English Winter Fair
Uploaded March 2011

This year the Winter Fair took place the weekend 20th - 21st of November. With 33 pairs of pigs forward numbers were up on the previous year. This year there was a good selection of breeds on display: Middle Whites, Berkshires, Large Blacks, Large White, Welsh, Pie train and a few cross pairs. The Traditional, Modern and Cross-Bred pigs all had their own sections.

Chris Coe was the Judge and there were 4 pairs of Berkshires forward.

AII the pigs were very well behaved considering that none of them had been out to a show before and to be honest the ring wasn't that big and once you got four pair of pigs out there it was difficult to keep your pair together, think the pigs had more fun than the handlers at times.

The Traditional Pork class was won by a lovely pair of Large Blacks from Janice Wood and Steve Richardson, with John Herders Middles coming second, the cutter class was won by a lovely pair of Berkshire's from Sarah and Paul Ashcroft, and the Bacon class was won by another pair of lovely Large Blacks from Janice and Steve who then went onto win the Traditional Champion and be Reserve overall Great result for the Traditional breeds.

The modern pig section was won by a nice pairof Large White's from the Beck brothers who went onto win overall Show Champion.

On the Sunday we had a competition for the Youth Group. This went really well the youngsters all had a great time showing the pigs and then judging the pigs. We really need to keep encouraging these youngsters as without them our breeds will not survive. Many thanks go to Tony Schofield and Steve Richardson for giving up their time to Judge and encourage the younger children. Also a big thank you to Carrs Billington who sponsored this event.

There is a new section within the BPA for the Youth Group and now there will be |o memberships for this club, one for 14 years and under and one for 15 to 21 there will be a newsletter sent out twice a year with different articles, competitions and photo gallery. Hopefully we will be doing a lot more at shows and holding different workshops to encourage more young people who want to become more involved with our industry. This new group is not just aimed at children who have pigs but also any youngster who is fascinated with our fabulous animals. So if you know anyone who might be interested in joining please get them to ring.

Tracey 07884071924
Sarah 07871062844
Steve 07746522168

Tracey Bretherton
gracebank.pigs@yahoo.co.uk