Ewe with respected maternal traits
Ewe with respected maternal traits
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The setting of this year’s AGM weekend was beautiful, The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis situated at the base of Snowdonia. Friday was a showery day, however Saturday turned out breezy but mild and dry helping make the coach trip a success. Some members had already arrived on Thursday making a long weekend of it, others chose to arrive on Friday. The Council members attended a meeting on Friday afternoon with the evening left free for socialising by all.
Full after a delicious breakfast, nearly 90 members and guests climbed aboard the two coaches and headed to Glynllifion College where Rhodri Owen provided a presentation covering the new and exciting milking sheep developments at the college. Although the initial sheep are various other breeds, the intention is to cross the Lleyn across them to see if they can make the perfect milking ewe for the Welsh climate. There was a chance to taste sheep milks cheese before heading off. The next part saw a drive down the coast of the Lleyn Peninsula to Aberdaron where soup and sandwiches were served at Gwesty Ty Newydd. With time for a brisk walk on the beach front to clear any cobwebs the next port of call was the eagerly anticipated visit to Bronallt, the home of Wynne Davies, flock 50. The sheep had been brought close to hand in age groups for the visitors to inspect and admire. There was a chance to win a bottle of wine kindly donated by Roger & Gill Jones. All you had to do was guess the weight of some rams. Paul Eckett was the successful winner. Ann Davies had kindly provided refreshments with hot drinks and some home baking. Dylan & Anwen Jones, flock 2339 had supplied some ice-cream tubs for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to Wynne & Ann and family for hosting us and thank you to Dylan and Anwen for the lovely ice-cream.
Everyone was enjoying themselves, but time was ticking and before long we were in the Gwynedd room at the hotel for the Annual General Meeting and presentations. Wynne Davies was re-elected as President with John Geldard as Vice President. The Council nominations in the summer had led to elections in both North Wales and Southern England with Dewi Ellis and Gill Adams elected. Ian Bracewell was elected for Southern Ireland.
It was agreed to leave the annual membership fee at £30 (€42).
The presentation of awards saw the following results:
HE Roberts Memorial Cup – AW Davies
The Noel Baseley Memorial Show Points Cup – AW Davies
Barnard Cup – DT Jones
Lleyn Sheep Society’s Cup – JA &R Geldard & Sons
Morgan Evans Cup – DW Ellis
Roseland Cup – E & D Jones
Lluest Wen Cup – E & D Jones
The Champion of the Photo Competition was announced as Andrew Kennedy Flock 1618. Sponsored by JG Animal Health, the champion and all class winners will receive vouchers. All entries can be viewed on the Society website.
The Champion of the National Virtual Flock Competition was announced as C & A Kennedy Flock 1618, they win £100. 2nd Prize AW Davies. Flock 50, £50. P Knowles Flock 886 was 3rd. Again, all can be viewed online.
Anwen Jones and Dominic Klinkenberg rounded off the business with the vote of thanks.
Further business in the special Council Meeting saw Mrs Bethan Vaughan elected for a third term as Society Chairman. John Dugdale stepped down after three years and we thank him for all his time. Mr Arfon Hughes was elected as Vice Chairman. Mr David Knowles continues as Treasurer.
The Annual Dinner took place in the Padarn Room. Glyn Owen, retired auctioneer at Ruthin Farmers Mart entertained with some amusing tales. This was followed by some very professional Welsh singing. The North Wales Club ran a raffle in which they raised £525 for the local Air Ambulance Service.
A huge thank you to the North Wales Club Members for hosting a great AGM weekend. The one we remember for finally seeing where flock 50 but also for visiting the home of the Lleyn.
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