The year began with our AGM in January when we had our usual good turnout, our officers were elected and suggestions were requested for judges for our forthcoming events.
At our meeting in February we were entertained by a Barrister and Author, Mr Phillip Walling.
We had speakers at all of our meetings this year: in March, Biobest introduced us to their Cattle Health Scheme and in April Cogent described their business and facilities to us. Meetings resumed later in the year and in September Alistair Mackintosh (NFU) kept us u to date on factors affecting beef prices and the affects of Europe on future livestock prices.
In October we were delighted to hear one of our local heroes, Mr Joss Naylor OBE, fell runner extraordinaire, talk modestly of his achievements, followed in November by Mr Ian Boyer of Bluefin Insurance and Jason Greene of HSE.
As usual we had arranged sponsorship for many local prime stock shows and Limousin Days at Auctions in our large area which has members from the Scottish Borders down as far as Manchester.
It is gratifying to see the increasing numbers of entries year on year at venues we have attended and the increasing popularity of the breed.
We were lucky to be offered venues for our Junior Stock judging to enable our youngsters to practise and qualify for the national final, which was held at The Great Yorkshire Show this year, Chris Pears being our highest achiever.
Many thanks to Messrs Ridley, Haltcliffe, D Walker Egremont, Messrs Miller Allerby, Aspatria and Messrs P Henshall Sarkshields for making us so welcome on their farms. Special thanks to Messrs Capstick Whicham Hall, Silecroft for their generous hospitality when inviting all and sundry to their Open Stock Judging held in August which was a great success held in glorious weather.
Our Herd Competition was ably judged by Mr Stephen Irvine of the Anside Herd, accompanied by his wife Denise, in early July when they judged twenty-one herds. They were unable to return in November to present their certificates at our annual Dinner Dance due to the snow but many members made it and a good night was enjoyed by all.
In early June we held our Open Calf Show for Limousin and Limousin cross calves with special classes for young handlers. The winning young handler was seven year old Emily Hunter with Superstar and the overall winning calf was Rambo, a crossbred bull by Rossignol shown by Thomas Nixon aged nine.
Probably the highlight of the year was the Club visit to Northern Ireland in July when we were welcomed and well entertained by Members of the NI Limousin Club. We had a bracing passage over the Irish Sea – which some enjoyed more than others! – and arrived in Larne to be met by Bryan McElroy our escort for the trip. This was a necessity as our driver had proved in the past to have a doubtful sense of direction resulting in several mystery tours in previous years!
We visited the Carmorn Herd of Francis McAuley & Family whose cattle were greatly admired, especially the noted flushing cows Carmorn Penny & Carmorn Rita. Next morning we visited the Scotchtown Herd at Limavady, an impressive commercial herd on sandy land below Eagle Rock near the sea which can carry livestock all year round. After lunch we visited the multi prize winning Ampertaine Herd of the McKay Family at Maghera and admired their splendid cattle, later visiting the Greenmount College Limo Herd which was sadly shortly to be dispersed.
The following day after evening “entertainment” …!! with our hosts at our hotel we visited the Ballynahone Herd, where more fine cattle were on view. We should like to thank everyone in NI for their generous hospitality and wonderful welcome with special thanks to Heather and Bryan for all their work and organisation.
Dougie McBeath judged our Heifer & Bull Derby, the final of which is held at Westmorland County Show in September. Champion Bull was Glenrock Eagle (S Illingworth), Champion Heifer Netherhall Elderberry (D&M Kelly) with Overall Champion Netherhall Elderberry.
Once again we enjoyed a busy year and welcome anyone in the region who may like to join – just ring Helen or Judy on 01768 341388 or 01768 361526.
