SHEAR SUCCESS ON THE CARDS AT GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW
Sheep shearing at the Great Yorkshire Show will have a ‘new look’ this year, with the introduction of a class specifically for women shearers. Entitled ‘The Great Yorkshire Ladies Class,’ it has drawn entries from across the region and in particular from Yorkshire. Visit the Great Yorkshire Show YouTube channel to watch a video about ladies sheep shearing - http://youtu.be/bl1zXXB22BI.
More than 135,000 visitors are expected to flock through the gates for England’s premier agricultural event, which runs from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 July at the 250 acre showground on the edge of Harrogate. The shearing section has competitive classes and demonstrations on all three days and always draws the crowds. Entries come from across the world including top shearers from New Zealand and Australia, as well as British champions, competing for the championship awards.
Richard Schofield, the section’s Chief Steward explained: “Sheep shearing is an important part of farm life and it is important that we encourage women as much as men to participate and demonstrate their shearing skills. There are a lot of good lady sheep shearers in the region so it made sense to include the class.”
One competitor who already has her entries in, is 23 year old Alice Petch, from Stokesley. “I’ve taken part in shearing competitions before, but never a class confined to women,” said the shepherdess. “I’m looking forward to it; I think it is a really positive step to recognise the increasing number of women shearers.”
Alice learnt her trade when she was 18 and has been shearing for five years and explained how her interest began. “Nigel Buckle, who is now my shearing partner, always sheared our sheep and suggested I give it a go. My Dad didn’t think I would be able to do it so I’m pleased I could prove him wrong!” Following this introduction, Alice attended a course run by the British Wool Marketing Board and now her shearing average is 160 sheep per day.
No stranger to the Great Yorkshire Show, Alice has previously competed in equine as well as shearing classes at the three day countryside Showcase.
As well as the individual and team competitions, there are shearing classes for young farmers, veterans, and students from agricultural colleges as well as a Test Match – England v New Zealand. The ladies class takes place on Wednesday.
ENDS
16 June 2014
Judy Thompson, PR Manager, 01423 546215 or email judyt@yas.co.uk or Caroline Cook on 0792 0091923
If you wish to apply for press passes to the Great Yorkshire Show, please complete the online application form on our website, by 2nd July 2014 - http://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/media/press-passes
Editors’ Notes - GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW
Tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show are available on line - www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk or call 01423 541222 or in person from the Show’s office at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.
Tickets bought in advance+ Tickets bought on the gate
Adult: £22 Adult £25
Concession: £21 Concession: £24
Children (5 – 18yrs): £9 Children (5 – 18 yrs): £11
Family Ticket*: £56 Family Ticket* £64
Under 5s are admitted free but must be accompanied. Family Ticket* - admits 2 adults and up to three children.
The final date for ordering advance tickets is Wednesday 2 July.
Parking is free and extensive. Free buses will run from Harrogate Bus Station to the showground. Please be aware, dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed on the showground.
For more information and the latest news, please see www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk
YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY:
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was formed in 1837 and is a charity dedicated to supporting the farming industry and rural life. The Society is the organiser of the annual farming and country showcase, the Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live. Both take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire and are flagship events for agriculture and rural life. Dates for the 2014 Great Yorkshire Show are Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 July, and Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October for Countryside Live.
Tags:
