Harborough farmers forced to cancel its traditional Christmas show - but it still found a way of making sure its competition still went ahead

The Special Sale at Foxton Cattle Market on Wednesday 9th November 2020 in lieu of the Society’s Annual Christmas Show & Sale which was not held due to Covid Restrictions.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — The Special Sale at Foxton Cattle Market on Wednesday 9th November 2020 in lieu of the Society’s Annual Christmas Show & Sale which was not held due to Covid Restrictions. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

Market Harborough Fatstock Society has been forced to cancel its traditional Christmas show and sale of prime lambs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They have gone ahead at Market Harborough Livestock Market at Foxton for over 50 years - apart from 2001 amid the devastating foot and mouth outbreak.

But the society did stage a very well-supported socially-distanced competition at Foxton on Wednesday (December 9).

John Wadland president and Craig Langton chairman of Market Harborough Fatstock Society invited a Charity Donation of Lambs from local farmers, to be sold at the Auction in support of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance. This resulted in an excellent response and a donation amounting to over £1,600 being raised for the charity.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — John Wadland president and Craig Langton chairman of Market Harborough Fatstock Society invited a Charity Donation of Lambs from local farmers, to be sold at the Auction in support of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance. This resulted in an excellent response and a donation amounting to over £1,600 being raised for the charity. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

A drop and go policy was put into place as farmers from across the district got behind the contest for the best pen of four or commercial lambs.

Competition was fierce with almost 50 entries.

Judge Mike Carter awarded top prize to be a pen of six charollais X lambs, owned by WG Payne & Son from Turvey, Bedfordshire.

Mike liked the animals so much that he snapped them up for £100.

Market Harborough Fatstock Society also invited a charity donation of lambs from farmers to be sold at the auction in support of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

And they raised over £1,600 for the vital life-saving emergency service.

“After a difficult year for all, Market Harborough Fatstock Society is elated with the generosity and support shown by farmers and rural businesses.

“We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Covid-free New Year,” said the society.