NEWS

Please feel free to contact the Association with any news that you think might be of interest to members. We'll be happy to include it on the site. Contact details are on the 'Contact' page.

Reminder to all sales entrants, your stock needs to be registered before the sales.

On one of the only fine days in February we were pleased to welcome a motley group, well wrapped up and with some stylish hats, although the best one was sported by Polly herself.

Barry and Sue welcomed everyone and Polly opened the day by telling us about Longwool and their care and idiosyncrasies. She then went on to demonstrate on Sue’s sheep the care of the wool, how she started preparing the fleeces in January to prevent them becoming tangled, both for show sheep and for quality wool production. Several members then had a go and under Polly’s guidance learnt how and where to pull without damaging the fleece. Different types of fleece were looked at and discussed.

Lunch followed with warm soup and lovely cakes– soon we will have the best sheep and the best cake stall at any event (Thank you to the members who brought them) While lunch was eaten there was so much talking ! I think one of the best things about these open days is meeting and exchanging information. While we had some very experienced members, about half were new members and really keen to share and gain knowledge. It is meeting people that is important. So that when you have a problem you know a friendly face to phone. Ruth and Jayne manned the computers and answered questions on registrations and the geneped project

The afternoon started by looking at the wonderful goods that Polly and Heather had brought. Polly’s were really beautiful quality and produced in Italy and sold in American, but quality like that does not come cheap and it takes a lot of effort to achieve. Heathers were home spun and lovely but more modern, bright colours and trendy designs.

Both have a place in the market and it was generally agreed that we (as a group) could do a lot more to promote Longwool. Again there was lots of discussion and debate.

Barry then took a group out and looked at Sue’s ewes and generally ‘discussed’ LWs and their various conformation and wool quality.

I thought that the day went well, and one of the main achievements was handing down experience from established members to newer members. As this is one of the main aims of the society. Giving a warm welcome and friendly help can only help to safeguard the breed, and I hope we achieved this.

Everyone gathers to get some helpful tips from Polly Jones on preparing a longwool for showing, and have a go!

Post lunch gathering to discuss all things longwool – from nutrition to nursing right up to selling the wool and lambs.

Some of the fantastic products that can be made from longwool wool, including shawls, rugs blankets and jumpers. Also discussed was marketing the products.

It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Alan Aconley who was one of the Association's longest standing members and a great supporter of the breed.

OBITUARY by Barry Enderby

Alan Aconley 1927 - 2010

Alan was the eldest in a large family of 4 boys and 5 girls, and was educated locally before leaving school at 14 years of age to work on his father’s farm at Brandesburton, near Driffield. The farm relied on heavy horses and sheep, but it was the sheep that interested Alan the most, particularly the Leicester Longwool which was a popular breed at the time.

During 1959 Oxgang Farm came on the market. Alan and his brother Lawrence were able to acquire it and began farming in their own right, taking the flock of Leicesters with them. Although sheep had been his first love, a local lass had caught his eye. Anne and Alan were married in May 1968. Eastfield Farm at North Frodingham was purchased in 1982, and remains in the Aconley family.

Alan’s first subscription to the Leicester Longwool Sheepbreeders Association in 1973 was

£3. 50! He began showing sheep in 1975, and continued for over 30 years, briefly interrupted in 1976 when daughter Gillian was born. The Aconley name proudly appears on almost every piece of silverware presented to the breed. Alan felt honoured to be presented to HRH Prince Charles in1999 and again in 2006 at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Judging appointments were plentiful, being asked to preside at the Royal Show twice, the Rare Breeds Show and Sale at Stoneleigh and many others. He has continued to support the L.L.S.B.A. Council for many years and became President for his term of office in 2004.

In his eightieth year reluctantly, he finished showing and judging , and handed over the prestigious Oxgang reins to Gillian and her husband Mark, who intend to retain the flock name in his honour. Although he lived for his sheep even they could not match his excitement when, he was presented with his first granddaughter Louise. Sadly he did not live to see her first birthday.

A quiet, and unassuming man, who was not afraid to voice his expert opinion on his favourite subject, had numerous friends and acquaintances throughout the livestock fraternity. As a result generous donations were given to Cancer Research and North Frodingham Church in his name.

He will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him.

Following on from the very successful Shipston Wool Fair 2009 the Leicester Longwool Breed will be represented again this year. Everyone is invited for a great day out. Follow the link to the Shipston Wool Fair Website.

With the kind permission of the Leicester Longwool Sheepbreeders' Association we are allowed for the first time, to print back copies of our Flock Books. These are being scanned in and added throughout the year in the Members' Area.