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