THERE was much to celebrate in the sheep section this year, with a number of Post area entrants garnering a whole host of rosettes each.

There was tough competition throughout the day with numerous breeds being represented.

Jason Kestell, of Tresmeer, brought six of his Zwartbles to the show to represent the breed and was very pleased to receive breed champion and reserve along with a host of other accolades.

Jason said: “I’m very pleased, I’ve done particularly good this year and have never done as well up here — it is some what of a personal best for me.”

Jason said a lot of preparation had gone into show day for him and he was delighted it had paid off: “I’ve brought six Zwartbles today and it takes a bit of time to get each one ready. You start getting them ready from a long time ago but give them a good wash the week before and make sure they are all halter trained — that can make all the difference.”

Jason said it isn’t often a sheep will resist the halter but it has been known to happen: “I have had one or two that have resisted in the past but not very often. They usually get it after the second or third try but there are always trouble makers that ruin it for everyone!”

When the Post spoke to Jason he was almost done for the day, with only the inter-breed championship to go. However, Jason did not have high hopes of a win. He said: “I’m not optimistic, I mean you never know, but there is always really stiff competition as you go up against 20 odd breeds — quite a challenge, but it’s all good fun and even if I don’t win it is still nice to be able to take part.”

Another Post area winner who had a string of rosettes proudly displayed above her pen of prize winning Devon and Cornwall Longwools was Lesley Perrett of Brexworthy Farm, Bradworthy.

Lesley has 20 pure breeds back home in Bradworthy but only decided to bring along four of her best to the show and that decision paid off. Lesley said: “I chose to bring my breeding stock ram, well because he is my only one. The old ewe has got a nice body and wool so she was perfect for showing. The other two live with each other so I couldn’t bring one without the other.”

And what a team they made. Lesley said: “I got a first in the pairs, first for old ewe, second with my ram, third with my ram lamb, third for shearling, ewe female champion and ram reserve breed.

“All in all a pretty good haul.”

Lesley tries to attend her local show most years, having been in the circuit now for around twelve years. And the reason Lesley keeps coming back: “I like the community spirit at the show, meeting friends — they have all become good friends now.

“In our breed section especially everyone gets on — we know it’s a competition but everyone is very laid back. We all hang up our rosettes and just get on with it and each other.”