South of England Show 2011
Uploaded September 2011

This year was the first time that show society has put on individual breed classes, this was a break from the classification of Whites and Traditional. This I think was a very brave move, as here in the south east pig exhibitors are not that thick on the ground, hopefully when the word gets around that the show puts on breed classes more exhibitors will give the show a whirl especially from the Eastern counties [prize money is not bad either and the officials are very friendly and helpful]. For the first year the Berkshires managed to amass a total of 16 pigs.

First was the sow class with one in, my sow Hewellgrange Lady 365.

Next was the July’s ,there were 3 good gilts in this class, top spoils went to Suzie Westron ,with a Louise gilt (right) [I always like to see Louise’s do well as I helped to create this bloodline] second was my lady gilt that was champion at a show 2 weeks before,3rd was my royal Sapphire gilt.

The Jan 2011 class attracted the largest entries of the breed, again Suzie Westron won with a gilt that had done well at Bath and West the week before, I came 2nd , 3rd and 5th Suzie had 4th.

The boar classes as usual were not strong numerically ,I had first with a July Peter Lad ,the Jan 2011 attracted two entries ,Suzie won this class I was 2nd [my problem was my January were born at the end of Jan instead of the beginning ,not to be repeated on my part ,family planning will have to be tightened up].

The champion was Suzie and her Jan gilt and reserve was the gilts brother. Westron's Louise gilt

The second day was a section of classes, one being a Sept 2010 gilt mixed breeds to my surprise I won that class with [guess what] a Louise .

Susie won the pairs class, I came 3rd.

The breed classes were judged by Vicky Mills, with Emma Edgar in a trainee judging position.

Here in the south east we need to encourage more breeders to travel to the show and compete, the show is always the week after the Bath and West and the only other show on at the same time is The Royal Cornwall so please consider coming to The South Of England in 2012 you wont be disappointed [any one coming over the famous Dartford Bridge will need to get the passport stamped! ! ! ! !

Charles Bull