Top two regional shepherds

Jun 16 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

TWO Kirkley Hall students beat competition from across the North of England to take the top two spots in a regional final of 2009’s Young Shepherd of the Year.

Antony Garth, 21, was first in the National Sheep Association North Sheep event and Edwin Johnston, 19, was second. Both are students at the branch of Northumberland College near Ponteland, where they are studying the Advanced National Certificate in Agriculture.

Mr Garth won the the Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy, a new award named in the memory of Ali Johnson who died earlier this year, aged just 28, following a stroke.

Mr Johnson had been wheelchair-bound since he was caught in a collapsed scrum playing for Tynedale Rugby Club.

The award was presented to Mr Garth by Mr Johnson's parents Ken and Sheila. 

He also received £300 in prize money and will go forward to represent the Northern region at the NSA Shepherd of the Year finals in Worcestershire next year.

The son of sheep farmers from Richmond, North Yorkshire, he plans to gain further shepherding experience in New Zealand after completing his course this summer.

Mr Johnston, from Riding Mill near Hexham, scooped £200 for his second place and an additional £100 for being the top competitor under 21.

Each of the eight entrants had to complete a pentathlon of activities designed to test their shepherding skills and were also questioned on flock management and health issues.

Course team leader Chris Gwilt said: “The ANCA shepherding course is the only course of its kind in the UK and attracts students from as far afield as Kent.

“Antony and Edwin will finish the course in July and both have big plans for their future in the industry.”