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Writer's pictureBWCS

2024 AGM visits The Newt in Somerset

Always a highlight of the BWCS calendar and attended this year in large number, the Annual General Meeting travelled down to Somerset on Saturday 5 October, convening at the on-farm butchery and food production complex at Avalon Farm near Castle Cary, the site having been newly developed by working country estate and BWCS members The Newt in Somerset.


A productive meeting was made all the better for having over 70 breed enthusiasts gathered together from far and wide, with much to see and learn from such an impressive venue. Annual presentations were made, and members were treated to a delicious barbecue of home-grown, pulled British White beef rolls before being taken on a farm tour to view the Emily herd. Comprising around 180 breeding females plus stock bulls, followers and finishing stock, this herd is the largest collection of British White cattle in the UK, thoroughly thriving and producing superb beef from grass, whilst also providing a uniquely beautiful attraction for visitors to the estate.


The Society is grateful to Farm Manager Cameron Knee and the team at The Newt In Somerset for taking the time to make the day so interesting and informative, and to all the members who came along to learn and share their input at the meeting, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.


Scroll down to view the winners of the National Herd Competition and Show Points Trophies, as well as a gallery of photos from the spectacular farm tour!


National Herd Competition

Kindly judged and presented by Mark Kennett, Cadarn Herd

Full report to follow in the Breed Journal, released early 2025

Randolph Turpin Trophy for Best Herd won by Keith & Ro Harding, Templar Herd
Best New Herd

Winner: Norfolk Wildlife Trust, NWT Hovering Herd

Runner Up: Lucy Eyre, Diskin Herd

NWT Conservation Manager Jon Preston accepts trophy for Best New Herd
Best Small Herd

Winner: James & Katie Allen, Dupree Herd

Runner Up: Jo Cartwright, Swillington Herd

Best Small Herd was won by James & Katie Allen's Dupree Herd
Best Medium Herd

Winner: Keith & Ro Harding, Templar Herd

Runner Up: Caroline Lovén, Rosalind Herd

Keith & Ro Harding receive trophy for Best Medium Herd
Best Large Herd

Winner: Paul Pennington, Oldington Herd

Runner Up: The Newt In Somerset, Emily Herd

Best Large Herd was won by the Pennington family's Oldington Herd
Enterprise Trophy

Winner: RH Farms, Woodbastwick Herd

Runner Up: Edward James Gibson, Moorland Herd

Liam Reilly & Anne-Marie Hamilton accept the Enterprise Trophy
Best Stock Bull

Castleton Ken, CMB, JAW & DM Wright

David Wright receives trophy for Best Stock Bull for Castleton Ken

Show Points Trophies

Kindly presented by Executive Committee Chairman Henry Cator

To animals gaining the most points at shows throughout the 2024 season


Junior Heifer of the Year

1st (21 points) Tollesbury Tahiti, bred and exhibited by Vivien St Joseph

2nd (20 points) Alcroft Beetle, bred and exhibited by Sarah Cook

3rd (18 points) Lordswood Ada, bred and exhibited by James Brain & Libby McGinn

Mark Howland (left) accepts Bilcko Trophy for Junior Heifer winner Tollesbury Tahiti
Senior Heifer of the Year

1st (13 points) Amaroo Pommery, bred and exhibited by Ruhi Pugh

2nd (12 points) Dallyashes Heloise, bred and exhibited by Angie Hamilton

3rd (11 points) Lordswood Jessie, bred and exhibited by James Brain & Libby McGinn

Angie Hamilton accepts Delamore Plate for daughter Ruhi's Senior Heifer winner Amaroo Pommery
Cow of the Year

1st (23 points) Tismans Peony, bred by Stephie Trafford and exhibited by Chris & Katie Davis

2nd (20 points) Tollesbury Diamond, bred and exhibited by Vivien St Joseph

3rd (18 points) Marshbrook Dragonfly, bred and exhibited by Elayna Astbury

Owner Chris Davis, with breeder Stephie Trafford, receives Cow of the Year trophy for Tismans Peony
Bull of the Year

1st (41 points) Tollesbury Pythagoras, bred by Vivien St Joseph and exhibited in 2024 by both

Vivien St Joseph and new owners Chris & Katie Davis

2nd (40 points) Castleton Ken, bred and exhibited by the Wright family

3rd (23 points) Lordswood Finley, bred and exhibited by James Brain & Libby McGinn

New owner Chris Davis and breeders Mark Howland and Vivien St Joseph receive bull award for Tollesbury Pythagoras

Farm Tour Gallery

Click photos to expand & scroll through gallery



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