A Bluefaced Leicester fleece which was the winner of the British Wool Marketing Board’s 2016 Golden Fleece competition will go under the hammer to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the children’s hospice Ty Gobaith, Conwy.
The fleece from Anglesey-based sheep farmers Myrfyn and Jayne Roberts was sheared from one of the couple’s pedigree Bluefaced Leicester ewes and weighs 670g, with a staple length of 19cm and is approximately 26 micron.
Competition finals judge Mark Powell, BWMB chief operating officer, described it as having great uniformity of quality, strength of staple, colour and presentation.
“It was an outstanding entry and clearly from a producer who takes pride in their wool crop. It is a good tidy fleece, all of which is useable,” he explained.
'Exceptional work'
Jayne Roberts said having won the competition she wanted to use the fleece to benefit both local and national charities.
“Both Cancer Research UK and Ty Gobaith do exceptional work and need all the support they can get. Ty Gobaith is a local charity which provides exceptional care and support for young people and their families often in the most difficult of circumstances.
“We were shocked to win the Golden Fleece competition and want to use our success to benefit others. We take pride in the wool we produce, but didn’t think we’d have a chance of winning such a prestigious national competition. Hopefully people will get behind the auction and ensure it raises some much needed money for these charities.”
The sealed bid auction will take place from 9am on Monday 23 January to 4pm on Friday 10 February, with the winner announced on Valentines Day, 14 February.
BWMB chairman Ian Buchannan said the success of the 2016 Golden Fleece competition had demonstrated the exceptional quality of British wool and the versatile nature of the fleeces produced by British sheep farmers.
“Now we’re asking all those who appreciate British wool to show their love for this winning fleece and raise a worthwhile amount for two excellent charities.”
