Yearling Ewes in full fleece
Shearling Ram
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Membership enquiries and requests for details of the Association's Annual Show and Sale should be directed to:
Mrs. B Metcalfe (Barbara)
Oxmoor House Farm
Houghton Bank, Heighington
Co. Durham DL2
2UG Telephone:
01388 777852
2010 WLSBA Annual General Meeting
The 2010 Annual General Meeting of the Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders' Association will be held at 2pm on Saturday 24th April 2010 at the Tempest Arms, Elslack, near Skipton, North Yorkshire. The agenda is included in the Spring Newsletter, which is being distributed to members. The following trophies will be presented:
The William Rhodes Perpetual Challenge Trophy (exhibitor of the year)
The Ruth Pedley Memorial Trophy (outstanding inter-breed success of the year)..............................................................................................................................................................................................
Wensleydale Honours at the 2009 Great Yorkshire Show.
Best Male - JA & F Elliott (Shearling Ram). Reserve - JN & SM Prescott (Aged
Ram).
Best Female - J Watkinson (Yearling Ewe in full wool). Reserve - JA & F Elliott
(Shearling Ewe).
Champion Wensleydale - J Watkinson's Yearling Ewe in full wool.
Reserve Champion - JA & F Elliott's Shearling Ram.
Interbreed - J Watkinson's
Yearling Ewe in Wool not only won the Lustre Longwool Section of the Wool on the Hoof
Competition (beating the Leicester, Bluefaced Leicester, Teeswater and
Lincoln section winners), but was subsequently selected as
Reserve Wool on the Hoof Champion. The champion was a very fine Shetland
which had won the Natural Coloured Breeds section.
Further details: www.greatyorkshireshow.com and click on the Online Results Service. Pictures below:
Allan Duffield assesses the Group Class
Jessica Watkinson receives the William Barton Parkinson trophy as the winner of the Yearling Ewe in Wool Class
Jessica Watkinson with the winning Hogg in Wool which subsequently took the Reserve Supreme Champion Wool on the Hoof award
Great Yorkshire Show Entries.
There are 62 Wensleydale entries for the 2009 Great Yorkshire Show (14 - 16
July), from the following 11 exhibitors:
Messrs JA & F Elliott, Mr MA Elliott, Mr BR Field, Mrs B Metcalfe, Mrs YT Mudd,
Mr JN & Mrs SM Prescott, Miss FM Rosso Baldachino, Mrs M Smith, Mr GK Verity, Mr
J Watkinson and Mr & Mrs CC Wray.
Class entries are:
| Aged Ram - 7 entries. |
| Shearling Ram - 7 entries. |
| Ram Lamb - 11 entries. |
| Yearling Ewe (in full wool) - 12 entries. |
| Shearling Ewe - 8 entries. |
| Ewe Lamb - 11 entries. |
| Group of Three - 6 entries. |
Overall, there are record sheep entries (1,832) and record fleece entries (210). Wensleydale classes are to be judged on the first day (Tues 14th July) at 2pm.
Election of Council Members
The WLSBA Articles of Association require that one third of the existing
Council members should seek re-election each year (if they so wish). If the
number seeking re-election, together with new applicants, exceeds the number of
permitted vacancies, a ballot is held. As the number of applicants did not
exceed the number of vacancies this year a ballot was not necessary. Had a
ballot been necessary the voting papers would have included candidate profiles.
These candidate profiles are in this downloadable Word document, so that members have a better
knowledge of the background of the officers of the Association and what they
have to offer: WLSBA Council
Candidate Profiles 2009.doc.
Association
Stands at 2009 NSA and Wonderwool Wales Events
The Association will be providing information stands at the following
events:
Wonderwool Wales - Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. See www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk for details of this event.
NSA Welsh Sheep 2009 - Tuesday 19th May at Cernioge Bach, Pentrefoelas, Betws y Coed.
NSA North Sheep 2009 - Wednesday 3rd June at Laund Farm, Chipping, Preston.
NSA Sheep South West - Tuesday 9th June at North Alfordon Farm, Okehampton.
NSA Northern Ireland - Monday 6th July at Ballymena Auction Mart.
Registration on the United Kingdom
Breeds at Risk Register
Resulting from EEC Directive 2003/85/EC (article 15) a UK list of
rare breeds holdings is being compiled which, on any future Foot and Mouth
Disease (FMD) outbreak, would be considered for any special measures that may
apply at the time. Breeders should scroll down to the foot of this web site and
click on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust link, then click on the Breeds at
Risk Register for details. If
eligible, breeders are advised to click on the incorporated Registration Form
and register their flock. Registration may not be accepted following an outbreak of the
disease.
The above web site is relevant to keepers of other rare breeds of sheep, cattle, goats and pigs. Further information may be obtained from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust:
Tel: 024 7669 8763/8766
Email: bar@rbst.org.uk
Members of the Association may place upto two advertisements and a link to their website each year for a single payment of £12 - two sheep category advertisements, two advertisements of the wool/equipment/4x4s/trailers category (scroll down), or one of each category. plus amendments.
Advertisements and accompanying payments should be sent to Frank Pedley at the following address, payable to WLSBA:
The Bell House, Kirkby Fleetham Hall, Kirkby Fleetham, Northallerton DL7 0SU
A facility to enable members of the Association to advertise and sell registered stock, including "in lamb ewes". For simplicity, descriptions are limited to the number of sheep for sale in each of the following categories:
| Rams (Aged) - born prior to 2008. |
| Rams (2Sh) - born 2008. |
| Rams (Sh) - born 2009. |
| Ewes (Aged) - born prior to 2008. |
| Ewes (2Sh) - born 2008. |
| Ewes (Sh) - born 2009. |
| Ram Lambs - born 2010. |
| Ewe Lambs
-
born 2010. |
| "In Lamb Ewes" - registered ewes put to a registered ram in the Autumn of 2009. Potential buyers should enquire from vendors whether or not the ewes have been scanned in addition to being marked. |
A four figure number against a ram indicates the number allocated in the Association's Breeding Ram List. Other rams are either eligible for entry in the list, or have been entered but not yet allocated a four figure number.
Telephone (or e-mail) advertisers for details (pedigree, show successes, genetic resistance to scrapie, prices, whether "in lamb ewes" have been scanned etc.) and to arrange visits.
Advertisements for 2010 are now welcome, on the lines of the following examples:
Section A (White) Sheep
Lindop, Ms L Church Stowe, Northants. Tel.01327 341260. Non accredited.
2 x Rams [2sh]7049,7050, 2 x Ewes [shg], 1 x ewe [2sh], 2 x ewes [2sh. Scrapie status unknown].
Smith, Mrs M High Pastures Farm, Summerbridge, Harrogate, N. Yorkshire, HG3 4DP. Tel 01423 780363. Non accredited.
1 x Ram lamb
HOPE, Mrs. I.N., Sheepwash, Devon. Tel: ..... ...... MV
Accredited. 2 x Rams (Aged) 1234 and 1235, 2 x Rams (2Sh) incl 2345, 2 x Rams
(Sh), 5 x Ewes (Aged), 4 Ram Lambs and 5 x Ewe Lambs.
OTHER, Mr A.N., Sheepy Parva, Leicestershire. Tel: ..... ....... E-mail: arthur-other@yahoo.co.uk 1 Ram (2sh) (2222), 4 x Rams (Sh) and 6 "in lamb Ewes" (all scanned by vet and recorded as carrying 5 x twins and 1 x triplet).
Section B (Black) Sheep
SMART, Ms. I.B., Blacko, Lancashire. Tel: ..... ...... E-mail: smart@ .......... 3 x Ram Lambs, 2 x Ewe Lambs and 6 "in lamb Ewes" (all marked by Ram 3333, but not scanned).
2010 ADVERTISEMENTS
All stock may be assumed to be ARR/ARR unless otherwise stated
BROWN, Mrs. S., The Dean, Ashford, Kent. Tel: 01233 502796. Non-accredited.
1 x ram 2 sh. reg.
1 x shearling ram and 4 x shearling ewes.
Section A (White) Sheep
Section B (Black) Sheep
Members of the Association may place upto two advertisements and a link to their website each year for a single payment of £12 - two sheep category advertisements, two advertisements of the wool/equipment/4x4s/trailers category, or one of each category. plus amendments.
Advertisements and accompanying payments should be sent to Frank Pedley at the following address, payable to WLSBA:
The Bell House, Kirkby Fleetham Hall, Kirkby Fleetham, Northallerton DL7 0SU
This recently introduced Section provides a facility for members to sell small quantities of surplus wool, equipment, 4x4s and livestock trailers.
Wool. Spun several years ago, oiled on cones:
Wensleydale 2 ply (knits as 4 ply) £3 per 100g. Wensleydale/Manx (white) £2.80 per 100g.
Tel: 01794 388057 (Sue Gotting or Judy Hardman).Wool.Black and white fleeces available for handspinning, together with 100% pure Wensleydale wool (washed and hand dyed), rovings, locks and the occasional sheepskin. See my website www.gedgrave-wensleydales.co.uk or telephone Tracy Ranger: 01394 450343 or mobile 07776 172641.
Wool. FROST, Mrs. J.A., Tan-y-Bryn, Roadside, Betws yn Rhos, Abergele. Tel: 01745 833932. E-mail: jenni.frost@virgin.net
Handspun black Wensleydale wool. Aran weight - 150 gms x £6.00 (p & p extra).
Wensleydale Crossing Sire quality (Wensleydale x Texel ewe with lambs sired by Texel)
The lustre and purl of the Wensleydale fleece is well portrayed on this champion ram of Mr & Mrs M Leech.
Click on the thumbnails for a larger image.
2.
1. 1899 and 1900 – Mr William Rhodes’ Champion Ram “Royal
Maidstone 582”
2. 1903 and 1904 – Mr William Rhodes’ Champion Ram “Royal London 904”
1.
1. Novices Freda and John Elliott at the point of taking top places in the ram lamb class at their first Association annual show & sale (Hellifield 1947)
1.
2.
1. Freda Elliott, assisted by brother John, prepares to
demonstrate how to clip a hogg for showing (circa 1975 at GYS)
2. Shearling ram line-up at the Royal Lancashire Show circa 1954, judged by John
Wilkin (R to L – John Elliott, John Milner, Mark Airey, WA Parkinson, Arthur
Jackson, Tom Jackson, ??, ??, Barton Parkinson)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1. Royal Show 1989 – Mike Pullin’s Champion Hogg in Wool.
2. Association centenary Event 1990
3. 1992 Champion at the Royal Bath & West of England, Royal
and Great Yorkshire Shows - Graham Steventon and Lynn Clouder’s Hogg in Wool
4. Great Yorkshire Show 1993 – David & Joan Ford’s Champion
Hogg in Wool
5. Association Show & Sale Champion (Skipton) 1995 – Jack Watkinson’s Ram Lamb.
6. Royal
Show Reserve Supreme Champion 1995 – Roger Field’s Hogg in Wool
8.
9.
10.
7. Royal
Show Reserve Supreme Champion 1995 – Roger Field’s Hogg in Wool
8. Great Yorkshire Show 1997 - Ruth Pedley's Triple Champion (Wensleydale
Champion - Longwool Ewe Champion - Wool on the Hoof Supreme Champion).
9. Royal Show 1998 – Mark Elliott with Wensleydale Champion/ Reserve Reserve
Supreme Champion
10. Royal Show 1999 – Jack Watkinson’s Champion Hogg in Wool
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1. Royal Show 2000 – Mark Elliott with Wensleydale Champion
2. Association Show & Sale Champion(Skipton) 2000 – Jack Watkinson’s Ewe Lamb
3. Ruth Pedley holding her fleece which won best of all breeds at the 2002 Royal
and Great Yorkshire shows (photo courtesy of Yorkshire Post Newspapers)...
4. ...Ruth clipping another of her hoggs, on 16th July 2002, which provided the
best fleece of all breeds at the NSA Sheep 2002 event at Malvern a fortnight
later (photo courtesy of BWMB)
5. Sheila Blakey receiving the Reserve Supreme Champion award from the Duke of
Wellington at the 2005 South of England Show.
6. The Association's stand at Wonderwool Wales 2007
7.
8. 
9.
10. 
11.
12.
7. GYS 2008: Her Majesty the Queen admires Roger Field's Reserve Supreme
Champion, held by Christa Liddle
8. GYS 2008: Roger Field's Reserve Supreme Champion
9. GYS 2008: Supportive Spectators and Critics. From Left to Right: John
Prescott, John Elliott, Frank Pedley, Barbara Metcalfe, Sandra Thompson, Stella
Lambert, Peter Titley
10. SCOTSHEEP
2008: Mutual Admiration
11. 2009 AGM. Frank Pedley presents the Ruth Pedley Memorial Trophy, to Roger
Field for his outstanding interbreed success at the 2008 Great Yorkshire Show
(Reserve Supreme Champion).
12. 2009 AGM. Dr. Agnes Winter, President of the Association, presents Junior
Exhibitor of the Year awards to Dan and Jake Greenwood (aged 12 and 9 years) of
Walburn Hall Farms near Richmond.
13.
13. 2009 AGM. Dr. Agnes Winter presents the 2008 Exhibitor of the Year Trophy
(the William Rhodes Trophy) to Mrs Yvonne Mudd.
The breed is widespread throughout the United Kingdom, with some small flocks in Holland, France and Denmark. A "breeding up" programme is developing in the USA, using Wensleydale ram sperm in English Leicester, Lincoln and Cotswold ewes and their female progeny.
Originated in North Yorkshire early in the 19th Century from a cross between a long since extinct local longwool breed from the region of the River Tees and an outstanding Dishley Leicester ram named "Bluecap". The breed was developed to produce hardy rams for crossing onto hill ewes, together with high quality and valuable lustre fleeces.
The breed is probably unique in that its Association is able to not only identify a foundation sire, but also trace that ram's parentage, year and place of birth and breeder. "Bluecap" was born in 1839 in the hamlet of East Appleton, five miles NNW of Bedale in North Yorkshire. His unique qualities, which determined the breed type without any further infusion of Leicester blood, were his dark skin, superb quality of wool and size - 203 kgs (448 lbs) as a two shear. The breed type was not named until 1876, when a name was required for classes at the Yorkshire Show. Two rival breed Societies were formed in 1890, amalgamating in 1920.
The Wensleydale is a very large longwool sheep, described by the British Meat and Livestock Commission as "probably the heaviest of all our indigenous breeds". It is a visually striking sheep with considerable presence. It has bold and alert carriage which is accentuated by its broad, level back on wide quarters and strong thighs. It has a distinctive deep blue head and ears, which should be clean except for a well developed forelock of wool, usually referred to as the "topping". Both sexes are polled.
The Wensleydale breed has been developed to provide rams for crossing onto hill ewes, mainly Swaledale, Blackface, Rough Fell, Cheviot and Dalesbred and latterly Beulah, to produce a prolific, milky and hardy breeding ewe (the original Masham) and also a wether which can produce under natural conditions on marginal ground a quality carcass at higher weight with no excess fat. The Wensleydale ram gives that extra size and quality to its cross bred progeny, enabling any recognised terminal sire to fulfil its potential.
A Wensleydale ewe will produce two lambs with minimal lambing problems. Twin lambs average 6 kgs each at birth with a growth rate that enables ram lambs to reach 73 kgs at 21 weeks and be used with confidence on hill breed ewes in the Autumn.
Though developed as a Crossing Sire the Wensleydale is equally well known for the exceptionally high quality of its lustrous Wool, making it an outstanding dual purpose sheep. Wensleydale wool is the finest and most valuable lustre longwool in the world. Fleeces are of 20 - 30 cms staple length and 33 - 35 micron thickness, with yearling fleeces weighing from 6 to 9 kgs. Fleeces are entirely kemp free as a result of the unique characteristics of the wool-producing follicles. This special quality is genetically transmitted to cross-bred lambs, characterising the Wensleydale ram as perhaps the leading wool improver sire in the world. Wensleydale wool is used for its special effects and handle in hand knitting yarn, knitwear and cloth and sometimes in upholstery fabrics. Because of its similarity, it is regularly used to blend with mohair.
| Shearling ewes | Mature ewes |
|---|---|
| 200% | 250% |
| Lamb bodyweights at 8 weeks | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 25.8kg | 25.8kg |
| Twin | 22.0kg | 21.4kg |
| Mature ewe | Mature ram |
|---|---|
| 113kg | 136kg |
(Source: Meat and Livestock Commission recorded data)
Though Wensleydale sheep are predominately white, the Breed Society incorporates a black section within its flock book, but does not permit breeding between sheep of the two sections.
The Wensleydale has the highest genetic resistance to scrapie of all recognised sheep breeds in the United Kingdom, with PrP tests revealing a 92% codon 171 R/R genotype in the breed. The commercial significance of this is that the buyer of a Wensleydale ram has a 92% chance that the ram will be of this genotype and that on using it as a crossing sire none of the crossbred progeny will be of the genotype susceptible to scrapie.
The last MLC Ram Breed Comparison trials revealed that the Wensleydale Ram, though not a recognised terminal sire, produces the heaviest class 3L lamb out of Scotch Half-bred, Mule and Greyface ewes.
Wensleydale (and Teeswater) wool is now the most valuable British wool by far (see 2007 British Wool Marketing Board price schedule), with producers paid £1.93 per kilo by the BWMB for the 2006 clip. Non commercial farm gate sales to hand spinners attract significantly higher prices, particularly for wool from yearling ewes. Large and small quantities of both white and naturally coloured wool can be obtained through the British Wool Marketing Board, Wool House, Roydsdale Way, Euroway Trading Estate, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD4 6SE, UK, which promotes and handles wool sales on behalf of UK sheep farmers.
Tel: 01274 688666
email: mail@britishwool.org.uk
web site: www.britishwool.org.uk
The 2010 Annual Show and Sale (119th) is to be held at Skipton Auction Mart on Saturday 4th September.
SUMMARY OF 118th ANNUAL SHOW &
SALE HELD AT SKIPTON ON 29th AUGUST 2009
90 entries, comprising 23 rams, 16 ram lambs, 34 ewes and 17 ewe lambs.
Judge: Dr. D.L. Clouder.
Prices were significantly lower than last year, probably as a result of the
unfortunate clash of the show date with the Summer Bank Holiday weekend.
However, the quality of sheep forward was high, resulting in bargains for buyers
who had placed flock improvement ahead of their holiday interest.
The Supreme Champion was a home bred shearling ram from the West End flock of JN
& SM Prescott from Longhorsley, near Morpeth, which sold for 280 guineas to C.A.
Coe & Son from Great Wenham, Colchester, whose flock was founded in 2001.
Reserve Supreme was a shearling ewe, bred and entered by JA & F Elliott from
Knaresborough, which sold for 240 guineas.
Average prices: Rams - 113 guineas, Ram Lambs - 94 guineas, Ewes - 94 guineas,
Ewe Lambs - 101 guineas.
Challenge Trophies
The "Burton" Silver Teapot , re-presented by P.
Ashby Esq. for the best Shearling or Aged Ram - JN & SM Prescott (Longhorsley,
Northumberland).
The "Fawell" Silver Coffee Pot re-presented by P. Ashby Esq. for the best Ram
Lamb - Mrs YT Mudd (Knaresborough, North Yorkshire).
The "Nettleton" Perpetual Silver Salver for the best fleshed Ram Lamb - J Mc
Hardy (Cupar, Fife).
The "John Percival" Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best Shearling Ram bred by
the exhibitor - JN & SM Prescott (Longhorsley, Northumberland).
The "John Percival" Trophy for the best female of any age - JA & F Elliott
(Knaresborough, North Yorkshire).
The "Smalley" Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best Ram of any age - JN & SM
Prescott. (Longhorsley, Northumberland).
The "Outlane" Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best Ewe Lamb - N Oliver
(Carperby, North Yorkshire).
The "Fawell" Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Champion Sheep -
(Longhorsley, Northumberland).
Click on the thumbnails below to view at full size.
This event is one of the two official Shows and Sales of the Association – an excellent source of quality stock, all carefully examined by WLSBA inspectors. The 2010 event is to be held at Melton Mowbray Auction Mart on 10th and 11th September 2010, with judging on the Friday and the Sale on Saturday 11th September.
For entry forms and catalogues please contact Melton Mowbray Mart: 01664 562971 or sales@meltonmowbraymarket.co.uk
SUMMARY OF 2009 SHOW & SALE (Judge: J.D. Ford, Crediton, Devon)
There was a good trade at this years Show and Sale, with a particularly encouraging demand for rams and ram lambs. The champion was a shearling ram, bred and exhibited by Dr. G. Steventon & Dr. L. Clouder from Princethorpe, near Rugby, which realised 250 guineas. To complete a memorable day, Graham and Lynn also took the reserve champion award with a home bred shearling ewe, which sold for 160 guineas. A two shear ram bred and entered by J.M. McHardy from Cupar, Fife also realised 250 guineas, but the highest price of the day was the 300 guineas paid for a smart ram lamb bred and entered by J & S Thompson from Deytheur, Llansantffraid.
Average prices: Rams – 168 guineas, Ram Lambs – 155 guineas, Ewes – 124 guineas, Ewe Lambs – 120 guineas.
Challenge Trophies
The Outlane Perpetual Cup, presented by Mr PE Titley for the champion Wensleydale sheep – Dr. L. Clouder & Dr. G. Steventon (shearling ram).
The Upper Mill Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the best black (coloured) Wensleydale sheep – J & S Prescott (shearling ram).
MEMBERS' WEB SITES:
JN & SM Prescott,
Northumberland
Ms J
Morris, Ystrad, Carmarthenshire
Organic Meat (including mutton) and Wool production.
Mrs Tracy Ranger,Woodbridge, Suffolk
See Classified Advertisements section.
OTHER USEFUL WEB SITES:
British
Wool Marketing Board
Pride of Lammermuir
For
fabrics woven from Wensleydale wool.
Yorkshire Agricultural
Society
Links to the Great Yorkshire Show web pages.
Skipton Auction Mart
Location
of the Annual Show and Sale of the Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders'
Association.
Peasridge
Mail
Order Suppliers of Livestock Showing Equipment.
North American Wensleydale
Association
The home page of the North American Wensleydale Sheep
Association, founded in November 1999, to establish Wensleydale sheep in North
America.
Carlson
Farm
Wensleydale sheep near Sacramento in Northern California, USA.
National Sheep
Association
Wensleydale Longwool
Sheep Shop
Quality Knitwear, Wool and Yarns
The Wool
Initiative
Suppliers of Wensleydale and other native breed fleeces, yarns and woven
textiles
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
English Beef and
Lamb Executive
Better Returns Programme
The following stock items are offered for sale, inclusive of packaging and postage:
| Flockbooks (softback), for most years from 1998 £2.00 |
| Association Ties with ram's head logo (green, maroon and blue) £6.00 |
| Logo Stickers for Cars £2.00 |
| Large Logo Stickers for Trailers £7.00 |
| Silk Habotai Scarves (green, black, red, blue, grey and white) £11.00 |
| "Wensleydale World" Journal published 2008 (60 pages) £5.00 |
It may be necessary to request additional postage for overseas orders.
Silk Habotai Scarf
The above items can be ordered from Mrs SA
Leech, Stilereed Farm, Criers Lane, Five Ashes, Mayfield, East Sussex
TN206LG.
Tel: 01825 830397 mark.m.leech@btinternet.com
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is in urgent need of ram semen from Wensleydale rams and other rams on their Watchlist. The appeal is fully supported by the WLSBA Council. Can you help? Click here for details of the appeal and here for the form that needs to be completed. For more information please contact Claire Barber or Dawn Teverson at the RBST (Tel. 024 7669 6551).
Click here to download the 2008 Flock Book Registrations.
The End
