Wessex   Dexter

Group

History  The Wessex Dexter Group was started by a few like-minded people way back in 1992.  It was established so that all the Dexter breeders in the Wessex area could get together and learn more about their cows whilst having fun.  The Wessex Area includes all of Dorset, Somerset and Avon but welcomes members from other groups.  And Now  We have a spring, summer and winter meeting where we discuss future dates, venues and ideas while talking about our cows.  A guest who gives a presentation or demonstrates their area of expertise follows this.  Such speakers have included foot trimming, managing TB by a Ministry Vet and the various cuts of beef by a local butcher.  Our own members have also been willing to share their knowledge and we have had some excellent talks like “The Life of a Vet”, “Halter Training”, “A Judges view on Showing Cattle” and a generation game style of “Make Your Own Sausages”.  If anyone has suggestions for future meetings please contact anyone below.              After Christmas we have a social event, which in the past was a skittle evening and more recent a dinner dance which has proved very popular.  During the summer we try and visit a herd of Dexters outside our area, very difficult as we cover such a wide area.                                       Visiting the Templeton herd at Knightshayes  The beginning of October and its our annual Wessex Dexter Show.  First started in 1998 with just a couple of cows, it has grown every year, only stopping during the foot and mouth, to a grand 32 cattle entries in 2006.  This is a great opportunity for people who do not normally show.  So come along this October and join in our fun, friendly atmosphere.                                                At every meeting and the show we have a display of the Dexter Cattle Society merchandise available for you to purchase.  We also have a young local textile designer who has made our group exclusive Dexter Cow handbags and cushions.  Our Summer 2007 Wessex Dexter Group T-shirts are now available (see below), from Alyson Cooper on 01823 451614 at a very reasonable cost of £10.00.   …And the Future Over to you, if you like what you see and would like to join our group contact one of the members listed below.  If you have ideas for meetings or have a friend who would be willing to give a presentation then please contact the members below.  The summer meeting took place on Saturday 21 June 2008 at Noor Farm, the home of Suzanne and Fred Chant.  Fred demonstrated the cutting of a lamb  Any suggestions for a summer herd visit are welcome.  The Chairman’s Day will take place in August, date to be arranged.  This year’s Wessex Dexter Group show is on Sunday, 28 September 2008 at Pickney Farm, near Taunton the home of Paul and Alyson Cooper, so put this date in your diaries.  The Dinner/Dance will be in December this year.  ….And finally Congratulations to Paul Cooper for winning the Susan Horne Memorial Trophy     Wessex Dexter Group Committee Chairman Tim Mitchell Secretary Suzanne Chant   Treasurer David Horne   Wessex group web site         Suzanne Chant (01935) 813757      schant@sherborne-ic.net

If you are interested in Dexters within our area and would like to come along to a meeting or join the group please contact us.

 

Watch this website, I am hoping to give you regular updates and change the photographs, if you have anything you would like to include please contact me.