Re-vamped NSA Central Region winter event
A completely new style is coming to NSA Central Region’ s biennial winter event this year at Bakewell Agricultural Centre, Bakewell, Derbyshire, on Thursday 26th January 2017.
B y keeping the event indoors and out of the unpredictable winter weather, much more of a focus has been put on delivering an interesting and exciting line-up of speakers for packed seminar, workshop and demonstration programmes. Taking place through the day, these will look at different elements of health, be it health of the shepherd, the sheep dog, on-farm records or business accounts. A selection of trade stands will also be in attendance, on-hand to offer bespoke advice and information in the warm environment of the market’ s concourse.
Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says:“ What better way to start our busy year of NSA events in 2017 than with the NSA Central Region Early Gathering. A real draw to this new-look event will be the fantastic line-up of speakers, increasing the amount of practical information visitors can take away with them. The programme has been designed so people can dip in and out of seminars and workshops that appeal to them, as well as spending time getting expert advice from the various trade stand holders. NSA Central Region Early Gathering will have something to suit everyone.”
Alastair Sneddon, NSA Central Region Chairman, says:“ Applying the events theme of health to all areas of the sheep sector means we will be covering a range of topics on the day through the various seminars, workshops and debates. Our decision to run the event nearly entirely undercover means it will be much warmer than in previous years and will aim to give visitors a quick top-up of relevant information in what is otherwise a quiet time for the industry.
“ Bags full of information delivered under one roof has not been done before in NSA Central Region, and we look forward to making the event a huge success.”
Find out more on the NSA Central Region Early Gathering pages at www. nationalsheep. org. uk / events.
T he sheep farmers’ organisation teamed up with British manufacturer the Wool Room at the beginning of the year to offer the exclusive prizes and recognise the importance of a restful night for hardworking farmers. And what better way to achieve that than with a product containing wool from the very sheep they care for?!
The lucky winner from this final draw is Lynda Krypczyk, an NSA member from Bedfordshire. Lynda and her partner run a small flock of pedigree Hampshire Downs, which they are lambing at the moment. The pair show stock at a number of agricultural shows and events each year.
The very first winner was announced back in February, after the NSA Eastern Region Winter Fair in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. The winner there was Stephen Matthews, an NSA member from Staffordshire who runs small pedigree flocks of Suffolks and Southdowns.
During May two more sets were given away, following the NSA Scot Sheep and NSA South Sheep events in Peeblesshire and Wiltshire. James Harding from Roxburghshire entered the free draw when visiting the NSA stand to sign up as a new member, while Georgia Carnie attended NSA South Sheep as an existing NSA member and threw her name in the hat as part of her day out. Her family runs 1,000 commercial ewes in Wiltshire.
With a bed set up right in the middle of the event at NSA Sheep 2016 in Worcestershire in July, another set was given away at the end of the day to Neil Heseltine,
| Sheep & Lambing
NSA Giveaway winner
The final winner in NSA’ s 2016 giveaway to win top wool bedding sets has now been announced, taking the final tally to five sheep farmers now enjoying a more comfortable night’ s sleep.
an NSA member from Yorkshire. Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says:“ It’ s been a pleasure to have been able offer this fantastic prize to visitors, both NSA members and non-members, at events NSA has hosted and attended during the year. With bumper numbers of entries at each, our congratulations go to each of the five winners lucky enough to be drawn out.
“ The success of the Wool Room’ s British bedding range is an excellent example of adding value to the wool supply chain, not to mention achieving it with responsible sourcing and branding, which is a key interest for NSA. Teaming up with a British retailer and manufacturer offering a product made using British wool is very appropriate and enjoyable.”
Preparations for a busy season of NSA events and shows next year is well underway, including plans for a completely different prize giveaway for visitors. Look out for more information and the chance to enter at the following NSA events next year:-
• NSA Central Region Early Gathering on Thursday 26th January, Derbyshire
• NSA Welsh Sheep on Tuesday 16th May, Powys
• NSA Highland Sheep on Wednesday 31st May, Scottish Highlands
• NSA North Sheep on Wednesday 7th June, County Durham
• NSA Sheep South West on Tuesday 20th June, Devon
• NSA Sheep NI on Monday 3rd July, County Antrim
www. farmingmonthly. co. uk January 2017 | Farming Monthly | 13