WOMEN TO COMPETE IN SHEARING COMPETITION
THE sheep shearing section at this year’s Royal Cornwall Show will feature a new competitive class exclusively for female shearers.
Competitive sheep shearing classes and demonstrations are held across all three show days and draw large crowds.
Competitors are drawn from around the world and include top professional shearers from Australia and New Zealand, as well as home grown champions, with the aim of winning a coveted Royal Cornwall title.
One budding competitor, 19-year-old Jo Sandercock from Altarnun near Launceston, has been shearing for four years and is really looking forward to the taking on the challenge.
She said: “I think many girls are worried about competing in what is a male-dominated world and don’t feel confident to take part. So a female-only competition will give them more confidence and the opportunity to give it a go and get involved.
“A couple of women already compete against the men in the past, so they will no doubt take part in this new class as well.”
Asked if how she hoped she’d get on in June, Jo replied: “A win is always a bonus!”
Christopher Riddle, Royal Cornwall Show secretary, added: “This will be the first time an all-female shearing class will feature at the show and it will provide the perfect opportunity for the many good lady shearers out there to get involved and showcase their skills.”
The new shearing class has been generously sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen.
More than 120,000 visitors are expected to enjoy Cornwall’s largest event, which runs from June 6-8 at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge. To find out more about entering the competition contact the section secretary, Catherine Jasper on 07828 729144 or visit the website www.royalcornwallshow.org/competitors.