Aimshaugh Farm - Open Day

On Wednesday 17th July, The North Country Cheviot Sheep Society held an open day at Aimshaugh Farm, Alston in Cumbria where over 200 people flocked to see the superb showcase of stock on show throughout the day.
The farm tour offered visitors the chance to see over 700 ewes with their lambs, from pure North Country Cheviots through to NCC x BLT (Bluefaced Leicester Texel) showing the commercial viability of this diverse breed.

Along with the farm tour which ran throughout the day, taking approximately 45mins each time, there was also stockjudging and guess the weight competitions, a sheep trimming demonstration for those interested in learning the skill and a raffle in aid of Huntingtons Disease Association, a charity close to the hearts of the Harrison Family who kindly agreed to host the open day for the Society.

Oli and Sophie along with their daughters Gracie and Millie and Oli’s parents, Steven and Kate all work together on the farm and feel passionately about the stock they have raised, they were delighted to see so many people attending the open day from as far away as Caithness and South Wales.

On arrival, all visitors were given a voucher for food from the North Country Cheviot Sheep Society along with information about Aimshaugh Farm and how they have changed from Swaledale and North of England Mule sheep 10 years ago to all NCC’s and NCC crosses now – a move which has proved to be the right decision for the farm. Along side the sheep they also run a fold of Highland Cattle some of which were also on show to visitors.

A charity auction also helped to raised additional money for the cause, with a NCC x BLT gimmer selling 3 times raising £900 in total and a stick, which was kindly donated on the day, made £190.

In total the day raised over £2000 for the charity and the Society is also adding the monies raised at the members receptions at the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh Shows this summer and expect the final total to exceed £3000.