Yesterday at Devon County Show I had a long interview with a journalist from Field and Rural Life Magazine, and equally long interview with Adam Henson of Countryfile fame who was Guest of Honour at the County Show and was brought to see my Bowmont sheep. Plus of course many friends and ”ordinary” members of the public.
All good and exciting stuff but, the person I was most thrilled to see was Michael Collins from Victoria in Australia. Michael is a Merino Stud breeder. He had telephoned me earlier in the week to say he was in England and could he come and see my sheep? This was the equivalent for me, of a visit by Royalty! I cannot tell you what a real thrill it was to spend an hour talking wool with someone who lives and breathes fine Merino sheep and knows more than I will ever know about them.
He was extremely kind and helpful with advice and comments. He looked at my sheep and my bags of fleece and went through each one with individual pointers. He gave me real encouragement and made some extremely positive comments. He was particularly impressed with the wool from a 10year old ewe that I had brought along to show what a great long and productive life these Bowmonts can have.
He and his wife were on a month’s holiday in the UK and had driven all the way from London to visit me. That’s a passion for and an interest in wool that I can heartily sympathise with!
Congratulations, Lesley, it’s so good when an industry professional, who you look up to, recognises your achievements.
By: Alison Daykin on May 21, 2011
at 8:52 am
That’s very gratifying for you. I’m so pleased.
By: Janet on May 22, 2011
at 3:29 pm
Thank you to both. Michael Collins was just such a mine of information. And typically Aussie – free and open with it to those who genuinely want to learn.
By: devonfinefibres on May 28, 2011
at 7:26 am