GOAT SHOWS 2024

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GOAT SHOWS 2023

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NDGC Wayland Show 2023 – a club show secretary’s view Sunday 6th August saw the behind the scenes work of organising a fun, educational club show come together with a wonderful display of goats ranging from the very smallest breed pygmies to the largest breed Anglo Nubians and just about everything else in between.

This year’s Wayland Show was organised with the emphasis on fun and encouragement to get new exhibitors into the show ring. Sadly goat showing is very much on the decline and if new exhibitors do not come forward, this wonderful British tradition of showing animals will cease in only a few years.

Although this was a club show, certain important BGS rules were still adhered to, namely only allowing whole herd tested CAE negative goats on to site. Many were relaxed to allow this to be a fun club show that anyone could enter their goats into. For example, exhibitors didn’t have to use the leather rolled collars preferred by the BGS and even wellies were permitted, especially useful considering it was extremely wet the day before the show. White coats however were compulsory as was the willingness to get involved and enjoy the day.

Fortunately, the weather was much kinder than the previous day although given it was still so wet underfoot, contingency plans were swung into action in an attempt to prevent the showground turning into a quagmire. Therefore at 7:30am I found myself walking 3 goats across the car park field with the help of my 8yr old daughter and a very good goaty friend.

Upon reaching the goat tent, we were greeted with a cheery good morning from our Club Chair Richard who had spent his Saturday afternoon in the rain putting up all the pens and making sure all the necessary tables etc were in the right place. Without hands on help, no events can take place, so a huge thank you Richard for doing that.

During the next couple of hours exhibitors turned up with their various goats and settled in. There was a definite buzz in the atmosphere of the tent with exhibitors happily chatting to one another and getting ready.

Given that there were quite a number of exhibitors who had never been into a show ring before, the decision had been made to include a ‘how to show’ demo by our lovely judge Mrs Stella Metford-Sewell and ring Steward, Mr Toby Mitchell. Stella, with many years of goat judging under her belt, happily offered to run this, and it proved rather popular as the goat pens emptied in the rush to be included in the show ring!

Once the goats were safely penned again and exhibitors had a chance to take a breather, the judging commenced with the goat produce classes. These included all kinds of products made from exhibitor’s own goat’s milk. Some products being judged are sold commercially, whilst most represented home-made products for own consumption. There was an amazing assortment on display. – various flavoured hard cheeses, various flavoured soft cheeses, variety of ice creams, variety of frozen yoghurt desserts, various types of soap, shampoo bars and hand creams. Stella had a great time sampling before the main goat showing commenced.

In addition, mohair from Angora goats was also on display – some plain and some naturally dyed in a variety of colours, mohair blended with llama, and a knitted garment using mohair.

Back to goats…….Up first to be judged were the adult female goats and then followed by the goatlings. They were judged in breed types as opposed to the specific breed. This was done so all goats regardless of pedigree status could be included with this show. It was certainly a jam-packed morning with the judging for those two age brackets, only finishing at 1pm.

After lunch, judging recommenced with the kid classes, best in show, wethers, young handlers and novice handler classes, the last two proving to be quite entertaining for everyone involved. I think some of the goats were getting a little tired by that point and decided to make their handlers work for the rosettes just that little bit more.

Finally, we were invited to join the other livestock in the main parade. For me personally this was a huge highlight and one I will not forget in a hurry. Whilst standing with my Anglo Nubian kid Shimmer who had earned herself the position of Champion Kid, I could not have been prouder of her or my fellow goat keepers surrounding me. Each and every one looked so happy to be there. For me to see those happy faces and beautiful goats on display was a lovely conclusion to a great day and my job as show secretary for 2023. Roll on 4th August 2024 when we should get the opportunity to do it all again………………………………even bigger and better!!!!!!

Creena Hancock

Now for a few thoughts from the view of some of our lovely exhibitors:

The Wayland Show. What a Day!

Jo Tavernor, The Appletree Herd of Pedigree English Goats

I grinned like an idiot all the way home. What an unexpected, and joyous day we had at the Wayland Show. And I’m not competitive in the slightest!

I think, for me, the joy of taking my goats to a show (now that I’ve finally done it for the first time), was to hear a completely independent view of whether my goats are any good, or not. Obviously, I love them even if they are not perfect, but in breeding them my primary aim is to breed good quality, healthy livestock that are an asset to whichever breed they belong to. Until now, I’ve kept myself to myself and my goats out of sight because I really didn’t know if they were “good enough”.

The Norwich and District Goat Club have a genuinely inclusive and supportive membership. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been encouraged to invite other goat keepers to come and visit and they, in their turn, have encouraged me to join the club and bring my goats out into the public domain. I’m not quite ready for a full-blown BGS show (yet), so the club show at Wayland seemed to be a great first step.

And what a day it was! We arrived at 8.30am with our four goats; two English nannies, one English goatling and one AOV kid (i.e a mongrel-mix of several different breeds, but with “something” about her that makes me look at her twice). I really wanted a second opinion of the AOV. Was she as good as I thought? I wasn’t brought up on a farm and I’ve only kept goats for ten years, so what do I know about quality?

Being a club show meant we got classes to fit the goats that were competing. So, my English goats got their own class, with rosettes guaranteed as they came first and second. With my encouragement, friend, and fellow English goat keepers Julie and Ifor Davies travelled down from Lincolnshire to try out the “showing” lark and Julie took my Appletree Dawn into the ring, followed by me with Appletree Duchess. Stella, the judge, took her role very seriously and as she gave me my second-place rosette, explained that although they were both good goats, Dawn had a better udder and had kept her figure better post kidding, so she had been placed first. She sounded slightly apologetic, so I grinned and told her I was in absolute agreement, and not to worry, because Dawn was also my goat and the lady showing her was thinking of buying her, so I was over the moon with her decision and comments!

And that’s how the day went. Back in the ring again with the goatling Appletree Eliza, and because Hazel Francis had been unable to come with her two English goatlings, Eliza had no competition and got her red rosette, with the judge complimenting her on her baby udder. We’re both looking forward to seeing how she develops next year when kidded.

Appletree Filippa was the only entry in the AOV class and entertained the judge as she only wanted to walk one way – back to her family in the pens nearby. It was her first expedition out, so perfectly understandable. So, she got a red rosette too.

Then came the proper competition. All the first and second placed milking goats were called back into the ring for the “IP” (Inspection and Production) line-up. As there was no milking competition, it was just an Inspection line-up but as I milk record, I was able to tell the judge what the goats’ official measured amounts had been at the last recording session only days before the show. Knowing English goats can’t compete with milk yield compared to the dairy breeds, imagine my surprise when Appletree Dawn was given the “Best Milker” award. I had no idea that she was that good!

Next up was the “Best Goatling” line-up. Eliza came fourth in that one against some very well grown goatlings, but she didn’t care. She enjoyed being in the ring.

And then we went back in with Filippa for the “Best Kid” line-up. This time she was enjoying herself with her tail right up over her back, standing beautifully and enjoying all the attention. The judge had her work cut out with a large class here and earned yet more respect from me for being able to keep a clear head whilst assessing so many different breeds each against their own breed standard. I’ve judged floral displays in my time, so I know how intense judging is. Filippa came second to Creena Hancock’s beautiful Anglo-Nubian kid. We stood there grinning at each other like a pair of idiots – what a moment to treasure!

With a bagful of rosettes, I was ready to call things a day, but no, the first placed goats were called back into the ring for the final “Champion Goat” to be selected. Stella was faced with the winners of every class and had to choose just one. How do judges manage this? They were all perfect in my eyes, beautifully turned out, and standing correctly. Anyway, however she decided, it was in favour of Appletree Dawn, my little English goat. Wow!

As my friend Julie had taken charge of Dawn throughout the day, she ended off much busier than expected, with Dawn having to go back into the ring several times. In chatting between ring-times I found out that Julie used to show Guinea pigs – and she’s quite competitive. So, she’s agreed to buy Dawn and has promised to bring her back to Wayland next year and if Hazel can come with her goats too, we’ll have a proper competition for the English goats!

The whole day was fun, celebratory and a great social event. Thank you to the NDGC for organising it. I’d have enjoyed it just as much if I’d come last in all the classes, but I don’t think I’d have grinned quite so much on the way home. I now know I have good goats!

And from Laura who was mighty busy in the ring that day……..

How not to show a Goat – by Laura Leverton: an enthusiastic novice shower at the Wayland Show.

My crash course introduction into showing goats started with my good goaty friend and breeder of my beautiful grass roots herd of 6. Creena suggested that, as I was taking my new additions to my herd home from the Wayland Show, I should be the one who takes them in the ring. She informed me that ‘training’ is going well and that they will walk well for me as they do not know me.

I thought, “right, a bit earlier than I planned”. I was going to make my showing debut next season, this season was the recce season. Get to know what it is all about. Find my feet.

I attended the male show earlier in the year and was given a goat to take in the ring as there were more goats than people. Ok, not too bad. Lovely well-trained goat. It was fun. Sally gave me my own personal commentary on what I need to look for in a good goat. Creena showed my boys’ dad and I was given a practice goat by Nick. I came away buzzing after a lovely Saturday. Note to self: take a packed lunch and a flask of tea.

Next, I don’t work on a Wednesday, so I volunteered to promote The Goat at the Royal Norfolk, be a steward and chat to the public while all the advanced well-seasoned owners show their goats. This time it’s Teigh, “Laura can you take this goat in?” Beautiful Anglo Nubian, right up my street, well trained, walked and stood on command. Here I am thinking this goat show lark is easy! Later, Stella informs me I was needed, and we took all the cute little kids in the ring. I take in the baby Anglo Nubian. I made a child cry. It was fun! I stayed for the milking competition, fed distraction digestive biscuits to Hazel’s goat. Very interesting. Something I would love to do in the future.

I think I’m getting hooked on showing.

Next, I get a phone call from Creena, ‘Do I want to go to the Tendring Show?’ She has 2 kids and would like to show them both. No problem. Early start: 3.30am to sort my smallholding, drive to Creena’s, load goats, drive to show, be there before milking. Note to self: take food and a flask of tea - coat not necessary (if it rains, goats don’t like it so we all stay undercover). Creena’s 2 beautiful girls are Shimmer and Iris. Shimmer was trained by a small child to be the perfect goat. Iris has toddler tantrums all over the place and refused to walk for me. She’s only a baby and it’s allowed. I picked her up and carried her out of the ring (not allowed). I still had a great day: stayed for milking, and was given various goats by other people to show. Iris and her mum are for sale so I decide to buy them. The mum, Tansy, is mum of my favourite girl that I already have at home and she produces beautiful goats. No brainer. Small obstacle of husband saying no more goats, convinced him by saying Tansy is in milk and I will make him ice-cream! Husband agrees. Then I tell him about Iris! What’s another goat? She’s only little. Eyes roll. A reluctant yes.

Now to the exposure of my naivety. The Wayland Show! Earlier I said, and I quote, “this showing lark is easy!” In walks, Tansy is A Big Opinionated Anglo Nubian. I’ve bought her. She’s mine now. It’s ok. I compare everything to the pair of feral Shetland ponies I have at home so, in my mind, if it’s not kicking me or rearing to bite my face I’m winning! Stella organised a showing for novices’ training: pre main show. Brilliant! Just what I need! I get Tansy out of the hurdles and we walk nicely to get to the ring and do the standing and the training. Fantastic! Then we had to walk. This is the start of how not to show a goat. Apparently walking isn’t a speed Tansy has finessed, we have stop and charge. So, I either drag her around with help from stewards and judges and judge’s daughter or I’m dragged around. Everyone else’s goats are beautifully behaved and I’m in stitches completely unsure of the goat showing etiquette of naughty goats. But everyone is telling me it’s ok and just go with it. I finish training and put the goat back. In my head I’m thinking I can’t get worse than that, it’s her first time and it’s just stage fright.

Then we are up! The first class. I confidently take Tansy out of the hurdles and she’s not too bad. We take about 10 steps and then she stops, and she drags me across crowds of people jumping out of the way, picking up children out of the path of the charging goat. But, we got to the edge of the ring. We walk in reasonably well and do the stand. When I say reasonably well, my standards have now dropped considerably and reasonably well means I did not need anyone else to poke her in the bum to get her to move! Standing goes well, Tansy is good at standing. Walking, not so. Assistance required. But all good. I get a lovely red rosette and we exit at full speed with one lady jumping out of the way squealing.

After all the goats from the same section have shown, all the 1sts, 2nds and 3rds go out again for another line up where we are placed again for overall winner. Right, I’m ready this time. Tansy will walk beautifully…Tansy has other ideas. Repeat the dragging and assistance/being dragged cycle. It’s ok. Remember “this showing lark is easy!”

Next time I’m out in the ring, I take the beautiful Iris. She’s only little, it will be ok…..or not - Like mother, like daughter. But she doesn’t just stop, it’s legs spread, digging her heels in, about to lie down. Creena, on the other hand, has the perfectly-child-trained Shimmer and we get into a rhythm. As long as Iris is following Shimmer, we regain some showing dignity. Blue rosette and we are out of there (not being carried).

But no, we have go back in again for the IP. I muster and drag my beautiful blonde spotty goat back into the ring. Shimmer gets the best kid award. Rightly so.

You would think by now I would say, ‘that’s enough!’ The bruises are starting to appear on my wrists, my shoulder hurts and I have mud splatters on my white coat that I lovingly soaked in Vanish. But no, we have the mother and daughter show up next. I look at Creena and we just laugh. We are going into battle. I take Tansy, Creena takes Iris. Iris is slightly better as she is with her mum. Tansy was Tansy. I can see people in the crowd giving pitying looks. I don’t know if they are aimed at me or Tansy. We get through it, - yellow rosette.

And it’s over. My premature showing debut has finished and no one got seriously hurt. Or so I thought.

Our lovely, supportive, sadistic Judge Stella has other ideas. Out of nowhere I am told to stay out with Tansy. I’ve been entered into a novice showing class which involves walking your goat in a circle until you have them walking perfectly and our darling judge Stella lines you up in order of your ability to walk a goat. Cheers Stella! Among the Goaty people, there are 2 camps. Camp one is looking at me and whispering to their friends, “I can’t believe she’s taking that goat out there again.” The other camp are rubbing their hands together in glee, nudging their mates, going, “Watch this, it’s going to be hilarious!” At this point, I have a foot in each camp. As people paraded round the outside of the ring with their angelic goats with halos for leads, I was begging Stella to take me out. I now had Satan in the middle but was using all my Shetland pony wrangling skills to get a goat to put one foot in front of the other. That was the end of my debut goat showing.

After reading my report of showing at the Wayland Show, you would think that I’ve been put off for life and I’m never again setting foot in a ring. Any sane person would! Luckily, I’m a goat owner so I cannot wait until next year. I’m currently figuring out transport. Apparently, chucking them in the back of a Vauxhall Meriva like a dog “isn’t the done thing.” But, once I’ve figured out the transport, I’m going to do it! I’ve never met such a lovely, welcoming, down to earth, crazy group of people and I would like to say thank you to all of you for making me feel so welcome. And, if anyone reading is thinking about coming showing, go for it! Or, just come along and someone will hand you a goat. It’s great and has made this summer one to remember.

Laura

The Royal Norfolk Show 2023

Teigh with Prince William 2023 _ Royal Norfolk Show 2 2023 _ Royal Norfolk Show 1 2023 _ Royal Norfolk Show 3 2023

This year, Mr Alan Williams was our head steward and he organised the very efficient goat show on behalf of the R.N.S. He has been liaising with the Norfolk Show livestock organisers throughout the past year and also with our committee.

Our marquee was much smaller than in the last few years due to the low numbers of goats/people exhibiting. It was circular & we shared it with the small animal show.

We had 12 milkers and several goatlings & kids present.

Callum Williams was our assistant head steward & Stella Metford-Sewell with her daughter Lydia were also stewards.

Gordon Webster was our judge on Wednesday & Terry Hannah on Thursday.

On Wednesday the weather was perfect & we showed our goats with great enthusiasm outside. Thursday was not so great due to heavy rain. But never mind we carried on regardless, inside our marquee.

This year, the ‘Queens cup’ which is a livestock award; went to the goat section.

Teigh o’Neil won it with his 1st kidder Teion Meika - a British Saanen goat who gave 6.7kg of milk. Teigh was presented to Prince William who awarded him the cup. Well done Teigh.

We were very well supported by the general public and always had a full marquee of on lookers.

This year’s President & his wife – Mr & Mrs John Cushing (Thursford Museum) also visited our marquee.

Our helpers and stewards took turns in giving out stickers throughout the 2 days & chatted “goaty” talk relentlessly. The public always enjoy having contact with the animals & learning about goats through the education information.

Many thanks to all club members and their families who supported the club and the goats at the Royal Norfolk Show. Without you all, none of this would have happened & been so successful.

Zoe Mitchell

And more about the Royal Norfolk: The first day was bright and sunny and as usual, a good many members of the public, friends and family came to visit us all in the goat tent. The second day was wet in the morning which meant that the show took place under the cover of the marquee.

We must thank the organisers for setting it all up and of course to a number of members who came along to ‘man’ the education stand and to help out wherever it was needed. I personally would like to thank them for their enthusiasm and time spent answering the many questions posed by the public.

Having the education stand in the middle of the whole area meant that it received more attention than usual. Thanks go to Zoe for maintaining the education stand so well, keeping it up to date, relevant and interesting.

This year, the goat section of the show was to receive the Queen’s Cup. This was presented to Teigh O’Neill by Prince William on the second day of the show. Teigh was awarded top prize for his home bred British Saanan, Teion Meika.

Great result for our Golden Guernseys at the Norfolk Show with two in the final winners, - Sally’s goatling and my kid.

Great result for the Golden Guernseys at the Norfolk Show 2023 with two in the final winners, Sally's goatling and my kid.

Hazel Francis

The Spring Dairy Show Report May 2023

We are so pleased to have seen many of our usual exhibitor's at the show and with the added bonus of including our usual back to back male show. The weekend clashed with the coronation of King Charles 111, so we are even more grateful to everyone that came.

The show ran very smoothly and we were able to accommodate differing health standards successfully and shared supper together on the Saturday evening.

Our judges were lovely too. Lots of people dropped by to say hello which was very welcomed and many found themselves part of the show.

Thanks to everyone for taking part so willingly.

Hazel

Norwich And District Spring Show 2023

Whilst many people settled down to watch one of the most important days in modern British history unfold, I had already grappled with my conscience and decided that with the invention of i-player I could attend my local goat show and see the best of British later on in the day.

So, Saturday 6th May saw the Hancock family driving off to the Royal Norfolk Showground with a trailer containing the beautiful Isander and Bobby. Teion Isander is our resident Anglo Nubian entire male and Bobby is his British Saanen wether companion.

My husband Thomas has previous goat showing experience having competed at a number of shows in the early 2000s, myself had absolutely no experience other than being the spectator at numerous county shows.

We duly arrived in good time and were met with the show in full flow, milkers had been there overnight and had finished the morning milking. So, we were able to watch the goatlings being judged which was an ideal opportunity to suss out what to do when Isander’s turn came.

Late morning arrived and it was then our turn to take centre stage in the ring, I couldn’t have asked for any better behaviour from Isander, for an animal that has never been off our holding and the sensory overload he would have experienced with all the other goaty smells/noises he was an absolute gem to walk round and stood perfectly for the judging earning himself several rosettes.

After lunch, a different BGS judge attended and we were able to compete again, this time indoors due to the wet weather, once again Isander behaved beautifully and earned himself some more rosettes, I couldn’t have been prouder of him.

I will admit that upon my return to goat keeping, I never really envisaged myself going out onto the show circuit and found the thought of it somewhat daunting, however having had several supportive conversations with other NDGC showing members, I could see that the opportunity is there for the taking and that support for showing is very much needed.

Sadly, I can see that if new competitors do not come on board to show their animals, then this aspect of goat keeping is in a real danger of not existing in the future.

Having now made our showing debut, we will most definitely be heading out again later this summer to The Wayland Show on 6th August. Some NDGC members attended last year with an exhibition of goats but this year it is a club show with plenty of classes on offer. It is an ideal opportunity for those less experienced members to come, show their goats and hopefully win themselves some lovely rosettes.

For those unable to attend or worried about showing, the NDGC has this year launched its very first E-SHOW exclusivity for its members and every goat regardless of breed or status. This is a perfect way for members to win rosettes without leaving their holdings and something that the club would love to be able to offer its members each year going forward, therefore please do support this new venture and fill the E-SHOW email inbox with lots of lovely goat pictures. Entries close at the end of September 2023.

Creena Hancock

More information will be added as it becomes available.
Please also see DIARY page.

GOAT SHOWS 2022

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AYLSHAM SHOW 2022

Norwich Goat Club members have for many years supported the Aylsham Show. This year it had been negotiated to have a back-to-back dairy show – a big step up managed by Tim and Teigh, our Show Coordinators. The goat show was on the edge of the show ground so it was very easy to find the marquee, and there was plenty of space to park and unload goats.

Aylsham show is held at Blickling Hall – a lovely setting and well established parkland. Stella Metford-Sewell, our ring steward has a long association with the show, and her family have all helped over the years.

The goat classes were well supported by members and everything ran very smoothly. Water was nearby, and the marquee was open enough to let in a good flow of air. The loos were also not far away. The goat ring was by the marquee. The venue was very practical, and the show organisers looked after us well.

I should certainly hope to go there again and would recommend everyone to attend if they can. Stella even treated us all to a delicious blackberry crumble. Overall it was a lovely friendly and enjoyable show.

Lynn

Double male goat show

For show schedule, please see below

Click here for Male Schedule form.
Print off, fill in and send to the address on the form.

Wayland Show 4th September 2022

It was great for the Goat Club to be back at the Wayland Show this year, and we enjoyed sharing our marquee with Norfolk Smallholders' Training Group.

Rather than competitive showing, our presence this year was for a display of educational materials about goats with several pens of different breeds of goat.

The weather was perfect - sunny and warm - and it was a lovely relaxing day. A great opportunity to chat with fellow goat keepers, admire their animals, and compare notes on husbandry.

Huge thanks to Richard and all the team who worked so hard to set up, and take down, the display, and to transport and care for the animals, also to Mary for demonstrating spinning goat fibre.

Below are photos of our goats on display there.

Frances Martyn

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More information will be added as it becomes available.
Please also see DIARY page.