Results From Three Counties Incl GOS Champion of C

With 9 exhibitors and 39 entries, this was the biggest GOS show to date this year. Marlene Renshaw was judging and coped admirably with the interruptions when Defra's new Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman, came into the ring to announce the award to the TSG to the GOS breed.

Eventually, Judith Sims took the Breed Championship with Winterwood Princess 196, winner of the September Gilt class and Female Champion. Reserve Breed Champion went to the Male Champion, Stephen & Mandy Booth's Chapel Patrick 14.

On day 2, the Interbreed Championships were followed by the GOS Champion of Champions. Five top quality pigs were paraded before judge, Andrew Robinson, who awarded the Championship to Judith Sims who won with the same gilt that had qualified by being Three Counties Champion the previous day. Peggy Darvill from Dorset took the Reserve Champion of Champions with Toller Dahlia 660 which qualified at the Royal Cornwall Show. the Elwes Memorial Trophy was presented in the ring to Judith by Sir Henry Elwes, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. The cup was originally presented in memory of his grandfather.

On day 3, we start all over again but without the modern breeds as the National Rare & Minority Breeds Show is staged. Nearly all the exhibitors from the previous two days took part but with a different judge, Arthur Uglow from Devon, the results changed. This time Dave Overton & Anne Nicholls took the Breed Championship with their sow, Exfold Princess 175 and the Reserve Champion was John Lightfoot's July gilt, Pebblesford Dolly 147. John & Helen Lightfoot are relative newcomers to the show ring and this significant win will have boosted their confidence and ambition.

As winners on Sunday, Dave Overton & Anne Nicholls were awarded the Viki Mills trophy for Breed champion that used to be competed for at the RBST Show & Sale at Stoneleigh. Dave was particularly chuffed to win this trophy again in what he says is his last year of showing since it was the first trophy he ever won back in 1986 when his was the best GOS at the Show & Sale.

The Three Counties was host to the Club's 20th Annivesary Dinner which was enjoyed by around 30 members with Sir Henry & Lady Elwes in attendance. After an excellent meal which included a delicious piece of GOS belly pork, Sir Henry proposed the loyal toast and the Club's President, Dave Overton, responded. The evning was rounded off with music from a local folk band led by Dave Blick which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

End of Article

Richard Lutwyche
2nd July 2010