Thanks to the generosity of members and the efforts of Council to secure breed history, three new trophies have been awarded for the first time this year.
The 1838 Trophy
The first of these new trophies is the 1838 Trophy which was purchased by the Society, having been discovered for sale on eBay by Jonathan Long. He says: “While I was searching for a suitable trophy to present for the Young Breeders’ Championship at the National Show, I stumbled across a trophy on eBay. This solid silver trophy from 1838, was presented at an unknown event for the ‘Best Southdown Ram above 18 months’. There is no engraving to indicate who won the trophy or where it was presented, that possibly has gone missing with any base it may or may not have originally had.”
Given its provenance, Council took the decision to purchase the trophy and it will be awarded annually to the best shearling ram at the National Show. In 2024 the 1838 Trophy was won by Annabel Halcrow.
The Chaileybrook Salver
The second new trophy in the Society’s collection is The Chaileybrook Salver which has kindly been presented by Jonathan Long and family for the young breeders’ champion at the National Show. Winning the trophy in its inaugural year was Harry Wood.
The Fulfen Shield
Also recognising the efforts of younger members is The Fulfen Shield for the young breeders’ champion at the Society’s Premier Show and Sale at Worcester. This award has been kindly presented by Emily Yates and was won this year by James Trumper.
