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Flock Visit to Upper House Farm Members of the Clun Forest Sheep Breeders’ Society gathered on Saturday 18th October for an enjoyable and well attended flock visit hosted by two generations of the Williams family; John and Yvonne, and Nigel and Sue; at their fourth generation owned, 530 acre Upper House Farm in Hopton Castle, Shropshire. The farm is home to the pedigree Hopton Flock of Clun Forest sheep, alongside commercial flocks of both Cluns and Clun Mules. Around 50 members and guests travelled to Shropshire, from as far north as southern Scotland and northern England, as well as across Wales and the local area, to enjoy a day of sheep, food, and great company. The visit commenced at 11am with a warm welcome and a tempting array of refreshments, including hot and cold drinks and a selection of homemade cakes and traybakes kindly provided by members. The culinary highlight, however, was undoubtedly the Clun Forest lamb donated by Society President Richard Price, supplied by the Williams family, slaughtered by AH Griffiths and then prepared and served by caterers, P Faulkner & Son. The lamb, with a liveweight of 53kg and 28 kg deadweight and killing out at an impressive 53%, was cooked and served in rolls with stuffing and mint sauce and was the perfect showcase of the exceptional flavour and quality that Clun Forest lamb is known for. Adding to the atmosphere was a fascinating display of breed memorabilia kindly loaned by Mike Eckley of the Court Llacca flock. The collection included historic show and sale catalogues, rosettes, photographs, and an impressive array of family silverware celebrating generations of success within the breed. Mike also shared a pre-publication preview of the cover of his forthcoming book “Triumph and Tears,” which promises to chronicle the history of the breed. The highlight of the day came with a tractor trailer tour of the farm, offering members and guests a comfortable vantage point to admire the Williams family’s Clun Forest and Clun Mule flocks against the stunning backdrop of the Shropshire countryside. John Williams provided an engaging and informative commentary throughout, explaining that the family run their flocks as a closed system as far as practical buying in only rams as required and keeping their homebred females. The tour began with a field of fattening lambs, a mixture of Cluns, Clun Mules and Suffolk Cross lambs, showing the farms ‘finished product’ with John explaining that they aim to have the first lambs sold through live markets by12 weeks at 42kg upwards with many reaching 48kg in that time. Most of the lambs sold from August onwards are 48kg upwards which is the weight the catering market requires. From there the trailer travelled uphill and members and guests were treated to views of several groups of Clun ewes with their rams, which included 2 Sarnesfield bred rams and 1 Pen-Y-Wern bred ram. John explained that the ewes are sorted by type and colour and matched with rams to produce offspring which retain the traits of the breed. Ewes which are not matched up to a Clun Ram are run with a traditional Bluefaced Leicester ram to produce Clun Mules. Following the ewes was a field of approximately 70 strong well bred Clun Forest shearling ewes, and then at the top of the hill a field of the farms ewe lambs; a mix of pure Cluns and Clun Mules, all running with a Clun Mule teaser, which represent the farms future breeding stock. After a trip back downhill through woodland with beautiful autumn colour, the tour concluded with an impressive group of around 300 Clun Mules running with Suffolk rams. John explained that the family have used other breeds of ram in the past but prefer the Suffolk ram on the Clun Mule ewe as the match produces a high-quality fat lamb which is hardy with a large frame. He further explained that that some of the Suffolk cross Clun Mule ewe lambs are also sold for the breeding market as they make excellent breeding ewes. The quality and scale of the stock on show during the tour was truly impressive, serving as a testament both to the family’s outstanding stockmanship and to the adaptability and versatility of the Clun Forest breed. Back in the barn, an afternoon stock judging competition drew plenty of friendly rivalry and enthusiasm with four classes, two of pure Clun Forest sheep and two of Clun Mules, testing members’ stockmanship skills, with prize money awarded as follows: 1st Place – Claire Wilkins (Ty Gwyn flock), 166 points - £30 2nd Place – David Beech (Ormeley flock), 158 points - £20 3rd Place – Brian Roberts (Travelley flock), 152 points - £15 Throughout the day, members were also able to browse and purchase Society merchandise, including the newly released 2026 calendars, as well as Mugs and Ties. The event concluded with a professional trimming demonstration by Chrissy Davies, who provided a commentary while expertly trimming a Clun Forest ewe lamb to showcase and enhance the lambs natural shape and breed traits. Huge thanks to John and Yvonne, and Nigel and Sue, for opening up their farm to members and guests to view such an impressive array of quality sheep, for suppling the delicious Clun Forest lamb refreshments, and for providing a space in their barn for the stock judging and other activities. AGM and Prize Giving President’s Dinner Once the flock visit concluded, members travelled to The Corners Inn, Kingsland, for the Society’s AGM and Prize Giving President’s Dinner. The evening began with a delicious two-course carvery meal provided by the staff at The Corners Inn, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Following the meal, the Annual General Meeting was convened by Chairman Del Knowles, after which, Society President Richard Price gave an overview of the year’s progress and activities. Society Secretary Steph Thackery then presented her annual report, followed by a promotions update from Promotions Officer Daryl Brown, who highlighted the Society’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the breed and outlined ambitions for the coming year. Members also discussed and unanimously approved two key proposals:
At the conclusion of the AGM, guest speaker Clive Davis delivered a thoughtful and nostalgic talk with the aid of books, to link the history of the Polled Hereford breed with the Clun Forest and the breeds connections to his life. He also spoke positively about the Clun Forest’s bright future following this year’s centenary celebrations. The evening continued with a lively raffle, featuring an assortment of prizes generously donated by attending members. Following the raffle, the Society trophies were presented, and the results of the National Flock Competition were announced. The National Flock Competition, held every four years, drew great interest from members across the country. This year’s judge, Rex Vincent, previously of the renowned Pixie Flock, had the honour of travelling nationwide to assess the entries, clocking up over 1,500 miles in the process. The Society extends its sincere appreciation and thanks to Rex and his wife, Debbie, for dedicating their time and effort to undertake the judging with such enthusiasm and care. Smallholder Flock - A G Haywood Cup 1st - H Mason - Wigmore 2nd - D Phillips - Come Bye Small Flock - Sir Hubert Stewart Rankin Perpetual Challenge Cup 1st - G.W. Williams - Eryri 2nd - R Whitticase - Pentrenant 3rd - P & L Murray - Inside Hype Medium Flock - Wellington Cup 1st - A Pennell - Nipna 2nd - H.J. Marsh & Son - Stokesey Large Flock - Robert R McCartney Perpetual Challenge Cup 1st - G.L. Phillips - Meadowland 2nd - N.P. & C.J. Wilkins - Tygwyn 3rd - R.G. Treasure - Stocktonbury Shearling Ewes - L C Palmer Perpetual Silver Salver 1st - K.J. Newey - Kibee 2nd - A Pennell - Nipna 3rd - P & L Murray - Inside Hype Ewe Lambs - Sydney Price Cup 1st - A Pennell - Nipna 2nd - G.L. Phillips - Meadowland 3rd - R Whitticase - Pentrenant Stock Ram - Ciba-Geigy Cup 1st - P & L Murray - Inside Hype Hubert 2nd - R Whitticase - Pentrenant 3rd - A Pennell - Nipna Ram Lamb - No official class although the ram lambs were placed by the judge 1st - P & L Murray - Inside Hype 2nd - H Mason - Wigmore 3rd - A Collier - Amaroo 2025 CHAMPION FLOCK - ELKSTONE TROPHY A Pennell - Nipna 2025 RESERVE CHAMPION FLOCK - PEN-Y-WERN SALVER G.L. Phillips - Meadowland Congratulations to all the winners! The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks and presentations of appreciation. Gifts were presented to John and Nigel Williams and their wives, Yvonne and Sue, in recognition of their kind hospitality and organisation of the Society’s flock visit earlier in the day. Rex Vincent and Debbie Searle also received gifts and flowers as a token of gratitude for their dedication and time spent judging the National Flock Competition. In addition, Society Secretary Steph Thackery was thanked for her continued hard work and commitment, and was presented with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her efforts throughout the year. The atmosphere throughout the evening was warm, friendly, and full of good humour. With excellent attendance and plenty of lively conversation, it was a thoroughly enjoyable way for members to come together, catch up, and celebrate both the successes of the year and the enduring strength of the Clun Forest breed and its community. 2025 Society Trophy Awards Gerald Vaughan Cup for Ram of the Year - Not awarded for 2025 due to BTV The Laidlaw Prize for Female of the Year - Not awarded for 2025 due to BTV The Lt. Col. Palmer Trophy for Exhibitor of the Year - Not awarded for 2025 due to BTV The Court-LLacca Perpetual Challenge Cup for Exhibitor with the Most Points in AOB Classes - P. & L. Murray LUDLOW SOCIETY SHOW & SALE I.T Davies Cup for Best Ram Lamb at Ludlow Society Sale - I.T Davies & Son Sunderland Cup for Best Aged Ram at Ludlow Society Sale - I.T Davies & Son Bert Davies Cup for Best Shearling Ram at Ludlow Society Sale - A.E.Williams J Gwilliam Cup for Best Novice Exhibit at Ludlow Society Sale - W.M.E. Davies R J Price Salver for Champion Ram at Ludlow Society Sale - A.E.Williams Pen-Y-Wern Cup for Reserve Champion at Ludlow Society Sale - I.T.Davies & Son A E Williams Salver for Highest Average price of 3 Rams at Ludlow Society Sale - L.E.Lloyd & Sons Chas Edwards Cup for Best Pen of 5 or more Shearling Ewes at Ludlow Society Sale - W. Longden Milner Morgan Cup for Best Pen of 5 of more Two Shear Ewes at Ludlow Society Sale - G.R. Roberts & Son CFSBS Rosette for Best Pen of 5 or more Ewe Lambs at Ludlow Society Sale - N & C Wilkins CFSBS Rosette for the Champion Pen of Females at Ludlow Society Sale - G.R.Roberts & Son CFSBS Rosette for Best Single Aged Ewe at Ludlow Society Sale - P & L Murray CFSBS Rosette for Best Single Shearling Ewe at Ludlow Society Sale - P & L Murray CFSBS Rosette for Best Single Ewe Lamb at Ludlow Society Sale - I.T. Davies & Son W H Bason Cup for Best Single Female of Any Age at Ludlow Society Sale - P & L Murray CFSBS Rosette for Best Pair of Ewes of Any Age at Ludlow Society Sale - S Thackery J T Luntley Cup for Highest Price Pen of Ewes of Any Age at Ludlow Society Sale - G.R Roberts & Son CARLISLE NORTHERN & SCOTLAND REGIONAL GROUP SALE Male Champion Shield - P & Lydia Murray Female Champion Shield - P & Lydia Murray ROYAL THREE COUNTIES JT Luntley Trophy for Royal Three Counties Male Champion - M Eckley The Cholstry Cup for Royal Three Counties Female Champion - Andrew Fisher GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW The Phillips Simmons Cup for Great Yorkshire Show Male Champion - P. & L. Murray The Lord Porchester Cup for Great Yorkshire Show Female Champion - P. & L. Murray ROYAL WELSH SHOW CFSBS Cup for Male Champion at the Royal Welsh Show - M Eckley The Brobury Cup for Female Champion at the Royal Welsh Show - M Eckley The Easter Beltie Trophy for Champion Clun Forest at the Royal Welsh Show - M. Eckley RWAS Group Champion Rosette for Group Champion at the Royal Welsh Show - I.T. Davies & Son The Laidlaw Cup for Best Pair at the Royal Welsh Show - TBC The W.P Williams Cup for Best Novice Exhibit at the Royal Welsh Show - K Newey The W H Sinnett Cup for Exhibitor under 25 with the Most Points at the Royal Welsh Show - M M Davies BURWARTON SHOW - National Show for 2025 The Boyne Cup for Breed Champion at Burwarton Show - P & L Murray CFSBS Sash for National Show Male Champion - W Handley CFSBS Sash for National Show Female Champion - P & L Murray The McCartneys, Morris & Barker Cup for Best Group at Burwarton Show - P & L Murray The Geoff Bishop Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Group of Three at Burwarton Show - P & L Murray OTHER TROPHIES Marsh Cup for Best Clun Ram at ‘Ram Friday’ McCartneys Sale - P. & S. Thackery The F E Beaufort Cup for Best Clun Exhibit in the AOB Section at Tenbury Wells Show - E John The T R Eckley Cup for Best Clun Exhibit in the AOB Section at Felin Fach Show - M. Eckley CFSBS Cup for Best Clun Exhibit in the AOB Section at Shropshire County Show - No Entries The C L Coxon Cup for Best Clun Exhibit at Kington Show - W. Handley Comments are closed.
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