The annual Masham Sheep Fair Dinner was held at the Black Sheep Bistro, last Friday, February 2.

The dinner celebrates the success of the previous year’s Sheep Fair over the last weekend of September with all of the volunteers, and sees the handover of funds raised for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Following the meal, Sheep Fair chairman, Richard Alderson, extended his thanks to everybody, not all present, including the committee, for the time and commitment they give each year towards making the event a success.

He also thanked the exhibitors who bring their high-quality sheep to be judged, and the other exhibitors who help spread the message about the benefits of sheep to the sustainability of the countryside. A special mention was given to sheep breeder and commentator, Ernie Sherwin.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Masham Sheep Fair Committee hand a cheque to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA). From left, Clare Deacon (YAA), Jeff Loveday (vice chair), Tessa Klemz (YAA), Susan Cunliffe-Lister (secretary), Richard Alderson (chairman), Fiona Wilkinson (treasurer), and

Vice chairman Jeff Loveday then asked everybody to show their appreciation for the dedication Richard has shown towards the Sheep Fair.

Steve Waudby, director of aviation at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, began his address by thanking the Sheep Fair committee for their continued support, noting that last year’s total of just short of £13,000, was a most welcome sum of money. The total raised by Masham Sheep Fair since sponsoring the air ambulance, now stands at just over £113,000.

Following his speech, the ever-popular Sheep Fair Dinner raffle took place, which raised a further £270 for the air ambulance.