Home
History of Breed
Description of Breed
Purpose of Breed
General Information
Breed Development
Breeders
Vendéen Sheep
Society Ltd
Secretary: Andrew John Darkes House
Conderton Tewkesbury Gloucestershire GL20 7PP
Tel/Fax: 01386 725229
The Royal Welsh Show
An encouraging group of Vendeens were presented to successful Yorkshire producer, Keith Till, on the famous Builth Wells showground, cupped by the surrounding hills in the green heart of Wales.
Suitably, breeders from the Principality were well to the fore, with strong contingents from Edward Thomas’ St Clears base and Julia Coviello’s Lampeter farm.
Keith found his champion in Julia’s magnificent shearling ram, who had won here as a lamb and had also been Male Champion at the Three Counties show. A grand stamp with splendid length and presence and a powerful front, he will be a formidable sight when he furnishes up in the gigot. Julia also stood Reserve with a strapping ram lamb.
Heading the ewes was Patricia Smyly’s elegant, tight-skinned 2 shear, both of whose parents were champions here. Paula Thomas handled the winning ewe lamb, confirming the judge’s preference for stylish, feminine ewes. It was noted that all classes were won by female handlers!
Chairman Charlie Vernon-Miller’s great run at the Royal and Great Yorkshire came to an end with high placings in all classes but no wins. His sheep were perhaps a shade over the top after a busy and successful season.
New kid on the block, 15 year old Ben Drury, who had the misfortune to lose his best ram lamb 2 days before the show, was thrilled to gain a minor ticket with his shearling tup.
Edward Thomas, always a great supporter of carcass classes, produced a splendid specimen to win a class, beating the Suffolks!
The Prince of Wales came on Monday looking genuinely involved and interested. He was accorded a friendly reception even if his small, balding figure did look a little absurd beside a 6 foot 8″ chairman, Robin Gibson-Watt. The bands played, the Household Cavalry wove the decorous, interweaving figures of its age-old Musical Ride, the cobs and their handlers magnificently strutted their stuff. The weather threatened its worst but mostly didn’t deliver and everywhere the crowds surged huge, gregarious and impassioned, giving the show its unique atmosphere.
So, was it all wonderful in Wales? Up to a point. The lavatories were more revolting than words can say, and the “arrangements” for loading stock and leaving the showground baffle description. The chairman reached home (a journey normally of 2 hours) at 11pm……….Oh well you can’t have everything
Gwelaf chi flwyddyn nesaf