News and Events

ROYAL WELSH SHOW RESULTS
Saddlebacks and Welsh are the only breeds to be judged seperately at the Builth Wells show which this year was judged by Guy Kiddy.

Breed Champion went to Maurice Trumper from south Wales with Beiliau Dinah 6, a young sow.
Reserve went to Debbie Beeby from Cheshire with Brydges Babble 391, a senior sow.
The Male Champion was Maurice Trumper's January boar, Beiliau Prefect 3
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th July 2010


GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW & BREEDING FEMALE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Great Yorkshire Show saw some 65 Saddleback entries and with Ann Long from Norfolk judging, the results were as follows:
Breed Champion: John & Mary Wreakes from Doncaster with Victoria Lottie 300, a sow.
Res Breed Champion: Edward bailey from Cornwall with Plane Dinah 7, a July gilt.
The Male Champion was Brian Mulkeen's January boar, Garsfield Prefect 251 from Lancashire.

The following day, Alan Rose came forward to judge the Club's competition for the Champion Breeding Female from qualifiers at all the earlier leading shows. The winner receives the Jim Appleton Memorial Trophy.
The Breeding Female Champion was Jane Griffiths from Wales with Mynach Grand Duchess 9, a sow.
The Runner-up was Debbie Beeby's July gilt, Brydges Alvis 18A, from Cheshire.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th July 2010


CHESHIRE SHOW RESULTS
Belated results from Cheshire Show:

Breed Champion - John Sutcliffe with Prestcombe Guardsman 4 from Cumbria
Reserve Breed Champion - Stephen Booth's Chapel Rosette 3 from Cheshire
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th July 2010


PLEASE DONATE TO LITTLE PRINCESS' TRUST
For those of you visiting this year's Great Yorkshire Show (12-15 July), please look carefully at the uusally familiar exhibitors. For this year, Kevin Matthews who has been showing pigs for more then 20 years is cutting off his long pony tail for the very first time and will be almost unrecognisable to all but his parents. All this is being done in aid of the Little Princess' Trust http://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/ and Kevin asks that you donate as part of his support. You can either donate online or send your cheques or POs to Kevin Matthews, 19 Rothbury Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 7DS.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 2nd July 2010


ROYAL CORNWALL SHOW
Five exhibitors and 23 entries makes this one of the more competitive shows for Saddlebacks in the calendar and Peter Churchyard judging the breed classes eventually made Edward Bailey's sow, Heytesbury Dinah 31, his Breed Champion with Will Edwards & Amanda Thomas in reserve with Pantysgawan Prefect 8. Heytesbury Dinah 31 went on to win the Best Traditional Pig eventually winning the Supreme Championship when she beat the Best Modern Pig.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 2nd July 2010


RESULTS FROM ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW
From the point of view of the Saddlebacks, the Royal Norfolk was a rerun of the East of England with John & Mary Wreakes winning with exactly the same pigs - Breed Champion, Victoria Lottie 306, Reserve, Victoria Lottie 398.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 2nd July 2010


LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW RESULTS
Lincolnshire Show runs mixed breed classes and then assesses Breed Champions for the special awards made by the Breeders' Clubs. John & Mary Wreakes again dominated the Saddlebacks with the Breed Championship going to Victoria Lottie 20A and the Reserve to Victoria Guardsman 15A.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 2nd July 2010


EAST OF ENGLAND SHOW RESULTS
The show at peterborough takes place at exactly the same time as Three Counties. John & Mary Wreakes took both top prizes when Victoria Lottie 306 was awarded the Breed Championship and Victoria Lottie 398 won the Reserve Breed Champion award.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 2nd July 2010


THREE COUNTIES SHOW RESULTS
With 10 exhibitors and 50 entries, this is a major show for Saddlebacks and there were a lot of high quality pigs forward. The breed classes on day 1 were judged by Charles Bull who chose Will Edwards' and Amanda Thomas' Sow, Pantysgawan Dinah 10, as Breed Champion with Debbie Beeby's July Gilt, Brydges Babble 21A as Reserve Champion. Lucy Perkins took the Male Champion with Gwyndy Prefect 2. Day 2 and interbreed judge, Jeremy Barber, had a fine selection of champions in front of him but had no hesitation in pulling Pantysgawan Dinah 10 out as Interbreed Champion, beating over 200 other pigs. At Malvern, Day 3 is the National Rare & Minority Breeds Show when the modern breeds take a back seat and fresh judges come forward. Phil Fowlie had virtually all the same pigs in front of him and picked exactly the same 2 as Breed Champion (Pantysgawan Dinah 2) and Reserve Breed Champion (Brydges Babble 21A). Another interbreed judge, this time Stephen Hull, picked exactly the same sow, Pantysgawan Dinah 10, as his Supreme Champion. There was only one accolade left and during the Grand Parade in the Main Ring, the Interbreed Cattle, Sheep and Pig champions are judged against each other for the Best Rare Breed in the Show and having assessed the Saddleback, a fine Teeswater shearling and a superb Beef Shorthorn bull, Kerry Long from Norfolk awarded the cup for the best animal in the show to the Saddleback Sow who beat just about every animal she could.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 2nd July 2010


SUFFOLK COUNTY SHOW
Suffolk continues to offer a choice between mixed white breed or coloured breed classes so Saddlebacks were in with the other colours. New exhibitor Paul Churchyard won the July class with Stokedoyle Lottie 279 (beating into second place a Large Black from the famous family herd) which went on to be crowned Best of Breed.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 9th June 2010


SURREY COUNTY SHOW
The pig classes had record entries this year and judge Nick Hunkin awarded the rosette for Best Saddleback to Maria Naylor from Uckfield, East Sussex for her January Boar, Framfield Consort 749.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 6th June 2010


ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW
Nick Hargrave came south from North Yorkshire to judge some very strong classes with quality pigs forward. Eventually, the Breed Championship went to John & Mary Wreakes' Forthill Rajah 467, the senior boar winner shown by breeders Kenny and Jennifer Gracey from Northern Ireland. The Reserve Champion was Peggy Darvill's September Gilt, Toller Shamrock 315A from Dorset who also qualified for the Breeding Female Championships. The other two qualifiers for the Breeding Female Championships were both from Debbie & Dave Beeby from Cheshire - the sow being Brydges Babble 391 and the July gilt being Brydges Babble 21A. In addition, the Beebys took the BPA Pig of the Year Qualifier Champion with Brydges Rajah 32A.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 6th June 2010


STAFFORDSHIRE SHOW
Judged by Steve Loveless, the Breed Champion was John & Mary Wreakes' sow, Victoria Lottie 306 from near Doncaster who also qualifies for the Breeding Female Championships. The Reserve Champion was Mr & Mrs Brian Mulkeen's January Gilt, Garsfield Rosette 66 from Wigan. The other two qualifiers for the Breeding female Championships were The Wreakes' Victoria Lottie 398 (July Gilt) and John Sutcliffe's September Gilt, Colyeat Babble 33E.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 6th June 2010


DEVON COUNTY SHOW
Judged by Brian Mulkeen, there was another strong turnout of Saddlebacks. The Breed Championship went to Julian Newth from Somerset with his boar, Prestcombe Golden Arrow 5 with the Reserve Champion being Will Edwards & Amanda Thomas' sow, Pantysgawan Dinah 10 from Monmouthshire. Qualifiers for the Breeding Female Championships were the sow, Pantysgawan Dinah 10, the July Gilt, Julian Newth's Prestcombe Lottie and the September Gilt, Michael Dunstan's Nancenoy Dinah from Cornwall.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 6th June 2010


ROYAL WELSH SMALLHOLDERS SHOW
Once again the Saddlebacks had the largest turnout of any breed which was admirable considering the large number of entries for this recently inaugurated show, early in the season. The Breed Champion was Mr Edward Bailey's Plane Dinah 7 from Cornwall which not only impressed Arthur Uglow, the breed judge, but went on to beat allcomers when Steve Loveless first made it Best In Show and then Champion in the BPA Pig of the Year Competition. The Reserve Breed Champion was a welcome newcomer to the showing world, Jane Griffiths from Carmathenshire, whose sow, Mynach Grand Duchess 9 beat a lot of pigs from experienced showmen and we look forward to seeing the Mynach herd doing great things in the future.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 19th May 2010


RESULTS FOR THE SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW
The South Suffolk is one of the smaller pig shows in the country and Saddlebacks took part in the Coloured Breeds Mixed classes alongside Large Blacks and Hampshires. The award for the best Saddleback in the show went to Andy Gready for Heytesbury Bell 24. As a show, it saw the arrival of Mr P Churchyard showing Saddlebacks under the Breckles prefix and we welcome such a well-known name from the showing world into our ranks.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 18th May 2010


NEWARK & NOTTS SHOW RESULTS
There was a strong showing of Saddlebacks at the first of this year's major shows. As well as a number of stalwarts, Neil & Michaela Giles made their very welcome debut and we look forward to seeing them at more shows and last year's beginners, Robert & Caron Stewart, came all the way from Stranraer. Sadly, the show authorities failed to recognise the efforts made by such breeders and largely still refused to stage breed-specific classes which is really an insult to a breed turning out in such force. John & Mary Wreakes from near Doncaster took the Breed Championship and Reserve Interbreed Championship with Victoria Lottie 398. The Reserve Breed Champion was John Sutcliffe's Coalyeat Octavia 242D from south Cumbria.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 11th May 2010


NEW SALE IN SHROPSHIRE
Halls of Shrewsbury Auction Centre have announced a new Sale of Traditional & Native Breeds of Cattle, Sheep & Pigs to be held on 3 July 2010. Further details from the auctioneers 01743 462620 or email johnr@halls.to or visit www.hallsgb.com.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 6th March 2010


SADDLEBACKS INCREASE NUMBERS
Well done to all of you pedigree Saddleback breeders. Figures released by the BPA in their Annual Report on Saturday show that Saddlebacks in 2009 had the third highest total of Litter Notifications with 580 (behind the Large White [870] and GOS [791]). When it came to individual registrations, Saddlebacks came second with 796, only beaten by the GOS with 950. That's one heck of a success for a breed that was in the numerical doldrums only a few years ago.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 25th January 2010


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW BPA CHAIRMAN
Alan Rose has been elected as Chairman of the BPA, the registration authority for most pedigree breeds of pig in the UK - http://www.britishpigs.org.uk/c_chairman.htm Alan is a member of the Committee of the BSBC and has been involved in some capacity or other in running the Club since it began in 1995. We wish him every success in what must be a very demanding role.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 8th December 2009


GREAT AGM & MEMBERS' DAY IN WALES
Over 50 BSBC members assembled at Pantysgawan Farm, Newbridge, Gwent at the kind invitation of Will Edwards & Amanda Thomas for the Club's AGM and Members' Day. The meeting went ahead with members voting through the amendments to the Constitution and an increase in Subscriptions with immediate effect which also includes an extension to the membership categories. Details will appear shortly in the Club section on this site. They also heard about another very successful year with a continuing growth in the number of members, the launch of the Breeding Female Championships, the presentation by the Club of the Jim Appleton Memorial Bench at the Great Yorkshire showground and the availability of the smart and distinctive new Club tie. Also plans for the launch in the near future of a team of breed advisors to help breeders on a regional basis. After the meeting, delegates were shown round the highly successful Pantysgawan herd which has achieved huge success in the showring over recent years. On their return, lunch of a whole roast hog was served by Julian & Alice Newth with extras provided by Amanda Thomas and others. After the usual socialising and reminscing about another show season where Saddlebacks dominated the showring, members made their way home; some as far as Northern Ireland, Scotland and Northumberland.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 26th October 2009


WESTMORLAND SHOW RESULTS
By popular demand, here are the results of the Westmorland Show held in Septmeber. K & K Matthews took the Breed and Supreme Champion with Lowpark Grand Duchess 290B, a sow. The Reserve Breed Champion was John & Mary Wreakes' Victoria Lottie 360.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th October 2009


BPA SHOW & SALE RESULTS
The British Saddlebacks outnumbered all other breeds at Ross this weekend (10th Oct) quite considerably with a strong entry from breeders around the country. Eight in-pig gilts (the next highest entry from a single breed was just 3) sold for an average of 300 gns each with the top price of 470gns being paid for Peggy Darvill's Toller Dinah 238A who shared the top price paid for any female at the event. Seven maiden gilts sold and their avaerage was nearly as high at 284gns. The best price was for 400gns for the Breed Champion, Mrs Amanda Phillips Llanllwydd Silver Wings 4 from Abergavenny which turned out to be the highest price paid on the day for a maiden gilt. The trade in boars was disappointing by comparison with 4 senior boars selling for an average of 188gns and one junior boar, James Sage's Blewitt Viscount 153, selling for 250gns. All in all a good day for a breed that is sustaining interest with some good quality pigs forward and going to new breeding homes around the country.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 11th October 2009


BPA BREED REPS ELECTED
The BPA announced this week the results of the ballot to elect two breed representatives from the three nominations. In what was a high turnout, Stephen Booth and Andy gready were both re-elected and congratulations go to them with commiserations to John Wreakes who narrowly missed out on a place.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 11th October 2009


ROYAL BERKSHIRE (NEWBURY) SHOW
One of the last shows of the season and one of the exhibitor's favourites, Newbury had an excellent entry of high quality pigs, all judged on the first day by John Millard. There were strong Saddleback classes with local exhibitors such as Irving Carter, Ian Lomas and Peggy darvill being challenged by Stephen booth from Cheshire and Andy Gready from Ipswich. After some keen competition, the Breed Championship went to Ian Lomas from Somerset with his Holywell Rose 5th who's enjoyed a great season among some very high quality pigs.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 11th October 2009


AGM SUN 25th OCT at PANTYSGAWAN FARM, NEWBRIDGE, GWENT
Details of this year's AGM & Members'Day have today been posted to all current members and we hope for a large turn out at what promises to be a popular event. We are indebted to Will Edwards & Amanda Thomas for hosting this at their farm just 20 minutes from the M4 at Newport. As well as the AGM, there will be a Hog Roast generously provided by Julian Newth and other refreshments. A guided tour of the farm will show the entire Pantysgawan herd including the overall winner of this year's BPA Pig of the Year Championships. Other activities will also take place. Do please make the effort to attend - family guests are welcome. The charge including lunch is just £5 a head.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th September 2009


BPA DINNER DANCE TO MARK 125TH ANNIVERSARY
A reminder, lest your postal service has ceased working due to the strikes, that the BPA are holding a Dinner Dance on Sat 17th October at Lutterworth Golf Club (Leics) to celebrate the 125th anniversary since its establishment. Tickets cost £15 each. Contact the BPA for further details - tel 01223 845100.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 23rd September 2009


BPA SHOW & SALE AT ROSS-ON-WYE
A reminder for those seeking breeding stock that there is a selection of pedigree British Saddlebacks available at this sale due to be held on 10th October at Ross Livestock Market close to the end of the M50. Entries include In-pig gilts - 1 x Dinah 3 x Alvis 2 x Rosette 2 x Silver Wings Maiden Gilts - 1 x Babble 2 x Dinah 1 x Belle 2 x Silver Wings 1 x Biddy 1 x Lucy (very rare line) Senior Boars - 2 x Golden Arrow 1 x Grand Duke 1 x Viscount (bloodline needs support) 1 x Dominator (rare line) 1 x Stockbroker Junior Boars - 1 x Rajah 1 x Grand Duke 1 x Viscount (bloodline needs support) 1 x Dictator (rare line). To purchase a catalogue (£2.50) contact the BPA on 01223 845100. Phone bids are possible - contact the BPA for details.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 23rd September 2009


HATFIELD HOUSE COUNTRY SHOW & CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS RESULTS
One gets a little blase about superlatives this year but the British Saddleback breed excelled itself once again, this time at the Marquis of Salisbury's own event. Once again, Saddlebacks were more numerous than all other breeds and the January Gilt class saw 19 entries in the ring together. The judge was Robert Overend from Northern Ireland and he awarded the Breed Championship to Will Edwards & Amanda Thomas for their gilt Pantysgawan Dinah 10 with the Reserve Champion being John & Mary Wreakes' sow, Victoria Lottie 168. When it came to the interbreed championships, Amanda Thomas took firstly the Traditional Breeds Championship and then competed with the Modern Breeds Champion and was awarded the Supreme Championship by judge, Ann Uglow from Devon. This was the third time that Amanda had taken the top prize at this major pig show in four shows with three different Saddleback pigs - a truly remarkable achievement. Hatfield House Country Show has been the venue for the BSBC's annual Champion of Champions' competition since its inception in 2005 and the Breed Champions from all the major shows are eligible to come forward and compete for a BPA trophy, a special sash and rosette and a bronze medal all presented by the Club. Twelve top show pigs were in the ring in front of judge, Stephen Hull from Cambridgeshire. He picked out the same gilt to be awarded the ultimate prize of British Saddleback Champion of Champions to add to her BPA Pig of the Year Award and the Supreme Championship at this show.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th August, 2009


HOT AIR BALLOONS
Have you registered your outdoor pig unit with the British Balloon and Airship Club? As part of their Code of Conduct if you register your outdoor pig herd it will be marked as a "sensitive area" on Ballooning maps for the pilots to be aware of. If you have balloons going directly over your outdoor units, make a note of the time, date and colour/advertising features of the balloon and contact the BBAC. For more details on how to contact the BBAC and register your unit go to: http://www.bbac.org/contact2 or email information@bbac.org. Info provided by BPEX.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th July 2009


BPA ELECTIONS PLANNED
The following time scale was set for the BPA Election process earlier today. August 7, by this date an election newsletter will be published setting out procedures for the elections, and nomination papers available. September 4 Nominations close. September 11 Ballot papers issued. October 9 Voting closes. October 17 First meeting of Committees. A full explanation of the new voting process will be given in the newsletter. Anyone with any queries about the system or timescale should contact one of the Breed Reps - Stephen Booth or Andy Gready both of whose contact details will be found in the CLUB section of this website.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th July 2009


ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW RESULTS
The Royal Bath & West show took place at Shepton Mallet in Somerset with another grand display of quality Saddlebacks. The Female & Breed Champion was Mrs Debbie Beeby with her sow, Brydges Babble 170. The Reserve Champion and Male Champion was James Sage with Maddaford Prefect 3. The Reserve Female Champion was Ian Lomas with Holywell Rose 5, one of the rarest bloodlines in the breed, and the Reserve Male Champion was Julian Newth's Prestcombe Golden Arrow 6.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 20th July 2009


GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW RESULTS
For British Saddlebacks it truly was a GREAT Yorkshire Show in 2009. Firstly, Stan Samuels judged some of the biggest classes seen in a pig show anywhere in the country for many a long year, such was the level of support from many breeders from across the whole of the British Isles. Eventually the Champions were chosen as follows: Male Champion - Mr Julian Newth, Somerset - Prestcombe Golden Arrow 6. Reserve Male Champion - Mr & Mrs Robert Stewart, Stranraer - Chapel Prefect 2. Female Champion - Mrs Debby Beebie, Cheshire - Brydges Babble 170. Reserve Female Champion - Mr Andy Burwell, Peterborough - Stokedoyle Lottie 193. Brydges Babble went on to take the Breed Championship and Prestcombe Golden Arrow, was awarded the Reserve Breed Champion. On the final day, Brydges Babble was adjudged Reserve Interbreed Champion. The BPA Pig of the Year Competition comes to a finale at the Great Yorkshire and qualifiers from 24 shows (male and female of all breeds) come together at Harrogate to be judged for the finals. The judge this year was Steve Loveless and from all the boars, he selected Julian Newth's Prestcombe Golden Arrow 6 as his Male Champion. Then in the females, to all the spectators' amazement, he selected another Saddleback with Messrs Edwards and Thomas from Gwent with Pantysgawan Dinah 10. The two Champions than came head to head with the Gilt winning the overall Championship and the Geoffrey Cloke salver and the boar taking the Reserve Championship. This is a major achievement for the breed and the two exhibitors with own-bred pigs in particular. Congratulations to both. Finally, the finals of a new competition took place being the Breeding Female Championships. The winners of the Sow and July Gilt classes from all the leading shows came together and were judged by Mr Nick Hargrave from Kirby Misperton for the new Jim Appleton Memorial Cup presented by Jim's family. Fourteen top quality female Saddlebacks crowded the ring and eventually the new Champion was judged to be Miss Alice Burwell from peterborough with her gilt, Stokedoyle Lottie 193. The Reserve Champion was Mr Julian Newth's Prestcombe Dinah 71 from Somerset. Jim's widow, Rita, and his children, Jon and Gillian, presented the prizes before a bench was unveiled in memory of Jim presented by the British Saddleback Breeders' Club. The bench will remain as a permanent memorial to Jim at the end of Ring 2 at the Harrogate showground where Jim himslef used to like to sit and watch proceedings when he wasn't showing. All in all, a GREAT event for the Saddleback breed.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 16th July 2009


ROYAL SHOW RESULTS
British Saddlebacks were out in force again at the last Royal Show. Helen Tongue from Chepstow was judging and awarded the Male Champion to James Sage's Maddaford Prefect 3 from Somerset with Andy Gready getting the Reserve Male Champion with his Heytesbury Viscount 64 from Suffolk. The Female Champion was awarded to Stan Samuels with Shenlow Shamrock 23 from Oxfordshire with a July Gilt from Ian Lomas from Somerset in Reserve. Shenlow Shamrock 23 went on to take the Breed Championship with Ian Lomas's gilt Reserve Breed Champion. Congratulations to everyone concerned with a special mention to Martin Twyman who has stewarded the breed with his usual quiet efficiency every year since 1970. http://www.royalshow.org.uk/show_classes/2009_results/three.asp#
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 8th July 2009


EAST OF ENGLAND SHOW RESULTS
Another busy show with a high turnout of Saddlebacks - it's great for the breed so keep it up guys! Judge, Arthur Uglow from Devon, placed Andy Burwell's Stokedoyle Golden Arrow 218 as Breed Champion with John & Mary Wreakes' Victoria Lottie 343 Reserve Champion. With that, Andy has his first qualifier for Champion of Champions at Hatfield House Country Show in August - well done. In addition, Andy has two qualifiers from this show to go forward to the finals of the Champion Breeding Female at the Great Yorkshire Show - Gilbeck Lottie 178 and Stokedoyle Lottie 193.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 29th June 2009


CHESHIRE SHOW RESULTS
Breed Champion was Mr & Mrs Brian Mulkeen's January Gilt, Garsfield Rosette 64. The Reserve Champion and Qualifier for the BS Breeding Female Championships was Mr John Sutcliffe's Coalyeat Rosette 73. The other Qualifier from Cheshire was Stephen & Mandy Booth's Sow, Stokedoyle Octavia, as the class winner, Brydges Babble 170 had already qualified. Mrs Debbie Beeby also got the Young Pig of the Year Qualifier with Brydges Alvis 4A. Garsfield Rosette went on to be judged Best in Show of all breeds so well done to Mr & Mrs Mulkeen.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 24th June 2009


THREE COUNTIES SHOW RESULTS
The Three Counties is two shows in one giving all exhibitors twice the chance to shine. On Friday and Saturday, all pigs compete including mainstream breeds and under judge, Stephen Booth, a very large entry of Saddlebacks resulted in the Breed Championship being awarded to Debbie Beeby from Cheshire with her sow, Brydges Babble 170. The Reserve Champion was Messrs Edwards & Thomas from South Wales with Pantysgawan Dinah 10, a July gilt. On the Sunday, there is the National Rare & Minority Breeds Show without the mainstream breeds and a different judge, Ms Jenny Brett, selected Messrs Edwards & Thomas' January Gilt, Pantysgawan Dinah 12 as Breed Champion and she went on to be chosen as Supreme Champion by Mr Thomas Wheatley-Hubbard. The Reserve Champion on Sunday was the July gilt, Pantysgawan Dinah 10 also from the herd of Messrs Edwards & Thomas. The Saddleback entry was the largest of all breeds and there were some very high quality animals on show. Many congratulations for achieving the Best Pig in the Show on Sunday to not only the breed but to Thomas & Edwards too. Many thanks to all exhibitors who entered, the judges and stewards.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 22nd June 2009


SURREY COUNTY SHOW RESULTS
Pigs were back at the largest one-day show in the country for the second year running and the Breed Champion Saddleback was Lydling Golden Arrow 144a, well shown on behalf of P C Stovold & Son by Hatty & Finn Stovold.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 26th May 2009


RESULTS FROM DEVON COUNTY SHOW
Judged by Alan Rose, the Male Champion was Pantysgawan Prefect 4 and the Reserve Male Champion, Pantysgawan Prefect 18. The Female and Breed Champion was Pantysgawan Dinah 9 and the Reserve Female and Breed Champion, Pantysgawan Dinah 10. All were bred and exhibited by Amanda Thomas & Will Edwards. http://www.devoncountyshow.co.uk/competition-results/Pigs/British+Saddleback Pantysgawan Dinah 9 went on to win the Supreme Championship of all breeds in the show. Although the results might imply a walkover, there was plenty of competition and Ian Lomas won the July gilt class with a good example of the rare Rose line, demonstrating that the rarer lines do have qualities worth seeking out.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 22nd May 2009


NEWARK & NOTTS SHOW RESULTS
British Saddlebacks were prominent in the mixed classes at this year's show. Breed Champion was Ken & Kevin Matthews' Lowpark Grand Duchess 76c, a Sept born gilt. Reserve Champion was John & Mary Wreakes' Victoria Lottie 343. www.newarkshowground.com/files_09/Results_09_v1.0.pdf
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 15th May 2009


NEW COMPETITION FOR SADDLEBACKS
This year sees the introduction of a new competition exclusively for pedigree British Saddleback sows and July gilts. The BS BREEDING FEMALE Championships will take the best previously unqualified sow and July gilt from each of a number of leading shows. The qualifiers will come together at Harrogate in July to compete for the new Jim Appleton Memorial Trophy, a sash and special rosette with a special rosette for the runner-up. The judge for the inaugural competition will be Mr Nicholas Hargrave. Qualifying shows are Newark & Notts., Devon County, Royal Welsh Smallholder, South Suffolk, Staffordshire, Royal Cornwall, East of England, Three Counties, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, Royal Show (RASE), Great Yorkshire. The winner of both the Sow and July Gilt classes will receive a special qualifier rosette but if they (the pig, not the exhibitor) have previously qualified then the next unqualified pig in the line for that class will be presented with the qualifier rosette. Qualifiers must be entered in the BS classes at the Great Yorkshire in order to participate in the final. This does not affect the Champion of Champions and pigs can qualify for both competitions at the same event. We hope that Jim's widow, Rita, and son, Jon, will be at Harrogate to present the award and to unveil the bench commissioned by the Club as a permanent memorial to our former Chairman, Jim Appleton who died last June.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 10th April, 2009


MEMBERSHIP ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN
The postal ballot to elect a new Chairman closed on Monday 30th March and I am pleased to announce that the winner is Mr Stephen Booth from Cheshire to whom I'm sure everyone concerned with the Club will want to send congratulations. Commiserations to Mr Nick Hargrave, the gallant loser this time but someone who will continue to work tirelessly for the benefit of Saddlebacks everywhere. A note of thanks to Vice-Chairman, Mrs Peggy Darvill, who has been caretaker Chairman aince Jim Appleton's sad death last June and who has done a sterling job keeping the Club on course in the meantime.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 3rd April 2009


DEVASTATING FIRE AT MEMBER'S FARM
The following is a message received today from Arie Mcfarlen, one of our members located in the States. Anyone who wishes to offer support in any way, please contact Arie direct. Dear Friends of Maveric: It is with the deepest and most profound grief that I write this message. At 5:30am November 19th, 2008, we awoke to our beautiful 100 year old gambrel barn engulfed in flames. Trapped within the barn was my beloved stallion, several rare Mulefoot hog sows with their litters of piglets, an extremely rare Wessex saddleback boar, a favorite guinea hog boar and all of my dearly loved cats. Although we made attempts to rescue our animals, we were unable to save any from the barn. We were able to run pigs from their pens near the barn to the pastures and get them away from the heat & flames. Many animals in these pens were burned and have suffered smoke inhalation. Though it is several days after the fire, we are still losing animals we have been nursing and trying to save. The fire burned with such intensity that it caught a large tree and our new barn on fire as well. The firemen were able to save our new barn, but our gambrel was a complete loss. The fire marshal reported that the fire was burning in excess of 2000 degrees due to the way the metal items in the barn melted and puddled. The fire was apparently caused by a failure in the main power breaker. When the power transformer began to melt, we lost power to the whole farm. This also left us without water, as our well is pumped by electricity. All of our feed (approximately 1000 bales of alfalfa), our tools, watering troughs & feeders, buckets, piglet pens, fencing supplies, power cords, winter heaters, saddles & horse gear, construction materials for our new barn and so much more were completely destroyed. We cannot replace our rare breed pigs. They simply do not exist. Our work for nearly ten years has been to preserve and save these breeds of pigs. We cannot begin to express our sense of loss over these animals, not just from our lives, but from all future generations. This tragedy has made it even more clear to us that these rare breeds are in a very precarious situation. At any moment, a disaster, accident or disease could take yet another species from this planet. Our friends have already begun to rally around us and offer support. We have received many calls and emails from the folks at Slow Food USA, Animal Welfare Institute, American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and Dakota Rural Action. Because of this outpouring of encouragement, we feel compelled to persevere and insure that future generations are able to raise and enjoy these breeds, and that biodiversity amongst pigs is preserved. The Endangered Hog Foundation has been established to help us rebuild and to help continue work with endangered pig breeds. We fully intend to carry on with our DNA research, breeding program, establishing new breeders and promotion of endangered pigs. We have already begun the process of cleaning up the debris and will begin construction of a facility to continue working with our pigs as soon as spring arrives in South Dakota. Temporary measures to provide for the pigs during the upcoming winter are underway. We need your help. Our immediate needs are for physical labor to help with clean up and building temporary shelter to winter the pigs. Additionally, we need to find a source for alfalfa hay square bales, to obtain portable shelters for the pigs due to farrow in early 2009, hog equipment and hand tools. Donations can be sent to the “Endangered Hog Foundation” in care of Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. at the address below or through the link on our web page at www.maveric9.com. Thank you to everyone who has offered support. I cannot describe how it feels to stand in a place of profound grief and intense gratitude at the same time. We will carry on through the love and support of our friends. Endangered Hog Foundation Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. 47869-242nd St. Dell Rapids, South Dakota 57022 <('(..)')> Arie McFarlen, PhD Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. (605) 428-5994 www.maveric9.com
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 27th November 2008


BS PIG OF THE YEAR 2008
The annual Points Competition for the Hersham Memorial Trophy was won this year by John & Mary Wreakes from Stainforth near Doncaster with their gilt, Victoria Lottie 300, who amassed more points than any other during the 2008 show season. The trophy, sash and rosette were awarded to john Wreakes at this year's AGM at Temple Newsam, Leeds.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 7th November, 2008


CLUB MEMBER WINS FARMERS WEEKLY AWARD
Club Member, Jimmy Doherty, was awarded this week the Farmers Weekly prize for 'Champion of Farming' following his successful BBC series this year, 'Jimmy's Farming Heroes'. Jim is a natural in front of the camera and the BBC demands on his time and input are increasing all the time. Just as well then that he has a new stockman - Andy Gready - whose own Heytesbury herd has been winning all the top prizes again this year.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 3rd November 2008


SADDLEBACK AI NOW AVAILABLE IN USA
Breeders in America where the population of British Saddlebacks is very low now have access to semen from Victoria Golden Arrow 165 (details on this website under the BREED tab including a photograph and four generation pedigree)for AI via the following contact. This should make a huge difference as it will introduce badly needed freah genes into the population pending further developments. Steven Kerns International Boar Semen, Kerns Farms Corp, Multigene USA, L.L.C. 3354 140th Street, Clearfield, Iowa 50840 Phone: 641.336.2952 Fax: 641.336.2450 Cell: 641.344.5166
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 14th October 2008


SADDLEBACKS DOMINATE BPA SHOW & SALE
Not only did the British Saddlebacks field more entries than any other breed (20 out of 86 in total), the top price for any female went to an example of the breed and the top price for any male also fell to the Saddlebacks. The top price gilt or sow on Saturday (11th Oct) at Ross-on-Wye was Mr Andy Gready's in-pig gilt, Heytesbury Bell 20 which sold for 560 guineas (£588.00). The next highest female was a Welsh gilt that sold for 450 gns. When it came to the boars, Mrs Debbie Beeby sold Brydges Viscount 385, born in January this year, for 600 gns (£630.00), the next highest being an Oxford Sandy & Black which went for 520gns. All the Saddleback entries were forward and sold through the auction ring demonstrating a continued keen interest and demand for quality stock.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 13th October 2008


NEW BOAR AT AI
Go to our page on AI (BREED/ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION) and you will find details of the latest boar available at Deerpark AI centre being this year's Royal Show Champion, Blewett Prefect 86, including a photo and a link to his pedigree.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 26th September 2008


BPA ANNOUNCE NEW BREED REP
Following the death of Jim Appleton, the BPA have informed Club committee member, Andy Gready, that he is to assume the role of second breed rep for the British Saddlebacks, having come third in the last elections. He joins fellow committee member, Stephen Booth, representing the breeds' interests at the BPA.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 3rd September 2008


CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2008
Yesterday saw the judging of this year's British Saddleback Champion of Champions when the best of the breed at all the leading shows this season come together to decide the very best. This year's judge was leading breeder, Angus Stovold from Surrey and he was surrounded by a fine collection of quality Saddleback pigs at the Hatfield House Country Show. With so much quality, Angus took his time in selecting the winner but in the end the Champion of Champions 2008 was awarded to Andy Gready from Wiltshire with his home-bred gilt, Heytesbury Belle 17. The worthy runner-up was John & Mary Wreakes from South Yorkshire with Victoria Lottie 300. Last year's championships were cancelled thanks to the Foot & Mouth outbreak emanating from the Government laboratories at Pirbright but the previous year's award also went to Andy Gready, so he gets to keep the prestigious Ashton Bowl presented by the BPA for another year. he also won a sash, rosette and bronze medal presented by the Club.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 18th August 2008


BRITISH SADDLEBACK WORKSHOP - PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY NOW
The preliminary timetable for the workshop appears in the Spring edition of SADDLEBACK TIMES which will be sent out to members in the next week or so. The date is confirmed as Saturday 29th July and the venue is Broadoak Farm at Lymm in Cheshire by kind invitation of Mr & Mrs Stephen Booth. For those who have to travel, the area is surrounded by motorways and if you have a reluctant spouse who is not as committed to pigs as you are, Stephen advises that it is close to the Trafford Centre - the retail Mecca of the north-west!

The main topics to be covered will be current Defra rules and regulations - a subject that we all find hard to keep on top of - interpreting the Breed Standards and learning to select pigs for breeding (or showing) with our Chairman who has kept Saddlebacks for over 50 years and which will be followed by a practical where everyone can examine a group of pigs and rank them for their suitability. This is followed by lunch (included in the ticket price) and after lunch we hope to have a demonstration of the correct application of AI including when and how to inseminate a sow. Then Stephen will take us on a tour of his farm with his Saddlebacks and bovine equivalents, the Belted Galloways, among things to see.

This is a great chance to learn more about husbandry whether you are an experienced pig keeper or a novice and the cost for members is just £5.00 a head. Non-members £10.00 a head. Spaces will be limited so please contact the Club for an application form. All delegates must be pre-booked - we regret we cannot accept people arriving unannounced on the day.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '31 March 2006


PROBLEMS WITH THE INTERACTIVE MESSAGEBOARD
If you go to the Messageboard you will see a message from Richard Carter explaining that technical problems with the previous system have meant that we've had to switch to a slightly different format. He has reacted to the difficulries commendably quickly and efficiently and we thank him for that. Hopefully we will be able to restore all the old messages but if you recently posted pigs for sale there or another topic, you might find it better to do it again on the new Messageboard in case of further delays or difficulties with the old one.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '14 February 2006


SADDLEBACKS GUARANTEED NOT TO GLOW IN THE DARK
The British Saddleback Breeders' Club today announced that all pedigree British Saddleback pigs were guaranteed not to fluoresce or glow in the dark. News from Taiwan that the latest scientific breakthrough was a genetically modified pig that glowed fluorescent green/yellow sent enquiries for non-glowing pigs sky high except in the Isle of Man where spectral pigs are said to be commonplace. All readers can be reassured that Saddleback pigs, whilst remaining Luddite in terms of modern scientific advances, maintain the highest levels of fecundity, hardiness, docility and sheer eatability and represent the best choice of pig available - unless of course you want one that glows in the dark.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '13 January 2006


A NEW YEAR AHEAD
What will 2006 hold in store for British Saddlebacks and their owners? If the present momentum continues, demand for quality stock should remain strong. Being in the market for well finished pure bred pigs for the quality meat industry, I know that at times we struggle to find sufficient numbers and that demand often exceeds supply. Producers such as Helen Browning demonstrate just what can be possible.

We shall have a stronger presence at the shows this year with our information stand in the capable hands of John & Mary Wreakes and banners available for larger shows that they are not able to attend. The first year saw a keen interest in out two new competitions and several breeders are determined to wrest the new trophies from Amanda Thomas even though she has shown that she has the quality pigs available to keep winning. So who will be Champion of Champions and Pig of the Year in 2006?

For the first time in many years we enter a New Year with an AI service available and all breeders should think carefully about how it could help them. We shall have a demonstration of the application of AI at our workshop at Stephen Booth's farm in Cheshire in July.

The Club is in its strongest position ever with over 120 members today but there are plenty more of you out there either with Saddlebacks or having an interest in them who haven't joined yet and it is my ambition to add at least 40 new members this coming year. There are plenty of reasons to join and doing so is easy - and we aim to make it even easier during 2006 with online payment facilities.

The website has been a great success and we will build on that and encourage ever more people with an interest in the breed to make use of the facilties. Do please use the Interactive Noticeboard to raise queries or issues of concern or to advertise pigs or services that you can offer. And do browse the site - there is a lot of information included to help pig keepers potential and existing.

The Club is there to help its members and if you have suggestions as to how we can do that better then please do e-mail. It just remains to wish everyone reading this a very happy and successful New Year and to ask you to raise a glass to the best pig on the planet - the British Saddleback!
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '31 December 2005


HAPPY CHRISTMAS
The President, Chairman and Committee of the Club wish all members, breeders and keepers of Saddlebacks and other enthusiasts a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year with the hope that the breed continues to prosper and increase in numbers.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '16 December 2005


SADDLEBACK AI AVAILABLE
British Saddleback boar Victoria Golden Arrow 165 is standing at the Deerpark AI Centre and semen is available to order from 14 November. Details on how to order, his extended pedigree and a photo all appear on this website. Go to the Breed section and select AI for full details.

The boar's dam was Breed Champion at both the Great Yorkshire and Royal Norfolk shows and was judged Reserve British Saddleback Champion of Champions and was also runner-up to the 2005 British Saddleback Pig of the Year. In showing terms at least, you could hardly get the chance of a better boar!
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '9 November 2005


MEMBERS ENJOY GREAT DAY AT HELEN BROWNING'S EASTBROOK FARM
Over 30 Club members attended the AGM and Members' Day at Helen Browning's organic farm at Bishopstone, Wiltshire on Saturday 29th October. Competition was strong as to who travelled furthest with Stephan Smyth and his wife and Vaughan Byrne travelling from Northern Ireland, Nick Hargrave and John Wreakes both made the journey from Yorkshire while Club Chairman, Jim Appleton, made it from Lancashire. Edward Bailey travelled up from Cornwall and demonstrated the sort of enthusiasm that breeders new and old had for what turned out to be an excellent day giving everyone hope and enthusiasm for the breed's future.

After the AGM's business was complete, members joined in a discussion on how the issue of pedigree pigs being sold for breeding that did not meet basic breed standards could be resolved. As a consequence, the Club will begin a series of initiatives to raise awareness of standards, through workshops and publicity.

The last item before lunch was a most entertaining and informative presentation by Fiona Chambers from Australia on efforts by her and just four other breeders of Wessex Saddlebacks there to conserve the gene pool and expand numbers. Her talk extended to her recent visit to Germany by the Scwabische Halle breed and their most successful marketing initiative. She rounded off be reporting on the conference in South Africa that she had just attended called to discuss issues affecting the conservation of rare breeds.

Following an excellent buffet lunch, Helen Browning explained to members the way that her organic farm and food business operated and her experience over years with different breeds of pig and how she always maintained the Saddleback as the driving force of the initiative. Members were than taken up to the Wiltshire Downs to see a sight that reflected the breed's glory years of the post-war period - 200 hardy and productive Saddleback sows and their offspring in an entirely outdoor system. Many of the sows were obviously top quality animals that would have graced any showing herd even though all females were bred from within the herd itself with only boars being brought in.

The sight of so many quality pigs all performing a tremoundous task not only brought cheer in the form of nostalgia but also hope for the future. If Helen Browning's leading enterprise can be successful, how many other opportunities exist for the qualities that only British Saddlebacks can bring?
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '30 October 2005


BRITISH SADDLEBACK PIG OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
At the AGM, Club Chairman, Jim Appleton, presented the prizes for the new points-based competition for British Saddleback Pig of the Year. With an overwhelming score of 123 points, the award went to Pantysgawan Silverwings 26, Breed Champion at the Royal Welsh and Newbury shows, Supreme Champion at Hatfield and winner of the first British Saddleback Champion of Champions competition. Her owner, Amanda Thomas from Newbridge, Gwent, received the Guy Lutwyche Memorial Trophy, a sash and special rosette. The Chairman also presented a rosette for the runner-up, Victoria Lottie 110 who enjoyed success at the Royal Norfolk and Great Yorkshire shows and who was Reserve Champion of Champions for her owners, John and Mary Wreakes.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '30 October 2005


RBST TO MOVE SADDLEBACK TO VULNERABLE CATEGORY
The word is that the Rare Breeds Survival Trust is moving the British Saddleback from Category 4 'At Risk to the higher Category 3 Vulnerable early in 2006 based on the last published Bloodline Survey results. This indicates that the breed is declining in numbers but is this really the case? There is a lot of interest in the breed with plenty of breeding stock on offer at the sales and improved turnouts at the shows. Future RBST assessments will be made by calculating on the number of females registered, the system currently used on other rare breed species. Perhaps when this analysis is complete, we may see a quick return to the lower category. If anyone would like to add their own views, we would welcome your input on the Interactive Noticeboard.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '23 October 2005


SADDLEBACK BOAR AT AI
News is in from the Deerpark AI centre that the Golden Arrow boar from John & Mary Wreakes' Victoria herd is looking good and semen should be available in about two weeks' time. This is excellent news for Saddleback breeders as no AI has been available for some time. Larger herds can introduce fresh genes without having to buy in another stock boar and smaller herds without their own boar have the option of a disease risk-free alternative to travelling their sows to another farm. We shall shortly post an extended pedigree of the boar for information. In the meantime, those interested in purchasing semen from 2 weeks hence should contact Derrpark AI a link to whom can be found under Resources on this website.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '18 October 2005


JOHN MASON
The President, Chairman and officials of the Club are saddened to learn of the death last night of John Mason, Chairman of the Berkshire Pig Breeders Club and a popular judge, after a long battle against cancer. Our thoughts are with his family.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '16 October 2005


AGM & MEMBERS' DAY on Sat 29th October
The next event in our calendar is the Club's AGM which is being held this year at Helen Browning's Eastbrook Farm, Bishopstone, near Swindon. As well as the usual Club business and the presentation of trophies, the meeting will be followed by a talk by Fiona Chambers from Australia about the progress there of the Wessex Saddleback. A buffet lunch follows then the afternoon session when Helen Browning will show us round the farm and the 200 Saddleback sows there producing the famous Eastbrook Organic pork and bacon.

Members who wish to attend (and who wouldn't!) must complete the form from the Autumn edition of SADDLEBACK TIMES and send it with payment for lunch (£5 for adults; £3 for children). If you've lost the form then e-mail the Secretary straight away. We must know in advance the numbers attending for the seating and catering.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '11 October 2005


MELTON MOWBRAY SALE DISAPPOINTS
After the success of the Malvern sale, it rained at Melton Mowbray and insufficient buyers came to the event. Perhaps being just a week later is expecting too much for a second sale. Saddlebacks were not alone and with a few exceptions, most vendors in the pig section (and a number in the cattle and sheep as well), went home less than satisfied. The top bid was 180 guineas but that was not enough for an in-pig gilt and thus the top successful bid was 170 guineas for Mr Phil Fowlie's maiden gilt, Braemor Lottie 24.

In the breed sections, the sale results were as follows: In-pig gilt - 1 forward, unsold Maiden gilts - 6 forward, 2 sold average 153 gns; top 170 gns Senior boar - 1 sold; 100 gns Junior boar - 3 forward, 1 sold; 50 gns
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '10 September 2005


MALVERN IS TOP VENUE FOR SADDLEBACK SALE
The BPA/RBST Show & Sale was held for the first time at the Three Counties Showground at Malvern this year and proved to be a lucky venue for the Saddleback breed. Whilst some breeds - both rare and mainstream - failed to attract sufficient bids, nearly all the Saddlebacks forward sold, many of them extremely well. Top price went to Stephen Booth from Cheshire for his January boar, Chapel Dictator 18 who fetched his owner 500 gns after a frenzy of buying fever ending up with Messrs Edwards & Thomas, the successful bidders. The boar has been winning at shows around the country, most recently at Hatfield just a couple of weeks ago.

In the other breed sections, the results were as follows: In-pig gilts - 3 sold average 257 gns; top 280 gns Maiden gilts - 17 sold average 156 gns; top 260 gns Senior boar - 1 sold 140 gns Junior boar - 6 sold average 288 gns; top 500 gns

Mr Irving Carter took the Breed Championship at this event with his Maiden Gilt, Muddylane Dinah which sold for 260 gns
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '3 September 2005


ENTRIES AT BPA SALES IN SEPT
Saddlebacks entered at the BPA Show & Sale at Malvern 3 Sept 2005:
4 x in-pig gilts (Silverwings, Colleen, Grand Duchess, Bell lines)
22 x maiden gilts (Babble, Lottie, Hilda, Dinah, Silverwings, Lucy lines)
1 x senior boar (Prefect)
7 x junior boars (Viscount, Stockbroker, Dictator, Golden Arrow, Guardsman, Grand Duke, Carl lines)


Saddlebacks entered at the Show & Sale at Melton Mowbray 9-10 Sept 2005:
1 x in-pig gilt (Colleen)
7 x maiden gilts (Lottie & Joyful lines)
1 x senior boar (Grand Duke)
3 x junior boars (Dictator, Grand Duke, Earl Simon lines)


Catalogues for both sales from the BPA 01223 845100
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '22 August 2005


THE FIRST BRITISH SADDLEBACK CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TO BE JUDGED AT HATFIELD SHOW
Hatfield Show is the venue on Sunday 21st August for this prestigious event when the Breed Champions from all the leading shows with breed classes come together to select the very best from the 2005 show season. This first competition will aptly be judged by Club Chairman, Jim Appleton from Ormskirk in Lancashire. Jim has bred British Saddlebacks there for over 50 years and has himself won every major show in the country. The qualifiers for this championship are:

NEWBURY SHOW (2004) - Messrs Thomas & Edwards' Pantysgawan Silverwings 26
DEVON COUNTY - Mr Stan Samuels' Shenlow Rosette 5
ROYAL BATH & WEST - Mr Julian Newth's Prestcombe Grand Duke
ROYAL CORNWALL - Mr Andy Gready's Heytesbury Bell 8
THREE COUNTIES - Miss Lucy Perkins' Colonyvalence Lottie 6
CHESHIRE COUNTY - Mr Stephen Booth's Chapel Joyful 10
ROYAL SHOW - Mr Stan Samuels' Shenlow Dominator
GREAT YORKSHIRE - Mr & Mrs John Wreakes' Victoria Lottie 110
MID-DEVON - Mrs Peggy Darvill's Toller Molly 448
RYEDALE - Mr & Mrs John Wreakes' Victoria Golden Arrow 162
OKEHAMPTON - Mrs Joan & Miss Ann Uglow's Endsleigh Biddy 655
HATFIELD - TBA

The Champion of Champions will receive a silver trophy, The Ashton Bowl, presented by the BPA and a sash and special rosette presented by the Club. Good luck to all concerned!
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '21 August 2005


SCHWABISCH HALLE PIG BREEDERS WELCOMED AT GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW
A group of eminent pig breeders from south-west Germany visited the British Saddleback lines at this year's Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate with a view to buying pedigree stock to grade up to help improve their own rare breed which was saved from extinction in the 1980s. Led by Herr Rudolf Buhler, Herr Christoph Zimmer, Dr.a Maite Mathes and four others, they selected a number of boars and sows from Club members including Andy Gready, Kevin Matthews and Julian Newth. They were entertained to lunch by the Club Chairman, Jim Appleton, and Secretary, Richard Lutwyche, and the two breeds agreed to work together to ensure the survival and prosperity of both.

Congratulations to John & Mary Wreakes who took the breed championship in some very competitive classes at the show with Victoria Lottie 110.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '14 July 2005


PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE AT SHOWS
The Club have introduced a new member benefit being special insurance cover whilst you are attending agricultural shows and country fairs in the UK with pigs, whether in showing classes or within static displays. This applies to all paid-up BSBC members paying the £15 subscription rate and represents terrific value as sourcing your own insurance (which an increasing number of shows now insist on) can cost the individual £150-200 pa. This all comes within the Club membership which is only £15.00 for members with BS pigs.

If you require a copy of the Schedule of Insurance, there is an administrative charge of £5 per copy.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '12 July 2005


THE BEST DAM PIG YOU CAN BUY
This is the new strapline under which we shall be promoting British Saddlebacks at some of the leading shows this year and next. (Before anyone complains, the 'n' was deliberately left off the third word!). So look out for our banners in the pig lines - The British Saddleback - the best dam pig you can buy - Docile, Prolific, Hardy and Delicious!
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '1 July 2005


PIG SALE DATES
13 Aug Sale of Rare Breeds at Taunton Market, Somerset. Contact Paul Trolley at Taunton Market Auctioneers. 3 Sept RBST/BPA Pedigree Pig Sale at Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs Tel 01989 762225 for information 9-10 Sept National Show & Sale for Traditional Native Breeds, Melton Mowbray, Leics Tel 01664 562971 for information
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '18 June 2005


BRITISH SADDLEBACK TAKES INTERBREED CHAMPIONSHIP AT ROYAL ULSTER
BSBC member, Elaine Fairley, scooped the overall pig championship this year at the Royal Ulster Show at Balmoral in May with Magherbeg Alvis. She firstly won the Junior Gilt class in her breed section, then Breed Champion before competing with all the bre
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '17 June 2005


SADDLEBACKS WEBSITE GOES LIVE
The first website devoted to the British Saddleback pig goes live in June 2005. In the middle of the British show season with prestigious events such as the Royal Show at Stoneleigh and the Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate, the British Saddleback gets the attention it deserves with a website dedicated to it. Within living memory, the Saddleback breed was one of the three major breeds in Britain but was officially declared 'rare' in 1979. Since then, its qualities in terms of hardiness, prolificacy and the eating quality of its end product have ensured its recent revival and it is the determination of everyone involved in the British Saddleback Breeders' Club to ensure its continued climb in numbers. Help us to achieve this by joining us today. Please do wander around the site and enjoy learning about this remarkable breed of pig.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '14 June 2005


SADDLEBACKS ON ROYAL MAIL STAMPS
UK stamps issued on 11 January 2005 feature a British Saddleback sow and piglets among a range of 10 farm animal designs. To see the designs, and for more information, visit the Royal Mail website.
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Posted by: Richard Carter
Date: '7 June 2005


DEATH OF CLUB CHAIRMAN
I am sorry to announce the death of the Club's Chairman, Jim Appleton of Ormskirk, who died yesterday (Sun 29th June) after a long battle with cancer. Jim had been Chairman since the Club was founded in 1995 and owned the longest-established pedigree Saddleback herd in the UK (the Rainbarrow herd). The funeral will take place at Bickerstaffe Church in Lancashire on Monday 7th July at 11.30 am and all his friends and acquintances are welcome. Family flowers only please. Donations will be divided between Cancer Research and local charities and can be sent to Mr John Appleton, c/o BSBC, Freepost (GL442), Cirencester, Glos, GL7 5BR made payable to Mr John Appleton. Our thoughts are with Rita, his widow and his children and family. After Monday's funeral, Rita and Jim's son, Jon and daughter, Gillian asked that a note of thanks be added to this message for all the cards and calls from Jim's pig-keeping friends which had touched the family greatly. There was a fantastic turnout at the church and members of the Club and two of Jim's partners in One Man & His Pig formed a guard of honour as the coffin entered the churchyard. A detailed obituary will appear in SADDLEBACK TIMES due out shortly.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 9th July 2008


FIRST KIWI MEMBER
We are delighted to today welcome our first member from New Zealand, Linton Stanley, who keeps a herd of 7 Wessex Saddleback sows near Wyndham on the South Island. Saddlebacks have survived - only just - in both New Zealand and Australia and we extend our support and best wishes to Linton and to other breeders in both countries.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 22nd May 2008


SADDLEBACKS IN THE ORKNEYS
Here is a link to a blog about Saddlebacks arriving at their most northerly home yet... http://the-edge-of-nowhere.blogspot.com/2008/03/heavy-brigade.html
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 15th March 2008


JIMMY DOES SADDLEBACKS PROUD
Jimmy Docherty writes today in the Mail on Sunday about the plight of pig farming in Britain today and why so many people are cutting back or finishing with pigs altogether. This in itself is a major service to everyone in the pig industry but Jim Docherty, who became famous through his BBC TV series, Jimmy's Farm, and who is a Club member, has donated his fee for the article to Club funds. That's great, Jim. You're a star!
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Posted by: Rivhard Lutwyche
Date: 2nd March 2008


BPA Plan Pedigree Sale at Taunton
There will be a pedigree sale at Taunton Livestock Market on Sat 17th November after the commercial pig sale. Details will be on the BPA website in due course if you wish to consider entering - www.britishpigs.org.uk. Entries close on Nov 7th.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 30th October 2007


AGM & MEMBERS' DAY BOOKINGS BEING TAKEN
Since publication of the latest edition of SADDLEBACK TIMES, bookings have been pouring in for the AGM & Members' Day booked at River Cottage HQ in Devon for Sunday Nov 4th. Please remember that places are strictly limited to 60. If you wish to book but fear that because of the postal strikes your application will be delayed, email or phone Richard Lutwyche to make a provisional reservation and send your form and cheque as soon as the Royal Mail service resumes.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 6th October 2007


PROVISIONAL BOOKING FOR AGM & MEMBERS' DAY
Frustratingly, everything we arrange for the immediate future must be tempered by it being subject to the situation then with Foot & Mouth but hopefully our AGM & Members' Day is far enough ahead (Sun 4th November) that it will all be a distant memory by then. This being the case, we're going down to the west country where most of members reside for a meeting at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage complex, near Axminster in Devon. We are limited to a maximum of 60 people so it's very much first come, first served. Application forms will be in the next issue of SADDLEBACK TIMES so get your applications in ASAP. As well as the AGM, we'll have a look round the holding with its Devon Rubies, Saddleback growers and other stock and gardens. Lunch will be Devon beef casserole from the farm cooked by Hugh's team. So let's look forward to better times and put the 4th November in your diaries now.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 9th August, 2007


HATFIELD SHOW CANCELLED
I have been advised that Hatfield Show, venue for the British Saddleback Champion of Champions Finals, has been cancelled for this year. We are talking to a later show to see if they could accommodate the competition and they hope to decide next week if they are going ahead.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 9th August 2007


Foot and Mouth Outbreak
As of late evening on 3rd August when an outbreak of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) was confirmed in cattle in the Normandy area of Surrey between Guildford and Aldershot, all movements of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats have been halted. As of this moment, the movement ban includes those journeys to abattoirs and, of course, all shows for the forseeable future will be affected also. Defra urge all livestock keepers to inspect their stock regularly for any signs of change in their health status. As of the momnet, this is the only known outbreak and members are urged not to panic. During the 2001 epidemic, the RBST negotiated a derogation on the automatic slaughter of rare breeds on contiguous premises. To qualify for this, your herd must consist of at least three registered or birth notified females. PROVIDING that you have notified the BPA that you have allowed them to include you under Data Protection laws, and have a valid CPH and Herdmark, you will automatically be covered. If you are unsure, you can check on the BPA website in the members' area. PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST NEWS ON THE WEBSITE FORUM.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 4/8/07


WEBSITE GROWS
If you go to the RESOURCES section on this site you will find that the sections on past editions of the SADDLEBACK TIMES and Photographs have expanded considerably. If you're a member and want to check back on an article or news item, well it's all there in the newsletters. And maybe you're not yet a member, well there's a whole host of relevant and interesting data on the British Saddleback among those pages. The Photos are a combination of ancient and modern dating back as far as 1920. They show Saddleback pigs of ages and shapes in formal show poses and in more 'at home' situations, many provided by members from far and wide. They are there for your enjoyment. Our thanks for our Web Administrator for posting them for us.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 15th May 2007


SADDLEBACK TIMES SPRING EDITION
Having finished printing off the latest edition, it is in the post to everyone (paid up members at least) tonight
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 7th May 2007


STEPHEN BOOTH TO APPEAR ON TV
Stephen Booth, one of the Club's committee members, is due to appear on BBC2 tv over the next few weeks on Great British Menu which goes out at 6.30pm on weekdays. The programme features 2 chefs from different parts of the UK each week who cook a four course menu representing their area in an effort to reach the finals. Stephen, based in Cheshire, supplied pork and the film crew came to the farm to see the source of the meat. Stephen keeps Saddlebacks, GOS and Berkshires as well as Belted Galloways and Southdowns. Keep watching! We have it confirmed that the episode to watch is on Wed 16th May at 6.30pm on BBC2 tv.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 5th April 2007


SADDLEBACKS MAKE THE HEADLINES
Saddlebacks were in the news again when a farmer was prosecuted for alleged damage to listed trees by his pigs - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/03/23/npig23.xml Luckily he was found not guilty. Mr Sunderland is not a member of the club so perhaps one of our Yorkshire-based members would like to visit him and persuade him of the benefits of joining.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 27th March 2007


BRITISH SADDLEBACK PIG OF THE YEAR 2006
We adjusted the points system this year to try and make it a more even contest and boy, did it! After a busy show season that saw lots of Saddlebacks in front of big crowds all around England and Wales and Northern Ireland, the top two show pigs ended up with just 2 points separating them! Despite their best efforts, John & Mary Wreakes again took the runners-up prize of a special rosette for Victoria Lottie 175 which was still a tremendous result for one pig which won championships at six shows and a lot of prizes at another six and 108 points over all. But with 110 points, the Pig of the Year award went to Amanda Thomas for the second year running with Pantysgawan Silverwings 48, a January gilt which won prizes at many of the top shows throughout the season—a huge achievement for such a young pig. Amanda couldn’t make the AGM so her prize of the Hersham trophy, a sash and rosette was accepted on her behalf by Lucy Perkins.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 10th February 2007


GREAT DAY OUT AT JIMMY'S FARM
Our 2006 AGM and Members' Day was truly memorable and hugely enjoyable especially due to Jimmy Doherty and his girlfriend, Michaela and their staff Nikki and Andy and the rest of the team. They were truly generous with their time and hospitality and we enjoyed a tremendous lunch of a Saddleback hog roast with all the trimmings - thankyou Essex Pig Company. Thank you too to the BSBC members who travelled far and wide to be there. Members came from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Cumbria, North and South Wales, Cornwall and just about everywhere in between - a fantastic effort. It was so good to see everyone there - including some very enthusuastic youngsters - enjoying the day amongst pigs and pig people. Most of us will have pre-conceived ideas about Jim from the highly successful TV series 'Jimmy's Farm' but everyone was bowled over by the professionalism of the extensive pig unit and Jim and Andy's resolve to selective birth notifications to gradually build up the pedigree side and perhaps allow some showing of their own stock in future. The AGM went smoothly and members learnt of another successful and profitable year when the Club membership reached 150 and we extended activities with a successful workshop in Cheshire in July. The turnout at shows had been fantastic and there was a good level of interest in breeding stock as numbers grow. Our sincere thanks to Jimmy, Michaela and the team. With around 60 there I am sure that the Essex Pig Co now has a lot more ambassadors in the pig world to counter the armchair critics who pour scorn on the work done at Jimmy's Farm. And with the BBC cameras filming during the day there will be more eyes glued to the box next autumn to see if anyone survived the cutting room floor.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 22nd October 2006


LAST CHANCE TO BOOK FOR AGM & MEMBERS' DAY
A reminder to paid-up members that the deadline is fast approaching for bookings to be received for the day out at Jimmy's Farm on Sat 21st by kind invitation of Jim Doherty. As well as the AGM and a hog roast we will see the pigs, the farm shop and butchery during a farm walk led by the man himself. ALL DELEGATES MUST PRE-BOOK! Please contact me by Monday 16th Oct at latest.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 12th October 2006


MEMBERSHIP REACHES 150 MILESTONE
Membership of the British Saddleback Breeders' Club today stands at 150 - including 4 Honorary Members - a significant landmark. This means that we represent the vast majority of breeders now but will not rest until we have 100% representation. So, if you breed Saddleback pigs and are not members, why not rectify the situation now? The membership growth has been significant - in July 2004 the Club had just 21 members of which 3 were Honorary. Could we reach 200 by this time next year?
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: 5th October 2006


SADDLEBACK TAKES TOP PRIZE AT BPA SHOW & SALE
Although trade was generally disappointing with a number of pigs returning home unsold across all breeds, British Saddlebacks did better than most and took the top price of the day when Maurice Trumper's in pig gilt, Bieliau Silverwings 21, sold for 370gns.

British Saddleback results:
In pig Gilts - 8 forward, 6 sold ave. 270gns
Maiden Gilts - 18 forward, 13 sold ave. 99gns
Senior Boars - 4 forward, 3 sold ave. 163gns
Junior Boars - 6 forward, 3 sold ave. 170gns


The Maiden Gilts were let down when one vendor had four very poorly grown specimens forward which were all sold at justifiably low prices. There were more Saddlebacks entered and forward than any other breed and whilst only 69% sold through the ring, this compares favourably with some other breeds which sold 50% or fewer including GOS, Large Black, Tamworths, Welsh and Large White.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '3 September 2006


BPA ELECTION RESULTS
Two breed representatives were due to be appointed to serve on BPA committees and four nominees came forward ensuring an election by postal ballot. It can now be revealed that Club Chairman, Jim Appleton, who has served in the post for a number of years, and Club committee member, Stephen Booth, were both elected and will henceforth represent the interests of Saddlebacks at the BPA. If you wish to contact either or both of them on specific issues, their contact details appear in the CLUB section on this website. Commiserations go to the two losing candidates, Andy Gready and Stan Samuels.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '1 September 2006


HATFIELD SHOW A REAL HUMDINGER FOR SADDLEBACKS!
We may not have had Liz Hurley as did the GOS but we made up for it by having the best pigs at this leading pig show.

After well over 200 pigs of all breeds had been through the ring, on Sunday 20th August came the reckoning for Best in Show. Last year Amanda Thomas from South Wales did it with a Saddleback sow and lo and behold, she repeated the performance with a different pig, Pantysgawan Silverwings 18. To achieve this once is a major success, to do it two years running and beating all breeds including Large Whites and Landrace under an all-breeds' judge, (Steve Loveless), is testament to the high quality breeding programme in the herd and the care and attention given by Amanda and her partner. Well done to all concerned.

The Interbreed Championship was not the only event of the day as the last class to be judged saw Vaughan Byrne from Northern Ireland fly across especially to judge the British Saddleback Champion of Champions. Out of 15 possible contenders, nine were present at the show representing the Breed Champions from this year's leading shows. Among them, the best from the Royal Show, the Great Yorkshire, Three Counties, East of England, etc. No stranger to the microphone, Vaughan commented during the class that he found it very difficult to find fault with any of the pigs in front of him and they represented the very best that he had ever seen in one place. In the end he decided to pick the pigs he would most like to take home (hand luggage rules notwithstanding) and gave the runners up prize of a special rosette to Ann Long from Norfolk with her Great Yorshire Champion, Fransgreen Grand Duke 330. His 2006 Champion of Champions went to Andy Gready from Wiltshire with his Royal Show Champion, Heytesbury Bell 11, a handsome July gilt. All the pigs forward deserved a prize and it will be interesting to see who has picked up most points in this year's Pig of the Year competition which will be announced at the AGM.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '21 August 2006


WORKSHOP A GREAT SUCCESS
Saturday's workshop was a great success with around 50 delegates in attendance and our thanks go to Stephen & Stephanie Booth our hosts for making it so. Also to sponsors Massey Feeds who were on hand with samples.

The presentations began with Janet Todhunter, local rare breeds keeper and a member of the SVS, describing the rules and regulations pertaining to pig keepers. She was followed by Club Chairman, Jim Appleton, who first spoke and then gave practical demonstrations of the BPA Breed Standards and explained how to select pigs. An excellent buffet lunch followed with an much appreciated talk on the application of AI by Guy Kiddy, a multi-breed pig keeper and lecturer at Shuttleworth College. The final session was a farm walk with host Stepehn Booth explaining the hoops and hurdles to maintaining his Stewardship Scheme status. Thanks too to Mandy Booth for her expert pig handling during the practical demonstrations and not least to the pigs themselves.

Delegates travelled from Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire in the north and West Sussex and south Wales demonstrating how popular this event was for both members and non-members alike.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '1 August 2006


CONGRATULATIONS TO ROYAL SHOW WINNERS
Many congratulations to those exhibitors who braved the heat and conditions at this year's Royal Show especially Andy Gready who took the Breed Championship as well as the Male & Female Champions (and got another Pig of the Year qualifier) and Stephen Booth who took the Reserve Breed Championship. Thanks to Angus Stovold who judged the breed classes so well and who maintained his dignity by keeping both his jacket and bowler on throughout the judging.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '5 July 2006


LAST CALL FOR WORKSHOP BOOKINGS
Applications for places at the Workshop at Stephen Booth's Cheshire farm on 29th July are about to be opened up to other breeds and on a first come, first served basis so members of the BSBC should get their skates on if they want to attend as applications will be rejected once we have 50 delegates booked. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '26 June 2006


SADDLEBACKS LEAD THE WAY - SIGN UP AND PAY ON LINE!
We've improved the website by adding the facility for new members to be able to join on line using PayPal for a fast and simple service. It will also be possible to renew your subscription this way too. Of course, you don't have to and new members can download a form and send it in with their cheque or bank details for a standing order to be set up. Whatever way suits you best, we've got it covered!
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '24 May 2006


FIRST MAJOR SHOW SEES CLUB MEMBER TAKE RESERVE SUPREME CHAMPION
The Royal Ulster Show took place last week and one of our stalwart members in the province, Elaine Fairley, saw her Rosette gilt not only beat strong competition to take the breed championship but then go on to win the Reserve Supreme Championship in the entire show.

It all bodes well for another great show season.
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Posted by: Richard Lutwyche
Date: '14 May 2006

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British Saddleback
Breeders' Club
Freepost (GL442)
Cirencester
Gloucestershire, GL7 5BR
UK

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