Five of six titles secured in Carlisle as countdown to 10th anniversary of UK’s premier Valais Blacknose event begins
H&H Borderway Mart in Carlisle was once again the stage for the Valais Blacknose Society’s flagship event, the Blacknose Beauties National Show & Sale, held on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd August 2025.
Now in its ninth year, the event featured two full days of grading, competitions, and community celebration, attracting breeders, visitors, and buyers from across the UK and overseas. With strong sponsorship support from Caisley Eartag Ltd and SCCL, this year’s show confirmed its status as the ultimate celebration of the Valais Blacknose breed here in the UK.
The grading and showing classes were once again a major highlight of the weekend, running back-to-back across both days. An expert panel comprising of Pascal Dini and Philipp Schmid from Valais, Switzerland, alongside UK graders Gerallt Jones and Heather Adams, carefully assessed all entries under the official Swiss points-based system. A total of 7 animals achieved the prestigious accolade of Maximum Points, recognising their outstanding quality. Class winners then progressed to Saturday’s Championships, where Steve Dace’s Cheshire Valais Blacknose flock claimed an impressive five out of the six top titles. Cheshire Karen was crowned Supreme Champion and Female Champion, while flockmate Cheshire Maisie took both the Reserve Supreme and Reserve Female titles. The male section was equally strong for the Cheshire flock, with Cheshire Marzeta Dan named Male Champion, while the Reserve Male award went to Cumberland Montreux from Adam Kirkbride’s Cumberland Valais Blacknose flock, the only championship title not secured by Cheshire.
The next generation of breeders also had their chance to shine in the ever-popular Young Handler competitions. In a hotly contested field, Sophie Witham of Eskdale Valais Blacknose took top spot in the Junior Class, Eliza Wood of Valais Blacknose Sheep Northumberland triumphed in the Intermediate section, and the Senior Class title was awarded to Ava Tait of Poplar Valais Blacknose.
Friday evening brought a change of pace with the charity auction and raffle, which included a luxury trip to Switzerland with a stay at the renowned Tradition Julen Hotel in Zermatt. Thanks to generous donations from members and supporters, the evening raised an impressive £8,315.00 for The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), supporting vital work around farm safety education.
Saturday’s sale, conducted live and online, saw brisk bidding for the leading entries. The top price came from the male section, where Prendwick Lord Prendwick, bred by Jamie Wood of Valais Blacknose Sheep Northumberland, sold for 5,000gns to Adam Kirkbride of Cumberland Valais Blacknose. Leading the females was Puddle Lane McMuffin from Phil and Hayley Garrod of Valais Blacknose Sheep Herefordshire, which achieved 2,800gns when sold to Rachel Masters, Chandlers Valais Blacknose, Norfolk.
Closing the show, VBS Chairman Raymond Irvine reflected on another successful year, saying:
“Blacknose Beauties is more than a show and sale – it is the heartbeat of our Society and a true showcase of the breed. The quality on display this year was outstanding, with new Champions crowned that highlight the progress and dedication of our members. The sense of community was clear throughout, and with the ongoing support of our sponsors and breeders, the future for Valais Blacknose sheep in the UK looks stronger than ever. We are already looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of Blacknose Beauties in 2026, which promises to be a truly special milestone for the Society and the breed.”
Notes for Editors
Event: Blacknose Beauties National Show & Sale
Dates: Friday 22nd – Saturday 23rd August 2025
Venue: H&H Borderway Mart, Carlisle, CA1 2RS
Mainline Sponsors: Caisley Eartag Ltd and SCCL
Media Contact
📧 shows@valaisblacknosesociety.co.uk
🌐 www.valaisblacknosesociety.co.uk
High-resolution images and additional background available on request
Supreme & Female Champion: Cheshire Karen – Steve Dace, Valais Blacknose Sheep Cheshire
Left to right: Supreme & Female Champion: Cheshire Karen. Male Champion: Marzeta Dan. Reserve Supreme & Reserve Female Champion: Cheshire Maisie – Steve Dace, Valais Blacknose Sheep Cheshire
Sale Topper at 5,000gns: Prendwick Lord Prendwick – Jamie Wood, Valais Blacknose Sheep Northumberland
