Page 36 - Britich Blue Year Book 2023

NORTH WEST CLUB REPORT 2023
One of the first events in the North West is the National
British Blue Show and Sale, held at Shrewsbury. This year
it was on 4th March, with a high-quality turnout of bulls
and females which included The Dispersal of Old Stackyard
Blues. Overall trade was very firm throughout the sale
without exception 5 figure prices and overall resulted in a
91% clearance of stock.
Blue bulls started the sale with 3 selling for the day’s top
price of 4000gns, firstly was Dewlands Razorlight, a
fabulous black and white bull sired by Gitan du pt’t Mayeur
who was the pick of the Trevedra Farm partnership from
Penzance. Secondly was a tremendously powerful bull
from Jess Maynard Sapphire Blues Rascal, by Empire
D’ochain he sold to R J Gooding. Lastly at this level was the
champion bull on the day Dinmore Rascal presented by
PR Dawes, this jet black Ballygrange Alex son sold to A G
Driver & Son.
Blue heifers on the day were a superb trade with many
female buyers undoubtedly attracted by the dispersal
which followed topping at 4250gn was Trencrom Royal T
an outstanding dark blue roan heifer with length and
shape by Coolbanger Ivor who sold to returning buyers
Messrs Sharpley from Cheshire. The days pre-sale
champion was Almeley Rosie from Messrs GL Morgan of
Hereford with an outstanding shoulder and rear end she
went on to sell for 4200gns to Redbull farming in Ipswich.
The Highlight of the was undoubtedly the Dispersal on
behalf of Emyr Wigley’s much loved charity herd Old
Stackyard Blues. Emyr has now, through sales of his cattle
and books, plus open gardens and other events, raised
more than £200,000 for RABI and Ovarian Cancer Action.
We all collectively applaud this man for his dedication to
the memory of his dearly loved wife, Evelyn. The Old
Stackyard Blues Raised £81,000 for Charities on the day.
There was a great buzz in the ring from the off with prices
peaking at 5400gns for Pendle Ko Ko this powerful 2015
cow sold with her January-born heifer calf at foot Tilly
spirited bids came from all around the ringside until
eventually she was won by C Bartlett. Selling for
5000gns was another 2015 born cow this
time Stonebyres Kylie, safely in calf for
July to Old Stackyard Blues Ruben she
was the pick of WP & JM Pritchard. She was followed into
the ring by her heifer calf Skye sired by Almeley Wellington
sold to AM & E Hartley. Overall, on the day these in calf
cows in their working clothes having only had 6 weeks’
notice of the sale sold for an average of £3911.25
The show season started with Stafford Country Show which
was judged by Mr. Wyn Jones. It was good to see club
members in the prizes with Jamie Taylor 2nd in the Bull
under 18 months with Brookley Blue Salem also gaining
1st in the Female over 18months with Brookley Blue Rita
Ora. Nigel Pritchard was 1st in the Bull over 18months
Norton Reggie and going on to be Male Champion. Phil
& Louise Brindley and family were 2nd in Bull over
18months and also won the pairs.
We then moved on to Cheshire Country Show it was a very
wet day which was judge by Mr. Jaime Taylor. It was nice
to see all exhibitors helping each other and congratulation
each other what showing is about. Jaime awarded his
Supreme Champion to Katie Allen Solway View Shadow
and Reserve Champion to Nicholas & Heath Graymar Lyla.
Junior club member Keira Brindley was Male Champion
with Neverland Rocket and Phil and Louise being Reserve
Male Champion with Blue Mist Romeo. Also being Reserve
Female Champion with Blue Mist Peggy Sue
It was encouraging to see that some members children
have been showing and we look forward to seeing them
this seasons as well.
Next, we moved to our AGM where we thanked Janet
Bellfield our retiring chairman for all her hard work and
support over the years. Jamie Taylor was voted as our new
chairman with Phil Brindley as Vice Chairman.
At Borderway AgriExpo, Jamie Taylor won 1st prize in his
class with Brookley Blue Taylor Swift.
The autumn is dominated planning and preparing for the
English Winter Fair. The stand shows the breed’s
commitment to the beef industry and provides a great
social focus for the end of the year. We’re busy both days
entertaining visitors from near and far, farmers, showmen
and business folks; including international visitors. It
provides a great base for the blue exhibitors to put their
Well! Where’s the year gone, it doesn’t seem long since we all got through 2023
Christmas and New Year celebrations. Lighter nights and longer days will be here soon,
and we’ll be back in the swing of spring and this year’s summer shows and sales.
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