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22
November 08
Bower Young Farmers Win Brains Of The North To Head For National Finals
A
team from Bower Young Farmers have taken the top award in this years
Caithness District Young Farmers Brains of the North elimination. They
came out on top after the pub style quiz and head to head final. Running
them a close second were a team representing Forss Young Farmers. The
Bower team will now represent Caithness at the North Region qualifier in
December looking to win a place in the National Finals next February. The
results were as follows:-
1st Place - Bower - Karen Oliphant, Lesley Oliphant, James Barnetson,
Ranald Angus
2nd place - Forss - Alan MacKay, Michael Cragg, Ashley Mackay, Iona Bamber
3rd Place -Halkirk - Duncan Pottinger, Andrew Gunn, Isobel Swanson, Sarah
Jardine
8
March 07
Bower Young Farmers AGM Report
Bower Young Farmers held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 6th
March in Bower Community Centre.
19
February 07
Bower Boys Retain Caithness Young Farmers District Quiz Trophy
A
team from Bower YFC won this year's Caithness Young Farmers District
Junior Quiz. Held in the Ross Institute, Halkirk, the format was pub
quiz with teams of three. The quizmaster for the evening was Mr Robert
Bell, who did an excellent job and also compiled the questions. The
winning team was William Barnetson, Ranald Angus and Jamie Mackay.
Following the Bower boys were a team from Watten consisting of Kiri
Shallcorss, Mark Brims & Gavin Hendry. Halkirk A were third, Mark
MacDonald, Alan Macleod and Hamish Coghill.
16 February 07
National Competitions Weekend comes to Caithness
The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs is this year holding
its February Competitions Weekend in Thurso. It is estimated that
between 450 - 500 Young farmers from the length and breadth of Scotland
will converge on the town to take part in five National Competitions.
The Competitions being held are Member of the Year, Ten Pin Bowling, 5
aside football, National Quiz and Senior Speechmaking.
Leading Caithness clubs
into competition will be this year�s Caithness District Member of the
Year, Bryan Sinclair. He will represent Caithness in the National Final
to be held in the Royal Hotel on Saturday 24th February. Bryan lives on
the family farm at Lochside, Calder and is a Process Engineer with ABSL
Power Solutions in Thurso. He has been a member of Halkirk YFC for 10
years. He is currently the Halkirk YFC Chairman and Caithness District
YF treasurer, as well as a member of the North Region Committee. His
hobbies include Seven aside football, fly fishing, a small flock of
Texel sheep and Tug of War. Among the opposition for Bryan will be
members from Dumfries and Galloway, Lanarkshire, Perthshire and Ayrshire
with a total line up of 12 competitors. The competition takes the format
of a written entry form submitted prior to the weekend followed by an
interview with a panel of three judges on the afternoon of 24th
February. The winner will be announced at the dance on the Saturday
evening in the Royal Hotel. The Member of the Year competition is aimed
at recognising the achievement of members and their contributions
towards the running and activity of their clubs, districts or regions.
Also being held on the
Saturday will be the Ten Pin Bowling. The recent winners of the
Caithness elimination, Halkirk A, will be joined by the runners-up Forss
A. Making up the Halkirk team will be Carol-ann Budge, Bryan Sinclair,
John Coghill, Willie Budge, Ellen falconer and James Riddell. The Forss
team will be Kevin Ross, Colin MacDonald, Mark Mackay, Graeme Mackay,
Caroline MacDonald & Michael Cragg. However there will be stiff
competition with 30 other teams also taking part.
![](speech_making_s.jpg)
Halkirk YFC Speechmaking team, l/r David
Brewster,
Gail Sinclair & Bryan Sinclair who qualified from the North Region
Eliminations
Competitions to be held
on the Sunday are Senior Speechmaking, Quiz and Football. The
Speechmaking and Quiz will be held in the All Star Factory ad is most
generously sponsored by Robert Wiseman�s Dairies. The format for this
year is Chairman, Speaker and Vote of Thanks with the Speaker being
given only 20 minutes to prepare a speech from a selection of topics.
Topics chosen at the North Region elimination included ��Men are more
vain than Women�, �Religious Education should be banned in schools� and
�Human Rights are sacrificed when you break the law�. Caithness will be
represented in the finals by a team from Halkirk YFC. The team is Bryan
Sinclair (Chairman), Gail Sinclair (Speaker) and David Brewster (Mover
of the Vote of Thanks). There will be a full compliment of teams from
all regions making a total of 10 teams vying for the Royal Highland &
Agricultural Challenge Cup.
Also on Sunday will see
a team from Bower YFC trying to keep the 5 aside football trophy in
Caithness. This competition was won by Halkirk last year in Oban and as
the immediate past winners cannot compete Bower will bid to emulate
their neighbours. The Bower squad for the completion to be held at Naver
is William Barnetson, Daniel Sewell, John Oliphant, Michael Sutherland,
Chris Sandison, John Macaulay, John Mowat & Jamie Mackay. However the
lads will face fierce competition with 5 teams from the West and 5 teams
from the East Region taking part along with another 5 from the North
Region.
Itinerary for Weekend
Friday 23 February 07
- WELCOME PARTY
9.00 pm Royal Hotel, Thurso (DISCO)
Saturday 24 February 07
11 am Ten Pin Bowling
4.00 pm Member of the Year
9.00 pm Member of the Year Dance (smart dress � no jeans) (BAND)
Sunday 25 February 07
10.30 am Senior Speechmaking
11.00 am Five-a-side Football
mid afternoon Quiz
|
For further
information contact:
Caithness District
Chairman - Bryan Sinclair, 21 Castle Street, Thurso Tel: 01847
892749
Mobile: 07786317061
Email -
[email protected]
Secretary - Isobel Swanson, Hillhead, Dunnet Thurso
Mobile: 07841754961
Email -
[email protected]
Halkirk Club
Chairman - Carolyn Coghill, shepherds Cottage, Stemster,
Halkirk.
Tel: 01955 661253
Email -
[email protected]
Secretary - Isobel Swanson, Hillhead,
Dunnet Thurso.
Tel: 07841754961
Email -
[email protected]
Bower Club
Chairman - James Barnetson, Lynegar Farm, Watten.
Mobile: 07717783622
Secretary - John MacAulay, Wick, Mobile: 07760281843
Forss Club
Chairman - Colin MacDonald, Schoolhouse, Forss. 01847 861254
Secretary - Sarah Campbell, Mid-Calder, Thurso 07749978481
Watten Club
Chairman - Calvin Wilson, Backlass, Watten Tel: 01955 621699
Secretary - Kathleen Campbell, 2 West Watten, Watten
Tel: 01955 621311
Mobile: 07909791100 |
18 October 06
Bower Boys Win Cattle Dressing For Fourth Time
![](../../photos/fpb/2006/october/cattledressing/bowera_s.jpg)
A team from Bower YFC chalked up their 4th win on the trot at
the annual Caithness Young Farmers District Cattle Dressing competition.
The Bower team, James Barnetson and Stuart Mackay now go forward to
represent Caithness at the Regional eliminations to be held in Dingwall
Mart on Saturday 21st October. Taking second place was the Bower C team
of John Macaulay and Karen Oliphant with the Junior winners, Ranald
Angus & Carrie Mcadie of Bower B taking third place overall. The Judge
for the competition held on Saturday 14th October was Mr Andrew
Campbell, West Murkle whilst the stock was donated by Mr Colin Mackay,
Westburn. Once again Aberdeen & Northern Marts kindly provided the venue
at Quoybrae, Watten.
29 August 06
Halkirk Young Farmers Club Continue 60th Anniversary
Celebrations
Halkirk YFC continued their 60th Anniversary celebrations on Saturday
26th August with an Open Stock Judging, Barbeque and Dance. The Stock
judging was held at Gerston Farm by kind permission of the Gunn Family.
The official judge for the evening was Tommy Sinclair, Reaster. Taking
the Open title was Colin Mackay of Westburn, Murkle with Tom Munro,
Braal Terrace, Halkirk a close second. In third place was George Cormack,
Wester, Dunnet. An added category was for best exchangee as the Halkirk
club were hosting
15 members from Carluke over the weekend. The results of the other
classes were as follows:-
Ladies - 1st Catherine Murray, 2nd Liz Budge, 3rd Lorna Macgregor
YF Senior - 1st Alan Gow, 2nd equal James Barnetson & David Brewster
YF Junior - 1st John Anderson, 2nd Alasdair Budge, 3rd Alasdair Findlay
Past Halkirk Member - 1st Tom Munro, 2nd Bruce Swanson, 3rd Johnnie
Campbell
Carluke Exchangee - 1st Mike Hamilton, 2nd Ian Struthers, 3rd Graham
Barr
Youngest Competitor - Cameron Jordan, aged 5
The Barbeque and dance followed the Stock
judging in the Ross Institute where around 150 people danced the night
away to Radioactive. The final part of the celebrations will be a Dinner
Dance to be held in the Weigh Inn, Thurso on Friday 27th October.
Tickets can now be reserved with Kenneth Sutherland on 01847 821209
10 August 06
Change of Venue for Halkirk YF's 60th Celebrations
The second event to take place during Halkirk Young Farmers' 60th
Anniversary year will now take place at the Ross Institute in Halkirk. A
Barbeque and Open Stock judging followed by a dance was planned for
Stainland Farm, Thurso but plans had to be shelved for that venue after
an application for an Entertainment licence was turned down. The
organiser's Plan B now sees the event take place from 6.30pm at the
Ross Institute, Halkirk on the event's original date of Saturday
26th August. The Barbeque and Dance will take place at the Ross
Institute with the Stock judging held at Gerston Farm. Tickets priced at
�10 are currently being sold and with numbers restricted it is advisable
to book tickets as soon as possible. They can be obtained from Kenneth
Sutherland on 07740781329 or Willie Budge on 01847 891593. Alternatively
you can book by email at
[email protected]
7 June 06
A Break From Tradition For Halkirk YFC
With
an Open Stock Judging being held as part of the 60th Anniversary
celebrations, Halkirk YFC broke with tradition and held a Mock Auction
and Slave Auction on Wednesday 31st May. The event was held in Thurso
Auction Market. The Mock Auction comprised 42 items ranging from a box
of washing powder, fencing materials and bag of lambs milk to a Texel
Tup and details of agricultural property. Competitors had to value each
item. Points were awarded depending how close they were while zero
points were awarded outwith certain price ranges.
A number of items were supplied by Allan's
of Gillock, Charles Angus, R B Flett and W & A Geddes, while the
livestock came from Messrs Campbell, Todholes. The official adjudicator
was Iain Thomson while auctioneer was Phillip Coghill.
The winner of the Mock Auction was Dorothy
Binnie, Barrock Street, Thurso who scooped both the Open and Ladies
titles. The Young Farmers' winner was Alan Macleod, Olgrinbeg,
Scotscalder.
The Slave Auction saw 16 Slaves sell to a
top price of �60 for Alan Gow to average �30.31, down �12.28 on last
year.
The full results list was as follows:-
OPEN - 1st Dorothy Binnie, 2nd Robert Budge, 3rd Alan Macleod
LADIES - 1st Dorothy Binnie, 2nd Kathleen Campbell, 3rd Susan Cowan
YOUNG FARMERS - 1st Alan Macleod, 2nd Alan Gow, 3rd Kathleen Campbell
Guess the weight of "Sweetie" the Rabbit - Danny Budge
7 June 06
Halkirk's 60th Anniversary year gets off to
a great start
Halkirk YFC began their 60th Anniversary celebrations with a Quiz and
Social evening in the Ross Institute, Halkirk. With a total of 17 teams
taking part the night was a great success. Question masters for the
evening, Mr James Campbell and Mr John Bremner kept the evening moving
along smoothly as Halkirk's very own "Ant and Dec". The eventual winners
of the quiz were "He's behind you", comprising Karen Oliphant, Mrs Anne
Oliphant and Neil Henderson. Runners-up spot was taken by the "Wooden
Tops", Alan Hewitson, Dorothy Binnie, Jessie Allan and Robert Budge.
Teas were served during the Quiz interval whilst the social evening
kicked off with music by John Dunbar and a dancing demonstration.
Attentions now turn to the Open Stock judging, Barbeque and Dance to be
held on Saturday 26th August at Stainland Farm, Thurso. Tickets can be
ordered now from Ellen on 01847 890180.
7 June 06
Halkirk retain team trophy as Barnetson is top Individual
Caithness District Young Farmers held their Summer Stock judging
competition on 20th May 2006. Dairy Cattle were judged at Messrs
Ronaldson, Westerseat, with Sheep at Mr & Mrs Bruce Swanson, East Murkle
and Beef Cattle at Messrs Gunn, Carsgoe. The official judges for the day
were Mr Morris Ronaldson, Westerseat and Mr Don Budge, Brae-Edge.
Halkirk retained the Spillers Cup for best
team with Bryan Sinclair, Alan Gow and John Anderson, while top
individual was James Barnetson from Bower. James scooped the Wester
Shield with an impressive score of 332 out of 350. Runners-up in the
team event were the Bower team, James Barnetson, Neil Brims and John
Oliphant. In third place were Halkirk B, comprising Dave Brewster,
Angela Sutherland and Angus Mowat. Best in the ladies section was Karen
Oliphant, while the Campbell sisters, Christine and Kathleen were 2nd
and 3rd. The 2nd individual was Bryan Sinclair while Karen Oliphant and
Alan Gow were third equal. Top junior member was Alan Gow, followed by
John Anderson and Angus Mowat.
In a busy weekend for Caithness Young
Farmers, a team from Forss took part in the National Finals of the Agri-Skills
Competition. A spirited effort saw the boy's finish runners-up in the
National competition for the second year in a row. The team was Kevin
Ross, John Swanson and Graeme Mackay.
7 June 06
Forss boys make it two in a row
A team from Forss YFC have won the Caithness District Agri Skills
Competition for the second year in a row. The event was held at West
Greenland Farm by kind permission of the Mackay Family who also
presented a new trophy for the competition. Five teams took part in
events such as Fence repair, Hydraulic hose connection, Knapsack
calibration, Sheep pen erection and dismantling and a Safety quiz. The
winning team are pictured receiving the new trophy for the event from Mr
Andrew Mackay, they are l/r John Swanson, Kevin Ross (Team Captain) and
Graeme Mackay. Bower teams were 2nd equal, the A team were James
Barnetson, Helen Ryrie and Michael Sutherland, with B team consisting of
William Barnetson, Neil Brims and John MacAulay.
The Forss team will now represent Caithness at the National Finals to be
held on Sunday 21st May 2006 at Balliefurth Farm, Granton on Spey.
A Sprayer course and Sheep Shearing courses are planned for May and
early June, anyone wishing more information should contact Linda on
01847 841261.
27
April 06
Halkirk YFC gear up for 60th Anniversary Year
Halkirk Young Farmers Club are holding three events throughout 2006 to
celebrate their 60 years in existence. The first event is an anniversary
Quiz to be held on Friday 19th May at 7.30pm in the Ross Institute,
Halkirk. Teams will comprise 4 people and Question Master for the
evening will be Mr. James Campbell with Adjudicator, Mr. John Bremner.
Question topics include Music,Sport, Agriculture and Questions on
Halkirk YFC. Music and teas will follow the Quiz. Anyone interested in
entering a team should contact Ellen on 01847 890180.
The second event will be a Barbeque and
Open Stockjuding followed by a dance at Stainland Farm on Saturday 26th
August. Tickets will be available soon for the Barbeque and Dance,
priced �10. Tickets for the Dance only will be �5.
The 60th Year celebrations will come to a
close with an Anniversary Ball to be held on Friday 27th October in the
New Weigh Inn, Thurso. Music will be provided by Whisky.
Orders will also be taken at the Quiz for
60th keepsakes. Items available will be Coasters, Paperweights, Ties and
Scarves.
The search is now on for Halkirk YF
pictures and general items of interest from yesteryear. Past Members
wishing to submit items can contact 60th Anniversary secretary Ellen
Falconer on 01847 890180. Alternatively you can obtain contact
details and further information from the Club Website,
www.halkirkyfc.co.uk
or email
[email protected]
28 November 05
Young Farmers Speech Making
Competition
The Scottish Association of Young Farmers' North Region held their 2006
Junior Speechmaking Elimination and Regional Quiz Finals on Sunday the
27th of November at the Thurso Town Hall, Caithness. The format for the Junior Speechmaking
Elimination was Chairman, Opposer and Proposer with teams from the East
Aberdeenshire District to Orkney District. The top honours, for the second
year running, went to Harray YFC from Orkney District represented by
Graham Tullock, Charles Copland, and Garry Hamilton. In second place was
East Mainland YFC, also from Orkney District, with Peter Moss and sisters
Laura and Kathryn Banks. Bower YFC from Caithness District took third
place with Helen Ryrie, Laura Sandison, and Mey Erridge.
20 November 05
BOWER BOYS GET 3RD IN NATIONAL CATTLE DRESSING COMPETITION
On the 5th of November in Perth Auction Mart, Bower YF had a team
competing in both the national cattle dressing competition and the
national sheep dressing competition. Brothers, James and Will Barnetson
from Lynegar took part in the national sheep dressing but were unlucky
not to be placed. James Barnetson and Stuart Mackay took part in
the cattle dressing. They secured their place in the national
competition by coming first at both the district and north region
eliminations and did extremely well to be placed 3rd as there was some
very stiff competition. Karen Oliphant, chairperson of the the club,
said "On behalf of Bower YF I would like to say how proud we are of the
team. To come 3rd out of the whole of Scotland is an amazing
achievement, very well done."
13 October 05
Halkirk A Team Win Caithness Young Farmers Sheep Dressing Competition
The
Halkirk boys clipped to victory to win this years Caithness District
Young Farmers' Sheep Dressing competition. Halkirk A which consisted of
Bryan Sinclair and Kenneth Sutherland will now go forward to the
National Finals to be held in Perth on 5th November. Joining them will
be a team from Bower Yoiung Farmers, brothers James and William
Barnetson who were runners-up. In third palce was another team from
Halkirk, Alan Macleod and Alistair Budge. The event was held by kind
permission of Aberdeen & Northern Marts, at Quoybrae. The sheep were
provided by Mr Ian Campbell, Todholes with the official judge, Bill
Manson from Skaill.
14 July 05
Halkirk Tug O' War Team Are Scottish
Champions 2005
![](../../photos/fpb/july2005/tugowar/tow1_s.jpg) A team from Halkirk Tug of War came home triumphant from the Scottish Tug
Of War Championships on Sunday 10th July. The Amateur competition is held
annually at the Stirling Games. The Halkirk boys took top honours in the
680kg weight category. Amateur pulling is different from the more
traditional Highland Games pulling which is seen in the North of Scotland.
The main differences are the footwear which is permitted and the technique
used. It could be likened to the differences between Rugby Union and Rugby
League.
10 June 05
It's Muddy Marvellous for Halkirk YF Girls TOW team
Months
of training paid off for the Halkirk Young Farmers Girls' Tug of War
team on Saturday 4th June. For the third year in a row the girls won the
North Regional Elimination at Cornhill and will now represent the North
at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh on 25th June. In extremely muddy
conditions which caused the Cornhill games to be postponed the girls
beat Kinneff, Strichen and Keith to win the competition. In the Gents
competition, Halkirk A will also join them at the Highland Show after
they finished 3rd to ensure qualification. The Gents team comprised
Andrew Morris, Mark MacDonald, Bruce Swanson Jnr, Bryan Sinclair, Graeme
Gunn and John Murray with Michael MacGregor the coach. A high standard
of 11 teams made for a tough afternoon.
10 June 04
Record Slave Price as Mart Man takes Open Stock
Judging Title
Halkirk
Young Farmers held their Annual Open Stockjudging and Slave Auction on
Wednesday 25th May in Thurso Auction Market by kind permission of Thurso
& UA. The night was again a great success with 22 slaves
being sold to a top bid of �100 for Michelle Sutherland, a record price.
The average for the 22 was �42.59. Entrants in the Stock Judging
competition had their abilities were tested ongst other animals on
Alpacas.
The winner in the Open Stock judging was Colin
Mackay, Westburn, Murkle, head yardsman with Thurso & UA, who hit a top
score of 293 out of a possible 300. Runner - up in the Open was Ladies
and Young farmer winner, Selina Campbell, Mid-Calder. The Junior winner
was Alan Macleod, Olgrinbeg, Scotscalder.
The full results list was as follows:-
OPEN - 1st Colin Mackay, 2nd Selina Campbell, 3rd Alan Rutherford
LADIES - 1st Selina Campbell, 2nd Christine Campbell, 3rd Catherine
Murray
YOUNG FARMERS - 1st Selina Campbell, 2nd Alan Rutherford, 3rd Alan
Macleod
JUNIORS - 1st Alan Macleod, 2nd James Barnetson, 3rd Christine Campbell
Guess the weight of the duck - Mr John Macadie, Leuirary Mains
3 June 05
FORSS RUNNERS-UP IN NATIONAL COMPETITION
Fresh
from winning the Caithness District elimination of the Agri-Skills
Competition, a team from Forss Young Farmers Club represented Caithness
at the National Finals in Perth on Sunday. The events included Welding,
Bale Stacking and Vehicle handling as well as a First Aid/Health and
Safety Quiz. Winners were Ayrshire District with Forss a close second.
The team are pictured after winning the Caithness event which was held
at Quarryside Farm, by kind permission of Messrs George Swanson.
Pictured l/r are Andrew Swanson, Judge, Greame Mackay, Buldoo, George
Williamson, Judge, John Swanson, Clatequoy and Kevin Ross, Golval.
Runners-up in the Caithness elimination were a team from Halkirk, Alan
Gow, Shaun Macleod and Jamie Henderson.
2 June 05
Caithness Young Farmers Sheep Shearing Competition 2005
Trip Down Under Pays Off For Sinclair
A
six month sheep shearing stint in New Zealand paid off for Andrew
Sinclair at the Caithness District Young Farmers Sheep shearing
competition. The event was held on Wednesday 1st June at Clatequoy Farm.
Andrew lifted the individual title clipping his three hoggs in 8
minutes, 37 seconds. He plans to shear sheep in Caithness during the
summer before heading back to New Zealand in the autumn for a further
six months. Runner - up in the individual event was Kevin Ross, Golval.
Kevin is a freelance agricultural worker and is hoping to get in more
clipping practice during the summer. In third place was Neil Brims of
Brabsterdorran Mains. An apprentice with Johnston Controls, Neil only
took up shearing last year. In the team event, honours went to the Forss
team of Kevin Ross and John Swanson with runners-up the Bower team of
Andrew and Neil. Judges for the evening were Alistair Alexander, Nipster
and Andrew Campbell, West Watten. Anyone interested in a sheep shearing
course should contact Linda Levack on 01847 841 261 as courses are being
run soon, free of charge.
19 April 05
farmingscotland.com young farmer Caithness Final
Caithness competitors competed in chilly conditions in
Thurso Mart recently in the second farmingscotland.com North Area
District Final. They were tested on general farming knowledge, technical
and practical skills, management and budgeting and a lighted hearted
domestic section. Catherine Murray did a sterling job organising
four classes of stock and the Agri sports events. She lined up sheep,
cattle from David Miller, Geise and haulage by Fred Bremner. Angus
McCall, Culmaily, Golspie, placed the stock judging. Liam Swanson (29),
Bylbster, Watten, scored top with 16.5 points out of a possible 20,
claiming a fleece from MacLaren Tractors for his efforts. Stuart MacKay
(17), Drumhead, Bower, came second, securing a torch from Highland
Tractors.
Dr Rob Walters from Cardiff quizzed the competitors on
the procedures of a simulated PTO accident. John Oliphant (20), who is a
farmer�s son from West Lyth Farm, Lyth, but works as a Mechanical
Engineer at Dounreay, topped the medical register with, the highest
score to date of 15 points. He took home a New Holland fleece from Farm
Services, Dingwall. John also snipped top points in the shearing gear
practical.Liam Swanson was on a roll. In the Agri sports, he scored 9
out of 10 in both the fencing and load securing events from judges Angus
McCall and Joanna McCallum respectively. His mark of 27 points in
Matthew Currie�s Technical Paper out shone any of the contenders at the
Highland final in Dingwall. He also took out Evelyn McCall�s Culinary
Quiz cleaning up the 25kg bag of washing powder from WA Geddes.
When scores were tallied the names in the frames for the
Caithness Contest, qualifying for the North Regional Final, were Liam
Swanson and John Oliphant. Third placed and reserve was Stuart MacKay.
Liam and John will go on to face farmers from Orkney, Caithness and
Argyll in the North Regional Final in July.
7 July 04
Busy Two Weeks For Caithness Young Farmers
Caithness Young Farmers have had an eventful two weeks,
starting with the County Clipping held at Quarryside, Castletown by kind
permission of Andrew & George Swanson. Judges for the day were Alec
Oliphant and Bruce Swanson. The Sir David Robertson, Bower Challenge Cup
for the best team went to Halkirk, Bryan Sinclair & David MacCarthy. The
Robert Coghill Trophy for best shearer went to Bryan Sinclair, Halkirk.
Later that week Caithness played host to International
Exchangees from Canada, Finland and Northern Ireland. The three girls
stayed with four host families during their eight night stay, they
joined in with everyday activities including sheep shearing and Tug of
War training as well as the renowned young farmers socialising. They
also enjoyed a number of excursions to local places of interest
including a day trip to Orkney, which was kindly sponsored by Caithness
Livestock Breeders.
The week ended with the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston,
Edinburgh where Caithness were very much involved in all fields. Shona
Brown of Watten was placed second in the Photography competition. The
Junior Stockjudging Team of David and Calvin Wilson, Watten and Alan Gow,
Halkirk were third doing especially well in terrible weather conditions.
The Halkirk girls Tug of War team of Catherine Murray, Carolyn Coghill,
Caroline Campbell, Gail Sinclair, Heather Campbell, Ellen Falconer and
coach Jonnie Campbell fought hard to obtain third place. The combined
efforts from the four local clubs in preparing the District Notice Board
was rewarded with third place.
15 June 04
Double Success for Halkirk
Halkirk Young
Farmers' Tug of War teams enjoyed a double success at the Royal Highland
Show eliminations at Cornhill Games on Saturday 5th June. The boys and
girls teams both won their respective competitions and now go forward to
represent the North Region at the Royal Highland show on Saturday 26th
June, at Ingliston.
The boy's team were
Roddy Gray, Andrew Morris, David McCarthy, Graeme Gunn, Bruce Swanson
and John Murray with Coach Michael MacGregor. The ladies team
consisted of Ellen Falconer, Heather Campbell, Gail Sinclair, Caroline
Campbell, Carolyn Coghill and Catherine Murray with Coach Johnnie
Campbell.
![](tow.jpg)
The boys team will
be joined at the Highland Show by 2nd placed Kinneff and 3rd placed
Lower Banff. Also representing Caithness were Forss Young Farmers who
came a credible 4th in what was a strong competition. The ladies
team will be joined at the Highland by 2nd placed New Deer and 3rd
placed Keith.
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Stock Judging
Caithness District Young Farmers held their Summer Stockjudging
Competition on Saturday 15th May. Six classes of stock were kindly
provided by Mr K Campbell, Winless, Mr D Nicolson, Sibster and Mr D
Miller, Blybster and judged by Mr G Cormack and Mr M Ronaldson.
The ladies dominated in all sections with the Individual event being
won by Shona Brown, Watten, second Claire McBean, Halkirk and third John
Anderson, Halkirk. The Ladies section was also won by Shona Brown, with
Claire McBean second, while Angela Sutherland Halkirk took third place.
In the Junior section Claire McBean was first, John Anderson, second and
David Wilson, Watten third. The Associate section was won by Catherine
Murray, Halkirk, Liam Swanson, Watten was second and William Budge,
Halkirk third. The team event was a clean sweep for Halkirk, their C
team of Claire McBean, Fiona Swanson and Andrew Mowat took first place,
the B Team of Darryn Sutherland, John Anderson and Angus Mowat took
second place and the A team of Kenneth Sutherland, Alan Gow and
Catherine Murray took third place.
13 May 04
Kenneth Sutherland Takes Top Award
Halkirk Young Farmers Club held their Summer Stockjudging at the
following venues�
Messrs Manson , Skaill, Messrs Ronaldson, Westerseat and Messrs Gunn,
Carsgoe. Official Judges over the two evenings were Mr Johnnie
Campbell, Mr Charles Angus and Mr Don Miller.
3 March 04
National Success for Halkirk Young Farmers
Halkirk Young Farmers Club represented Caithness in Orkney at the
weekend, competing at the National Competitions Weekend. Young Farmers
from throughout Scotland attended the event in Kirkwall which hosted the
National finals of the Country Cooks, Ten Pin Bowling, Member of the
Year, Senior Speechmaking and National Quiz.
In the Country Cooks competition Catherine Murray and Jacquelene Budge
came 2nd in the Associate Section with their Italian cuisine. Halkirk
also came 3rd in the Ten Pin Bowling competition, the team members were
Willie Budge, Bryan Sinclair, Roddy Gray, Alan Gow, Darryn Sutherland
and Sarah Coghill.
18 February 04
BUSY WEEK FOR YOUNG FARMERS
Young Farmers clubs throughout the County competed in their annual
District Ten Pin Bowling competition. The Forss team Leslie Ross, Gary
Elder, Graeme Mackay & David Shearer) came 1st place winning the Comm
Cup. 2nd place went to Halkirk A (Willie Budge, Alan Gow, Roddy Gray &
Alan Rutherford) with Watten A (Liam Swanson, Calvin Wilson, Christine
Campbell & Dianne Allan) coming 3rd. The Forss and Halkirk teams now go
forward to the National final being held at the National Competitions
Weekend in Kirkwall, Orkney at the end of February.
The District Junior Quiz was also held last week with questions provided
by George Cormack and Graham Mackay. Six teams competed in the
competition which ended with Watten A (Dianne Allan, Craig Steven &
David Wilson) and Watten B (Christine Campbell, Alexander Oag & Andrew
Banks) going head to head in the final. Watten A emerged as the
winners, taking home the Ulbster Trophy.
Caithness District Young Farmers also held their Singer Sewing
competition, this years theme was "A new baby" which included a cross
stitch sampler, bib, decorated photoframe, sewn toy and a floral
arrangement. A congratulations card and baby blanket were the items in
the junior class. Mrs Jean Stitt was the official judge for the
evening. The results were as follows: Team: 1st and winners of the
Singer Sewing Machine Trophy - Bower A; 2nd - Halkirk; 3rd - Watten.
Junior: 1st and winner of the Girls Handicrafts Tray - Angela
Sutherland, Halkirk; 2nd - Syce Erridge, Bower; 3rd - Kirsty Mackay,
Halkirk. Best Exhibit and winner of the Sydling Cup - Karen Oliphant,
Bower for her cross stitch sampler.
9 December 03
Young Farmers Battle It Out In Brains Quiz
Ten Young Farmers teams battled it out at their district elimination for
the Harbro Brains of the North Quiz held recently. After a close
competition, Halkirk A (Stephen Sutherland, Roy Watson, Douglas Gunn &
James Morrison) and Watten A (Liam Swanson, David Wilson, Dianne Allan &
Jennifer Easton) went head to head in the final. Halkirk emerged as the
winning team, taking home the Skinnet Trophy and they now go forward to
the Regional final to held at the North Regional Conference in
Newtonmore at the end of January.
9 December 03
Winter Stock Judging Results
Caithness District Young Farmers also held their Winter Stockjudging at
Quoybrae by kind permission of Aberdeen & Northern Marts. Mr Charlie
Angus, Oldfield and Mr William Oag, Brims Mains were the official judges
for the evening with 25 competitors judging the 4 classes. The results
were as follows: Associate: 1st - Stephen Sutherland, Halkirk; 2nd -
Catherine Murray, Halkirk. Ladies: 1st - Fiona Swanson, Halkirk; 2nd -
Kirsty Mackay, Halkirk; 3rd - Elaine Sinclair, Watten. Junior: 1st equal
and winners of the Sandy MacGregor Memorial Trophy - Fiona Swanson,
Halkirk & John Anderson, Halkirk; 3rd - James Barnetson, Bower.
Individual: 1st equal and winners of the Hamiltons Auction Mart Trophy -
Fiona Swanson, Halkirk & John Anderson, Halkirk; 3rd - Michael Sandison,
Bower. Team: 1st and winners of the Sibster Trophy - Bower A (Donald
Swanson, Michael Sandison, James Barnetson); 2nd - Halkirk C (Roddy Gray,
Darryn Sutherland, John Anderson); 3rd - Halkirk B (Angus Mowat, Bruce
Swanson, Jamie Henderson).
21 October 03
Cattle & Sheep Dressing Competitions
Caithness District Young Farmers recently held their cattle and sheep
dressing competitions at Caithness Livestock Centre, Quoybrae by kind
permission of Aberdeen & Northern Marts.
Five teams took part in the cattle dressing, which saw James Barnetson
and Stuart Mackay (Bower) take home the Stainland Shield for winning the
senior competition. In the junior class, Jamie Henderson and Angus Mowat
(Halkirk A) came 1st, John Anderson and Alasdair Findlay (Halkirk B)
2nd, and Darryn Sutherland and Alan Gow (Halkirk C) 3rd. Mr Ronnie
Mackay, Clyth Mains and Mr Ian Campbell, Todholes were the official
judges. The top 3 winning teams now go forward to the North Area final
in Dingwall on 25 October 2003.
The sheep dressing competiton was judged by Mr Calum Angus, West Mey and
Mr Ian Campbell, Todholes. Halkirk A (Kenneth Sutherland and Alan Gow)
were placed 1st and winners of the Mackay Shield, Halkirk B (John
Anderson and Darryn Sutherland) 2nd and Halkirk C (Angus Mowat and
Angela Sutherland) 3rd.
25 July 03
From The County Show
The Kennedy Cup Competition at the Caithness County Show saw 5 teams
from Caithness Young Farmers compete for the trophy. The boys judged 2
classes of stock at Reaster by kind permission of the Mr Tommy Sinclair
with Mr Billy Campbell official judge. Halkirk A came 1st, Halkirk B
2nd, Bower 3rd.
The girls displayed their items in the show tent, this years theme was
Summer Holiday which included a decorated cocktail glass, non-alcoholic
cocktail, sewn beach bag and a floral arrangement. Mrs Rudhall, judge
placed Bower 1st, Halkirk A 2nd, Watten A 3rd.
Overall for both boys and girls, Halkirk A came out tops winning the
Kennedy Cup, with Bower 2nd and Halkirk B 3rd.
19 May 03
Stock Judging
Caithness District Young Farmers held their Summer Stock Judging,
judging dairy classes at Westerseat by kind permission of Mr Morris
Ronaldson followed by beef and sheep classes at Reiss Lodge by kind
permission of Mr Harry Gunn. Mr Ian Gunn, Whitefield and Mr David
Campbell, Bullechach were judges for the evening with 24
competitors judging the 4 classes. The results were as follows:
Associate: 1st - Catherine Murray, Halkirk; 2nd - Liam Swanson, Watten;
3rd - Stephen Sutherland, Halkirk. Ladies: 1st - Selena Campbell, Forss;
2nd - Fiona Swanson, Halkirk; 3rd - Kirsty Mackay, Halkirk. Junior: 1st
- Fiona Swanson, Halkirk; 2nd - Kirsty Mackay, Halkirk; 3rd - Alexander
Oag, Watten. Individual: 1st - Michael Sandison, Bower; 2nd - Willie
Budge, Halkirk; 3rd - Selena Campbell, Forss. Team: 1st - Halkirk A
(Kenneth Sutherland, Stephen Sutherland, Willie Budge); 2nd - Watten
(Liam Swanson, Alan Henderson, Alexander Oag); 3rd - Forss (John
Swanson, Selena Campbell, Kevin Ross).
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