Membership & Registration
Report on the 2008 Annual General Meeting
By Kim Sales
Sep 17, 2008 - 7:39:05 PM

After being so disappointed to see their plans for last years AGM foiled by a foot and mouth outbreak, Leslie & Maureen Hollow (2006/07 President) were able to see their ideas come to fruition this autumn. This years President, Dr Maurice Bichard, was only too glad to see the programme reborn.

Members gathered in deepest Cornwall on Tuesday September 9th to visit the Trewey Herd belonging to the Mann Family of Zennor, 5 miles from St Ives. Currently milking around 120 cows the herd is mainly Autumn calving averaging close to 6000 litres, 4.9% fat and 3.6% protein. Milk is sold to Milk Link and goes to make thefamous Rodda's Clotted Cream.

Trewey Herd at Grass

As we walked around the herd, we saw many of the famous Juno family who have won many prizes throughout the years. The most famous being Trewey Juno 38th (ChampionBath & west Conference Show and Royal Show 2005.)now in her 5th lactation and still looking good.

Trewey Juno 38

After this farm walk we retired to the village hall for a pasty lunch and some delicious desserts prepared by the local ladies.

Suitably refreshed we visited the Wayside Museum, an Aladdin's Cave of local history, which provided a break from the cattle viewing.

We then travelled to Chytodden, home of the Hollow Family (formerly Leslie and Maureen now farmed by Geoffrey and Carolyn).

Firstly we walked a short way to look at the neighbouring Bussow Herd belonging to the Thomas Family. This was a non-pedigree herd of around 100 cows, although by the quality of cattle on show, you would not have guessed so. The herd is producing nearly 6000 litres a head, and have used several local bulls with much success, notably Boskenna Loreleis Jasper. Several daughters in the herd caught the eye of many of us.

Daughter of Loreleis Jasper

We then walked around the prize winning Chytodden Limousins bred by Geoffrey and Carolyn at the family farm. The Hollow Family then provided us with a lovely cream tea. The evening was spent at the Balnoon Inn enjoying a super carvery meal.

Wednesday morning dawned and we all met at Treddiney Farm to look at the wonderful herd owned by the Warren Family. There are around 170 Guernseys and 30 Jerseys in the herd and this will rise to 240 in the future. The herd averages over 7000 litres of milk and contains 18 EX and 62 VG cows.

Treddiney Herd at Grass

The herd has had considerable success in the show ring, notably Laity Farm Primrose 96th Ex 95.

Laity Farm Primrose 96

I think I speak for everyone when I say that James and his family have one of the best (if not the best!!) herd of Guernseys in the country. In fact all herds visited were of excellent quality and a credit to their owners.

We retired to the St Buryan Community House for lunch very kindly provided by our President.

Our A.G.M. in the afternoon was very subdued as our Chairman had made a very sad announcement. Mrs Sheilagh Andrews, of the well known Happy Valley Herd had sadly passed away that morning. Sheilagh was a wonderful lady who loved her Golden Guernseys and had only sold her herd a few years ago. Our thoughts go out out husband Wilf. She will be sorely missed by all.

A short summary of the meeting:

The Annual Competitions were dominated by the Warrens and their Tredinney Herd and The Briddlesford Herd from the Isle of Wight owned bythe Griffin Family. Well done to these leading herds.

In the Council Elections, Nigel Kennard and Philip Cox were re-elected to stand on council for the next three years. Congratulations to them both.

Lt. Col Chris Watson was welcomed as our President-Elect for 2009/10.

The main topic for debate during the meeting was Council's proposals for a decrease in the Levy from £9.50 to £9.00. Many members gave their views and the general feeling was that it should be left up to council to decide on any changes in the future.

The President, Dr Maurice Bichard,introduced the incoming President Mr Graham Facks-Martin and presented him with the model cow and badge of office.

Outgoing President Maurice Bichard and incoming President Graham Facks-Martin

On behalf of all the members present, I would like to thank Leslie and Maureen Hollow and Dr and Mrs Bichard for their time in planning such an excellent programme, and all the herd owners for their hospitality and making us all so welcome.