2025 kicked off with well-attended Open Forum early February. The subjects covered was Mineral Deficiencies, Lleyn Gold, Prolificacy Trends in the Breed. It was a very friendly, interactive session with members new and old taking a very active part in the discussions. Overall, the event was a success both technically and especially socially. The hum of conversation over a lovely shared lunch was good to hear and everyone left with smiles on their faces.

May saw members meeting for a roast lunch and catch up then we went to Chilthorne Farm near Tiverton for Ram Workshop. Chris and Alison Crudge had put considerable effort into preparing for the workshop with displays of their stock rams (from Dylan Jones and Arfon Hughes), several shearling rams, ram lambs (over 50kg born in late January from sponged ewes) and the lamb's dams. In addition, breeders viewed the rest of their ewes and lambs on their lower land. Afterwards everyone enjoyed the splendid array of cakes and tea.

NSA Sheep South West was held in June at Weston Farm, East Knowstone, North Devon. The day was fine, car park was full and the farm was heaving with visitors. The LLeyn Stand was impressive with lovely sheep (shearlings and ewes with twins) provided by Chris and Alison  Overall it was a success and our grateful thanks to everyone who helped.

West Country Shows kicked off at Devon County Show in May with Dylan Jones judging. Royal Cornwall Show saw an impressive number of 93 Lleyns entered with 11 exhibitors. It was an excellent turnout and display of Lleyn Sheep. The Lleyns did us proud at 1 day shows.

Our AGM & Open Day was held early August at Highwood Farm by kind permission of Andy and Daisy Parker. The event kicked off with Daisy introducing how the Parker family became involved with their farming enterprise then Pip from Mount Vets talked about Bluetongue: the latest update, what symptoms to watch out for.

We had a relaxing farm walk viewing the flock of Lleyn and Red Ruby Devon Cattle herd. The stock was looking well despite the tough conditions and lack of grass in the area - a testament to both breeds. Afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful spread of cakes with drinks.

Pens of sheep were on display in the barn including stock judging competition and guess weight of a pen of lambs. Also on the wall was a competition of forage seed heads from around the farm for us to identify which certainly got our heads working! Frist prize for our raffle was a voucher for 6 bags of feed very kindly donated by Credition Milling Company which was won by Edie Parker which will no doubt be used to feed her favourite lamb H over the winter!

In all it was a very friendly afternoon with lovely sunny weather which resulted some coming to Exeter Society Sale to purchase some Lleyn. In spite of the drought conditions in the West Country, the Exeter Society Sale held at Kivells Livestock Market saw strong trade for females which was reassuring for the sellers. Trade was selective for rams.

End of September and beginning of October saw our Biennial flock Competition Week. Dom and Bethan Klinkenberg were our Judges, who gallantly toured the West Country to view several flocks over 3 days ending with a great annual dinner held at Padbrook Park Hotel. The food was excellent as well the company. Results of the competition was announced with the Overall Championship Flock going to Daisy and Andy Parker. Congratulations to all the competition winners, results can be viewed on our Club's website along with photos.

Also at the dinner, the Little Thriverton Trophy was presented by Pat Martin to Shaun Carter for the most points collected at West Country Shows. Sarah Eckett presented the Peter Honey Cup for the Best Shearling Ewe (homebred) at West Country Shows to Frances Brewer. Finally, the Hillbrow Trophy was presented to Avril and Bradley Glessing for the Best Ewe with Twins at foot at the Royal Cornwall Show.

We have events planned for 2026. Anyone wishing to join our club are welcomed, just £10 per person for the year! Details can be found here: https://www.westcountrylleynsheep.org/membership-form

Cathy Evans, West Country Lleyn Breeders Club Secretary