Newbury Show
Uploaded December 2011

This is a very social show; as is becoming usual, many of us went off to the pub for a meal on the Friday night prior to battling it out for the breed classes on the Saturday. First of all five sows paraded for judge Peter Churchyard, himself a wellknown breeder of Saddlebacks and Large Blacks. They were all at different stages of pregnancy, from just weaned to heavy in-pig. The judge preferred the sow well in-pig, Dittisham Lady 42.

The July gilt class had nine entries, a tough class to judge as there were so many different types of Berkshire - modern and traditional blood lines - and all very good examples. Most of these gilts have been shown successfully already this year at their regional shows. Modern won in this instance, Sarah Ashcroft with Barlings Stonebow 1003, a gilt from the Lassetter male line.

The January class was combined boars and gilts, but the boar Choller Namatjira that has done well at shows all this season won - as was expected by the ringside opinion! Owned by Suzi Westron and her husband and 2 children who all come along and enjoy helping with the work involved in showing pigs.

The Breed Championship was awarded yet again to the boar, a popular decision, with the sow as reserve.

Results in detail:

Sow born before July 2010
1st Sue Fildes Dittisham Lady 42
2nd Sarah Ashcroft Barlings Stonebow 200
3rd Sharon Barnfield Kilcot Mermaid

July class:
Sarah Ashcroft Barlings Stonebow 1003
2nd Sarah Barlings Excelsa 1064
3rd Suzie Westron Choller Louise 38

Pig born 2011:
1st Suzie Westron Choller Namatjira
2nd Sarah Barlings Stonebow 1194
3rd Suzie Westron Choller Louise 37

Champion:
Choller Namatjira Reserve Dittisham Lady 42

Report by Sue Fildes

Above: Saturday exhibitors looking at Judge Peter Churchyard