A large crowd gathered to witness the welcome return of the traditional Gilten Market to the Isle of Wight last December, thanks to new hosts the Turney Family Farms Partnership at Tapnell Farm.
Members of the local Young Farmers Club were recruited to assist the show committee in transforming an empty barn into a working livestock show and market venue.
An excellent turnout of cattle and a good but smaller entry of sheep provided a stern test for the judges and enough stock for buyers both from the Island and further afield. In the cattle line, the Championship and ‘Gilten’ beast was awarded to a grand purebred Aberdeen Angus steer, from Richard and Vivien Jackson, reflecting the growing demand for traditional native breeds. The ‘Gilten’ steer was the subject of the ceremonial ‘gilding’ of the horns, conducted by both the current and immediate past High Sheriff, to make up for a lack of ceremony in 2020, due to the Covid restrictions. The champion weighed 630kg and was later purchased by judge, Bill Tuffrey of W A Foods, for the sum of £2,066.40.
Long-standing exhibitor, Mick Denness, brought out his usual top quality team of cattle to secure the reserve championship with a super British Blue x steer which sold to Will Newman of P C Turner for £2250.60 and his third prize Limousin x steer also sold well at £2271.20 to Andrew Groves on behalf of Island Foods.
The winning pair of sheep were Suffolks, presented by another regular show supporter, Allan King, and with the current demand for lamb very strong, it sold to an excellent price of £146 to judge Will Newman of P C Turner. The winning single lamb was shown by Pip Legge and again sold to Will Newman.
Auctioneer, Iain Soutar, of Southern Counties Auctioneers commented afterwards: “We would like to extend our warmest thanks to all who helped to put the show on, including all the exhibitors, buyers and handlers, James Attrill the Isle of Wight High Sheriff and particularly to this year’s judging team who were : Cattle and Sheep – Bill Tuffrey, W A Foods and Will Newman and Will Newman, P C Turner.”
Other Class winners were:
Champion Handled Heifer: M R Denness
Best Exhibit by an Isle of Wight Young Farmer: Jess Isaacson
Best Unhandled Steer: Anna and Neville Smith
Best Pair of unhandled cattle: Anna and Neville Smith
Best Unhandled Heifer and Champion Unhandled Beast: Allan King
Best Over 30-Month Animal: Graeme Smythers
Best Barren Cow: Sam and Fiona Biles
Best Pen of Store Steer and Champion Store Cattle: Graeme Smythers
Best Pen of Store Heifers: Ralph Rickard