In a rapidly changing and uncertain situation, I’m afraid that the WHSS can’t give definitive answers to many of the questions our members have. What we can do is assure everyone that we are closely watching the situation as it relates to pedigree sheep breeders, that the Society is still operating as usual and is here to support all our members wherever we can.
Showing
The 2020 Diary Dates page has an up to date list of all events which are of interest to WHSS members. Sadly, only the Moreton-in-Marsh Show has not yet been cancelled. I have spoken to their Show Secretary and a decision will be taken in the middle of May. As this is scheduled to be our National Show this year, I will update the diary dates as soon as any news is available.
In the absence of physical shows, the WHSS is going to host a Wiltshire Horn Web Show on this website during May & June. Full details will be published in the next few days.
Society Show & Sales
These are scheduled for Stoneleigh on the 12th September and Gaerwen on the 14th September. The Council will be taking a decision about both events at the end of June – really just waiting until we’re as near as possible to the planned dates and still allow the necessary time to set up the events.
At present (5th May) it seems that some sort of sales may be possible, subject to whatever restrictions are imposed by the Government on the sale of breeding sheep at the time. The opportunity to hold the associated shows is less certain, given the current requirement to maintain distancing. The Council’s decision will be published as soon as possible (early July).
Private Sales
Private sales of sheep are an option for anyone looking to buy or sell sheep. The Stock for Sale pages on this site offer a proven route to buy pedigree sheep from Society members. Advertisements are open to all Society members at a cost of £15 for 3 months. The Society will be promoting private sales in their print media advertisements this year.
Should you buy sheep, the National Sheep Association advises farmers, as key workers, to carry a document stating why they are travelling in case of being stopped and questioned by the emergency services. A link to access this document is here.
And finally . . .
Without a doubt these are strange and difficult times for everyone. The Society is running normally though and if any member has a query not addressed here, please feel free to contact me using the “GET IN TOUCH” details at the bottom of this page.
Paul McAvoy (Breed Secretary)
