COMPETITION BRINGS ‘SHEAR’ DELIGHT!
A speed sheep shearing competition this weekend in County Durham will attract entrants from across the north and Scotland.
(L-R) David Smith, Mark Robson and Leo Moralee
More than 70 sheep will be sheared by around 60 competitors at the Satley Speed Shear 2024, which will be held at West Fields Farm, Satley, on Saturday (27 July).
It is only the second Satley Speed Shear and like the first, in July last year, competitors will be judged on an official points-based system with judging on speed and quality of finish across four classes, Open, Intermediate, Ladies and Veteran.
In addition to providing a platform to showcase shepherding skills, the speed shear will be raising money for two charities, our Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, and The Sick Children’s Trust.
Organised by Mark Robson, from Wolsingham, and held at David Smith’s West Shields Farm the event has particular significance for the farming community.
Mark Robson says: “This is our opportunity to all come together, which is not something we often get the chance to do, and for farmers to really demonstrate their skills with sheep.
“There was a wonderful atmosphere last year with everyone from kids to 80-year-olds enjoying the competition and competitors came from across all the northern counties and into Scotland.
“We’re hoping for the same again this time round and we’re also proud to be raising money for charity with the event. We know the money raised will make a difference for people locally and for anyone who would like to watch but can’t come along, the event will be live streamed on Facebook starting 7pm.”
Leo Moralee is a farming friend of Mark and David and his family has farmed at Blackburn Farm, Langley Park, since 1907. He was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in May 2020.
Thankfully, Leo’s recent six-month scan showed the drug trial treatment he received under the care of the haematology trial team at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, has been successful and he has gone from needing a wheelchair to enjoying life again.
Leo, who has two sons, says: “I’m touched that the Satley Speed Shear will be raising money for a charity that means a lot to me personally.
“Drug trials and new cancer treatments are obviously hugely important and I’m also related to Sir Bobby’s family on Elsie’s side. I’ve got fond memories of the couple visiting our farm when he was a young manager.
“Last year, I donated a ewe for auction to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and it was sold and reoffered by farmers five times at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart. It raised more than eight times its estimated value and that’s the kind of amazing support and generosity that exists in our local farming community.
“I’m really looking forward to the event I hope we can raise a lot of money for two fantastic causes.”
