The BPBC Champion of Champions Final
Uploaded August 2004

Venue:      The Royal Berkshire Show, Newbury
Date:          21st September 2003
Judge:       Vaughan Byrne

Trophies:   The Jo Clarke Memorial Trophy - Winner
                  The Welwick Salver - Runner Up

Prizes:        Sash, £50 and clock - winner
                   £25 and crystal glasses - Runner Up

Presented by Sandra Byrne

On this the second year at our new venue and the second year of our new trophy in memory of Jo Clarke, we assembled a superb collection of Breed Champions from various shows around the country for our judge Mr Vaughan Byrne. There were fourteen in number and they looked a picture in the bright sunshine in front of a large crowd interested in their native county breed.

The fourteen were originally twenty one from the Qualifying Shows but for reasons of farrowing, sales etc. the potential number was inevitably reduced to what was in itself a magnificent response from our Breeders and all were immaculately turned out, a real credit to their owners and to the Breed. A list of all qualifiers and of those present on the day is available in the full newsletter.

Our judge, who travelled from Northern Ireland with his wife Sandra, described this as a great honour and was impressed both with the number and quality of the exhibits. He took time to examine each and every pig more than once slowly eliminating until he was able to make his final choices. Afterwards he gave a commentary to the public which was both informative and humourous.

John Mason, who had judged both days all the pigs entered for the Newbury Show, commentated whilst the judging was going on informing the crowd on the pigs and the judging process.

Finally Vaughan selected as our Berkshire breed Champion of Champions:
Kilcot Royal Lustre 11 owned by Sharon Barnfield.
and the Runner -up :
Moorsholm Peter Lad 11 owned by Viki Mills. Congratulations to them.

Sandra Vaughan then made the presentations of the Trophy and prizes.

Congratulations are also due to Chris and Kevin, Jo, Sue, Andrew and Chris whose pigs also qualified at a number of different Shows and whose contributions helped to make this such a success and our thanks to Vaughan and Sandra for their support. Of course none of this would have been possible without the behind the scenes hard work of the Newbury team, in particular Mick Crockford, the Chief Pig Steward, who did all he possibly could to make the Show and our Final a success and a memorable one and his Stewards who were always on hand and extremely efficient.

We are also indebted to the Newbury Agricultural Society and Ian Wilson for allowing us to use the Showground and for their assistance.

This was another truly memorable occasion and a fitting tribute to Jo Clarke, her hard work and dedication to our Breed and Club


David Webb,
Hon. Secretary

davidwebb542@btinternet.com