Well the rain eventually stopped, the sun came out, the grass grew, we had a good harvest and then autumn came far too early. Where did the summer go?

Since my last scribblings, much has happened. We had great attendance at the stock judging evenings at Woodmarsh and Styche Holsteins, with very gracious hosts the Gould family and the Seatons to whom we are all greatly endebted. As you might expect, the standard of cows in all classes was very high and tested every-ones judging skills including our Master Judges Trevor  Stapleton at Woodmarsh and Kevin Naughton at Styche.

The end of May saw a large turnout at the Higgins family home at Wilderley Hall for the NMR, RABDF Gold Cup open day. This gave everyone the chance to admire a very good looking herd of cows performing at the highest standard with ease and run by very enthusiastic and skill-full family members and staff.

June  saw our Herds Competition-  this year judged by Hefin Wilson from the Tregibby Herd. Hefin was hosted by David and Pam Hiles who not only transported him around Shropshire visiting 15 herds but also provided accommodation and meals, combing a BBQ on the second evening to which all members and competition entrants were invited and assisted by our HYB, lead by Charlotte Cope and her team.

 I think Hefin went away with a very high regard for our breeders and the hospitality he experienced in Shropshire.

We are now wishing Rob Clare from Hawksmoor Holsteins well in the next stages of the Champion Herds competition as, for the fourth year in a row, Rob and Hilda have achieved overall champion herd - an astonishing achievement.

On the 30^th June 60 visitors travelled to the home of Penddyffryn Holsteins hosted by Jonathon Wilkinson and family Dyffryn Farm, Powys. This award winning farm with 400 cows averaging 9500 litres and maintaining high health status is a must see along with a new unit and Rotary parlour with great handling facilities.

Moving to the end of July we visited the famous Aintree Holstein herd at Shordley Hall run by Richard and Ruth Pilkington and now including Jane Arrell as the new herd manager. This proved very interesting with high emphasis on cow comfort, with attention to beds and ventilation the big topic at the moment. The cows are not the only venture here; as well as a nucleus British Friesian herd they run a 600 head Ewe flock including Bleu Du Maine and Beltex sheep plus a small herd of South Devons as well as running a Horse livery to fill any spare moments.

We have had some fun providing refreshments for members and friends at both Shropshire and Newport Shows.

Regarding our HYB section, we are very proud of their success at the various events they have competed in and very grateful for all the help and assistance of members in supporting Charlotte Cope and her team.

Our combined Calf Show qualifier will be held at Barbers Auction Mart in Market Drayton on the 27^th September starting 10.00am along with Staffordshire and Western Clubs. Judging handlers will be Clare Swale with Isaac Lancaster judging the calf classes.