[Black Sheep]

Having passed my pesticide PA1 and PA2f this last week I've been thinking about what next. Shearing seems to be something that can be a struggle for small flocks to get done when they want/need it. I did a bit of electric shearing last year but the set up costs with equipment are probably too high so I'd wondered about learning to hand shear properly.

The BWMB website says they have had increased interest this year and are putting on more courses so I emailed them to find that so far only 1 (and now 2) people have shown an interest in the north. They said they would put a course on for 4 people though and did I know anyone else. Hence this post!

Unfortunately I have little in the way of details as dates and location would depend on the people involved, but the website says the courses are 2 days and cost £150+VAT.

So... would anyone in the north be interested in getting together and seeing if they will put one on?

[Penninehillbilly]

Didnt realise this was so far back -
Did you get anyone interested Black Sheep?
If we could get something nearer West Yorkshire I'd be very interested,  not used to driving distances these days.

[Tim W]

Bit out of your way but if you want to hand clip go see Andy Wear ---- he's the man!

http://fernhill-farm.co.uk/

The farm is an inspiration too ---you could even fly to Bristol Airport (20 mins from him) !

[Scallywag]

I'm hoping to learn to hand shear my first sheep in the next couple of weeks. Nervous but excited at the prospect. I hope the poor bugger survives it. Thankfully there will be someone experienced keeping a close eye on me.

[Black Sheep]

Hadn't seen these replies - thank you - and will keep options in mind.

No PHB - nothing yet. The BWMB have taken details and said they will try and match up any enquiries they get. Will update with details if I hear.

[Fleecewife]

I tried this once before, but not enough folk came forward.  It really makes a whole difference to your sheep keeping to be able to shear your own, especially with small numbers.   I hope you have more success this time than I did Black Sheep.

[SallyintNorth]

You could probably get the @SingingShearer to give two or three of you a bit of training.  He came to me, sheared some sheep and showed me how to do it.  I paid for the shearing and the training, of course.