa&e=890a69 1988

NEW SALE VENUES BEESTON CASTLE, CHESHIRE THURSDAY 10TH JULY With the closure of Chelford Market our sale with Wright Marshall has moved to their other venue, Beeston Castle.

The market is centrally located in the UK with excellent road links and holds a variety of sales throughout the week.

SHREWSBURY TUESDAY 1ST AUGUST Nick Hyne from Halls is keen to hold a Charollais sale at their market in Shrewsbury. This is an ideal location with excellent facilities and a strong local demand for tups from early lambing flocks.

MELTON MOWBRAY SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER Following on for the highly successful Fordham Dispersal Sale at Melton, we are very pleased to schedule an in-lamb ewe and ewe lamb sale for all members. Tom Greenow will be our auctioneer.

WE URGE BREEDERS TO SUPPORT THESE SALES WITH QUALITY STOCK AND BUILD UP YOUR TRADE.

CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017 - 5

HEADING 40TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR ACTIVITIES CELEBRATION SALE OF 40 SHEARLING EWES Friday evening the 30th June will be a special day for the breed with our sale of 40 top-quality shearling ewes at Worcester Market. Come along and see the show classes of the breed’s very best rams on Friday afternoon at 2.30 pm followed by the auction of shearling ewes. We will have an informal hog / lamb roast on the evening with the bar open.

Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with So enjoy the showing, something to eat and drink and then bid on some cracking females to add some what’s going on in the Charollais world. We regulary post on the Charollais page interesting information quality to your flocks. and pictures which you will all find exciting and stimulating.

We already have promises of 40 shearling ewes for the special celebration sale but if you would like to go on a ‘reserve’ list - please let us add you name to The regions also have their own pages which will have more photos from the shows and sales. So the list of vendors.

‘Follow’ these pages and have plenty to view. You Saturday will be the auction of the shearling and ram can select to have our posts pop up first, if they are getting buried in other information. lambs - we anticipate an entry of around 250-275 tups from flocks right across the UK and Northern Why not get on board and keep up to date with all Ireland. Certainly an event no Charollais breeder news Charollais and sheep industry wise? Some should miss. members may be worried about this service - but Closing date for the sale in Friday 26th May - entries you can view what is going on without posting any information of your own - if that’s what you want to for the Saturday sale is for MALES ONLY. Entry for the Friday sale is full - but call if you wish to go on a do. waiting list.

Also think about having a page for your own flock open up a page as a business and you will be amazed how many folk across the world like to view UK Charollais sheep. Many breeders have told us about buyers coming to their farms through Facebook links.

DO YOU USE FACEBOOK?

40 VOUCHERS FOR 40 YEARS Around the markets, shows, NSA events, lamb groups and sales vouchers for £100 (to be redeemed against the purchase of a Charollais ram) will be awarded to a variety of winners to further celebrate our 40 years in the UK and highlight the merit of our tups for quality prime lamb production.

We will find the commercial farmers who have been consistently sending in the best Charollais cross prime lambs to their local markets; the top producer supplying lamb groups; the longest buyer of tups at Builth Wells Ram Sale and many more ideas.

6 - CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017

We will be using Social Media more and more to advertise the breed to our customers; Website, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. You will be able to see the winners of the “40 Vouchers for 40 Years” as they are awarded during the year.

If you need a hand getting set up on Facebook or cannot find the information you are looking for, then give the office a call and we can help you out.

EVENTS HEADING 2017 MAJOR SHOWS 2017 Balmoral Show – 10th - 13th May Judge : Mr Charles Marwood, show classes on Wednesday 10th May at 1.00 pm. Refreshments after the classes.

Three Counties Show - 16th - 18th June Judge : Mr Robert Gregory, show classes on Friday 16th June at 9.00 am. Reception on the breed stand after judging.

Royal Highland Show – 22nd - 25th June National Young Show Stars was launched in 2015 as a new event for the livestock sector with a view to showcasing the industry’s future talent.

The event is run by the Show Stars Management Committee in association with the Three Counties Agricultural Society and is held at the Three Counties Showground located off the M50 at Malvern.

Judge : Mr David Mawhinney show classes will be held on Thursday 22nd June at 9.00 am.

Refreshments in the lines after judging.

Great Yorkshire Show - 11th - 13th July Judge : Mr Herbie Kennedy, show classes will be held on Tuesday 11th July at 9.00 am. Cheese and Wine after the judging.

Royal Welsh Show – 24th - 27th July

Judge : Mr Brian Davies show classes will be held The 2017 event will take place on the 22nd - 23rd on Tuesday 25th July at 9.00 am.

August and will feature more than 200 young Reception on the Charollais Stand in the NSA enthusiasts (aged 8-24 years old) competing in beef, building after the judging. sheep, dairy, pig, auctioneer and butchery areas and will all include a variety of competitive tasks.

The Society sends out over 100 Champion Rosettes each year to local shows. These The event will also host a number of trade stands with a view to asking trade stands to showcase what are awarded to the Best Exhibit of their businesses have to offer the younger Charollais at these events. generation in terms of intern positions, graduate roles and long-term career options.

New for the 2017 event will be an Award given for the best under 16 competitor in each of the four livestock categories. We are once again indebted to our headline sponsor, Allflex, who continue to support this event at an amazing level, but as the event goes we continue to seek out new sponsors for each of the key areas.

CHAMPION AWARDS If you are fortunate (and talented) enough to win a breed championship at Balmoral, Royal Highland, Three Counties, Great Yorkshire, Royal Welsh, Worcester Premier, Dungannon Premier, Stirling Premier or Builth Wells II you will be presented with a special 40th Anniversary metal plaque, made in France.

Entry forms will be available for download 1st March 2017 The Charollais Breed sponsored a team at the event in 2016 and they came a very close 2nd. If you would be interested in putting together / or being part of a team, then let us know. The team does need to practice together, so it is a good idea for everyone to be quite close together in the country.

LOG ON TO THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS : WWW.NATIONALYOUNGSTARS.COM CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017 - 7

CHAIRMAN’S HEADING REPORT 2016 - DAVID MAWHINNEY As I come to the end of my term as National Chairman there are quite a number of things to reflect upon. Although I have only been involved with Charollais sheep for thirty years it is a great honour to be involved in celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the breed in the U.K. Once again the year started in the South West region for the A.G.M. Although numbers were down slightly and there was a murder mystery to solve everybody really enjoyed the weekend! As there were a few important items to discuss I would like to thank everyone who took the time on the Saturday to attend an extra Council meeting. I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly welcome everyone to Region 8, Northern Ireland for the 2017 A.G.M. The show season started as usual at the beginning of May and the Charollais breeders, young and old, from all over the eight regions turned out some very fine sheep.

It is certainly very encouraging to see new members joining the Society and new faces showing sheep at all levels.

One of the highlights in the Charollais calendar every year is the Premier sale at Worcester and 2016 was certainly no exception.

In my opinion the standard was better than ever, there were definitely more breeders rams to pick from and the prices,

especially at the top end proved this. I would just like to wish all the purchasers, supporters and breeders continued success at all the shows and sales in the coming year.

With the new Grassroots system now in its third year, it is very pleasing to be able to report that almost eighty percent of birth notifications and sale entries are processed using this method. Well done to all who are using it and if anyone is having a problem please have been much more difficult. contact the office, as I know they Many thanks to you all! are very keen to help.

As the social media network for advertising is rapidly becoming very popular Council has decided to encourage us all to make use of the internet as much as possible.

With enquiries about U.K. Charollais sheep coming from many different parts of the world Carroll and the office staff are always looking at different ways to improve and progress with Facebook etc.

Liz and I have always considered the social side of breeding sheep to be very important and we have always appreciated the very warm hospitality we received on many occasions throughout the U.K. and Ireland, as well as further afield.

Finally, can I finish by wishing our new National Chairman, Mr. Arwyn Thomas all the very best for the new job. I know he has already done a lot for the breed and I am Before I finish I would like to thank sure he still has a lot to offer. you the membership for allowing me the great honour and privilege Pob lwc am y dyfodol. of being National Chairman. I know the experience has taught David Mawhinney me a lot and has really been very enjoyable and rewarding. Without the help and support from Jonathan, Carroll, the office staff, Council and many other individuals who helped with an encouraging phone call or a tap on the shoulder the job would

REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF F&GP COMMITTEE - CHARLES SERCOMBE It is disappointing to report that the Society made a small trading loss in the year of £3,486. This was in the main due to the lower level of income received for registration fees. This drop in part, reflects the change in our deadlines on upgrading females. On the plus side it is pleasing to see that the Trustees’s decision to make a change in their investment strategy is bearing fruit; the shareholding increased in value over the year by £16,901 which meant the Society ended with a net increase of equity of £13,415 and its highest level of net worth of £323,063. The investment has also increased the level of our income through dividends.

For the future the Trustees have set a budget to break even this year by cutting back on administration costs. This has been possible due to the vast increase in electronic registrations undertaken by members.

Overall the Society is in a sound financial position and is not eating into its reserves. I hope to see many of you at the AGM where I will give a more in-depth report into the Society's finances.

I hope to see many of you at the AGM where I will give a more in-depth report into the Society's finances.

8 - CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HEADING 2016 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations, sponsorship and gift aid Subscriptions Other trading activities Sale of promotional items Investment Income Interest and dividends received on investments Deposit account interest Charitable activities Registration fees and flock registration Commission on sales Sale entry fees Year Book and other publications Genetic testing Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Advertising and promotional expenses Charitable activities Show expenses Regional expenses Sale costs Yearbook, newsletter and other publications Genetic testing

Other resources expended Postage and telephone Printing and stationery Subscriptions Office and storage accommodation Motor and travelling Hotel and meal charges Office expenses Meeting expenses Sundry expenses Support costs Management and administration Accountancy and legal fees Fixtures and fittings Bank charges Total resources expended

2016 £

2015 £

BRITISH CHAROLLAIS SHEEP SOCIETY LTD

4,035 31,117 35,152

4,700 31,342 36,042

Limited by Guarantee 1341920 A Registered Charity 282757

636

714

5,135 1,791 6,926

5,703 1,670 7,373

78,793 17,524 26,022 21,437 19,350 163,126

84,433 15,340 28,107 17,237 16,575 161,692

205,840

205,821

18,453

18,357

11,073 2,932 20,035 10,590 18,892

11,845 1,915 18,669 11,828 10,922

63,522

55,179

13,336 3,144 1,490 7,600 8,159 6,930 5,079 9,044 -

13,215 4,477 1,565 7,600 6,639 5,496 7,307 7,516 185

54,782

54,000

67,000 1,939 1,950 1,680 72,569

61,748 2,766 2,747 1,244 68,505

209,326

196,041

(3,486)

Net gains on investments

16,901 13,415

Funds previously treated as deferred income TOTAL FUND CARRIED FOWARD

1.

To read the Notice convening the meeting.

2.

To receive apologies for absence.

3.

To approve the Minutes of the 38th Annual General Meeting.

4.

To receive the report of the Chairman

Net income before gains and losses

Net Income

NOTICE is hereby given that the 39th Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held at the La Mon House Hotel, Belfast on Friday 28th April at 16.30.

9,780 (11,016) (1,236) 1,951

323,063

5. * To receive and, if approved, to adopt the Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2016 6.

To confirm the appointment of new Directors and Trustees of the Company.

7.

To re-appoint Messrs Argents as Independent Examiners for the ensuing year and to authorise the Council of Management to fix their remuneration.

8.

To transact any other ordinary business of the Society.

By Order of the Council of Management

CARROLL BARBER Company Secretary

 If you would like a full set of the Report of the Trustees and the Unaudited Financial Statements then please contact the office to forward an electronic version. Full printed sets will be available at the AGM.

309,648

CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017 - 9

HEADING NEWS REGIONAL CENTRAL REGION

*SAVE THE DATE*

Members met at The Beckford Arms at the end of January for a general discussion/meeting. We also had the pleasure of the company of Jonathan and Carroll Barber for the evening. Carroll went through Grassroots and answered member’s questions.

We were all urged to get to grips with it as it assists office staff with record keeping and keeps costs down.

Tues 1st/Wed 2nd May 2018 South of Scotland hosts the AGM at the World Heritage Site of New Lanark in the New Lanark Mill Hotel.

AGM This year our regional AGM will be held at Leasowes Farm, Kenley, Shropshire SY5 6NY the home of Dave Roberts and his Boyo flock, on Saturday 20th May. The day is open to all society members and will commence at 11.00 with coffee on arrival. This will be followed at approximately 11.30 with a tour of the flock and followed by lunch at 1.30pm. The AGM is scheduled for 2.45pm.

We welcome all members to the flock visit and lunch but request that you let us know of your intention to attend in order that we can advise the caterers of numbers attending. Jonathan and Carroll Barber have accepted an invitation to attend the day.

Hopefully we will have a sunny day and lots of members make an effort to attend what will be an excellent day out with the opportunity to catch up with friends after lambing. Weather permitting 2 lucky visitors will win a ride in a microlight plane.

Please contact Janet Corbett on either 01452 790209 or 07503 949963. Email cjojan@aol.com .

New Lanark village is set on the banks of the River Clyde, dating back to 1786. Originally built as cotton mills and workers housing.

The village has been restored and is now a major tourist attraction attracting 400000 visitors a year. Due to the importance of site New Lanark became a world Heritage site!

Mill number 1 has been restored and is now the New Lanark Mill Hotel, where we will be staying and hosting the AGM. Explore the many attractions New Lanark has to offer: Travel back in time with Annie Mcleod Explore the beautiful roof top garden with panoramic views.

Robert Owens school and house Mill workers houses 1820 and 1930 Working textile machinery New Lanark is also surrounded by native woodland and is the gateway to the famous Falls of Clyde. The wildlife reserve is ideal for woodland walks and nature spotting.

To wet your appetite even more visit www.newlanark.org So come and join the members of region 2 on the 1st and 2nd of May 2018 for a fun filled couple of days and experience a little bit of history while making your own history during your visit to New Lanark.

Looking forward to seeing you then.

EASTERN REGION The Eastern region has been fairly quiet over the last few months, with lambing taking priority.

Some flocks have been struck by the Schmallenberg midge while others have escaped. Please report any suspect cases and get them tested. Testing is free and may help to get a vaccine for next year.

Carol will also be holding a meeting for the Kent area of our region. This will be on 21st May and the venue has been provided

by Viv and David Miles. It will include a clipping demonstration and lunch will be provided by Viv. Instead of the region BBQ this year we are going to the dogs.

(Greyhound racing) This will be on 12th August at Towcester.

The social activities start with a challenge skittles match on Thursday 13th April at the Bulls Head, Arthingworth LE16 8JZ. The Charollais will be taking on teams of Suffolk and Texel Breeders.

There are several shows in our region from one day to three day.

Details can be found in the Members Handbook. The shows are always looking for more entries and it will help to ensure the survival of the shows.

The regions AGM will take place on Thursday 20th April at the Old White Hart, Lyddington LE15 9LT. This will start with a meal then the AGM and finally a talk from the rural policing team.

After showing at Lincoln the region will host a BBQ in the livestock carpark. All are welcome, please see either Carol or Ruth at the show to book your meal.

10 - CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017

REGIONAL NEWS The Region Flock competition will be held from Tuesday 3rd to Thursday 5th October and will be judged by Mr David Norman. As is usual we will have a dinner on the Thursday evening to present the prizes, and more information will be circulated nearer the time.

The region has a new trophy this year: For the most points earned in any other Breed Classes.

Finally the Eastern Region is hosting a female sale at Melton Mowbray market on Saturday 28th October. The show before the sale will be judged by Dave Roberts and the auctioneer will be Tom Greenow.

WALES First Welsh National Chairman – Arwyn Thomas LLONGYFARCHIADAU MAWR ITI ARWYN The region would like to publicly congratulate one of our members, Arwyn Thomas, Arbryn Charollais on his election to the role of National Chairman. We know as a region that his hard work and enthusiasm for the breed that we see will now be seen on a National level and that the Charollais Society will benefit

greatly from his input. We wish you all the best Arwyn and we are proud that you are the first National Chairman to come from the Welsh Region.

Wrenvale Flock Open Day On Friday 12th of May 2017 The region will visit the Champion flock from last year’s flock competition. The Wrenvale flock owned by Nigel Sheldon will host the evening visit to view the flock ewes and yearling from last year’s competition as well as this year’s lamb crop sired by the successful ram Castellau Powerpoint. Also, members will be able to view the nursery and floral items supplied to local councils and businesses in full bloom, as Nigel reaches his peak season with the Wrenvale Nursery. A meal will follow for members at a local venue. More details in the upcoming weeks.

opportunity for members to view a notable flock from outside our region, as well as a new chicken fattening unit supplying over 40,000 birds and a thriving commercial sheep and beef enterprise. We would urge any members new or old to support this event. More details will follow in due course.

NSA Welsh Sheep Event This biennial event is a great event for the breed society and the sheep industry as a whole. It is of greater significance for us as a region this year as the host farm uses exclusively Charollais rams as a terminal sire. Members should try to support the event as it will be an opportunity to see the fantastic job our breed does in a commercial setting. For more details please check to NSA website. We look forward to seeing you on the Charollais Stand.

Visit to Knockin Flock The region has kindly been invited to view the Knockin flock owned

by Miss Abbie Moseley on Sunday June 4th. The Knockin flock was the Champion flock within the Central Region in 2016 and has sold several notable Ram Lambs at the breed’s Premier sale in Worcester. This is a great

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REGIONAL NEW MEMBERS REPORTS We are pleased to welcome the following new members to the Society. We hope that it will not be too long before you have the opportunity to meet other members at a Society event.

Please do contact the Society’s office or your Regional Chairman if there is any aspect of breeding Charollais that you would like to discuss. For some members this may be their first experience with pedigree sheep, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Charollais Society prides itself on the friendly attitude of it’s members and a lack of elitism; so, however small or large your flock, please take an active part. If we all work together the Charollais breed will continue it’s rise in popularity amongst lamb producers.

North of England REGION 3 VBW Crawlang Mr A Langthorne Crawford Grange, Brompton, Northallerton DL6 2PD Meadowside VCL S A Forshaw Preston Road, Alston, Longridge PR3 3BL Wallingfen VCH Mrs J Scott Bridge Farm, Canal Side East, Newport Brough, East Yorkshire HU15 2RL

East of England REGION 4 View Farm VCF Mr Toby Wilson View Farm Bungalow, Park Lane, Dry Drayton, Cambs CB23 8DB VCD Balsham Messrs M J Kiddy & Son Solitaire Farm, Drove Rd, Gamlingay SG19 3NY VCN Soloby Mr Oliver Chapman Willowdene, Main Road, Saltfleetby, Louth Lincolnshire LN11 7SS VCV Swinford Mr Joseph Morris Lambcote Hill Farm, Shawell Road, Swinford Leics LE17 6AX Central England REGION 5 Mousenatch WCP Mrs Rosemary Edwards Leominster Mousenatch Farm Kingsland HR6 9QU Herefordshire Swanwick Gr. VBX David W Booth Swanwick Barn, Swanwick Green, Norbury, Whitchurch, Cheshire SY13 4HL VBZ Longham Mr & Mrs K & M Causer Longham Meadow Farm, Hill Road, Grandborough, CV23 8DL Rugby VCB Swere Top Mr P Stead & Mrs V Tew T/A Sapphire Alpacas, Little Haven, Barford Road, OX15 4LN S. Newington, Banbury VCC Mr Ross Thomasson Rose Cottage, Norbury, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 4HW VCP Delbury C R & E Amphlett The Laurels, Bache Mill, Diddlebury, Craven Arms SY7 9JX VCE Oakland Mr R Gower Waterside, Monkhide, Lower Eggleton, Hereford HR8 2TX VCS Peplow Mr C W Morris The Bowling Barn, Peplow, Market Drayton TF9 3JL Shropshire 12 - CHAROLLAIS TIMES APRIL 2017

Mr Will Price (Associate) 15 Guiting Road, Sellyoak, Birmingham B29 4RA Wales REGION 6 VCG Cardsland ID & E M Griffiths SA43 2NA Tafarnbugail, Cardigan, Dyfed VCJ Bedwen Miss B J Hughes Penrallt, Llanfarian, Aberystwyth SY23 4QN VDC Angell Mr E V Jones Blaenplwyf Isaf, Aberangell, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AD VCR Scalding Mr I T Williams Scalding, Llyswen, Brecon, Powys LD3 0AX S W England REGION 7 VBV Beanhill Mr & Mrs R & B Kimber Bean Hill Farm, Christian Malford, Chippenham, Wilts SN15 4BS VBY Withen Mr Darren Prettejohn Eastcote, Barrow Road, Paymembury EX14 3HX Little Down VCM Miss B E Tucker Sleight Farm, Stowey Road, Clutton BS39 5TF VCZ Endellion Dr AK & Ms V C Ancill Walnut Farmhouse, Yarley Hill, Yarley Wells, Somerset BA5 1PA N. Ireland & Eire REGION 8 VCU Ballyhill Mr Kenneth Carrothers Ballyhill, Brookburgh, Co. Fermanagh BT94 4GZ VCK Glenhead Mr G Cowan 78 Tamnaherin Road, Eglington, Londonderry, Co. Londonderry BT47 3AN Derryraghan VCW Alan Ferguson 101 Sherrygroom Road, Newmills, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 4BX VCX Aughrafin Mr J McWilliams 37 Kennedies Rd, Tynan, Armagh BT60 4RQ VCT Gorteen Mr Gareth Beacom 89 Castle Manor, Kesh, Co. Fermanagh BT93 1RZ VDB Hillsmore R & D Ervine 57 Hillsborough Road, Dromore BT25 1QN Coach Lodge VCY Ms Mary Nelson 129 Upper Mealourh Road, Carrydyff, Belfast, Co. Down BT8 8JA VDA Les Filles Misses A & C Bell 38 Ballynichol Rd, Comber, Newtownards BT23 5NW