Pode Hole Hampshire Downs

The Pode Hole Flock was established in 1991 with the purchase of ewes and a ram from the Orlingbury Flock. Further ewes were added with the Melkett, Shapwick, Oakdown and Hortusley Flocks all having an influence.

Two stock rams which had a major influence on the flock were Shapwick Harry Formidable and Shapwick Horace Formidable. A son of Harry - Pode Hole Macmillan - won the Ram Lamb class at the Royal Show in 1994 on our debut outing there.

Other stock rams who have left their mark are Fychan Nobleman and Willington Packer together with the home-bred rams Pode Hole - Macmillan, Samson and Victor.

The Flock became MV Acredited in 1994 and Scrapie Monitored in 1997. We take part in the National Scrapie Plan using only ARR/ARR rams. The ewes are also all genotyped. The Flock is also a member of the HDSBA's Sire Reference Scheme and is increasingly looking to enhance the performance of the flock. In the past rams have been purchased from the Owlesbury and Yarcombe flocks with this in mind.

In July 2007 the majority of the well-known Ballyvester Flock was purchased to join the home flock following the ver sad death of Ian Robinson.

The flock has had considerable success at various County Shows since its showing debut in 1994 with numerous Breed Championships and several interbreed successes. One highlight has to be winning the Royal Show Interbreed Championship in 1997 with a pair of ewe lambs, and also Reserve Interbreed Pairs Champions with a ram lamb and ewe lamb.

Both Charles and Sally are members of HDSBA Council. Charles was President of the Assoc in 2000/01. Sally was President in 2006/07 and was honoured to be asked to judge the Hampshire Down classes at the Royal Show in 2006. Pictures of show success in 2008.