PIGGY WORKSHOP
What a lovely day everyone had in more ways than one..!
On Sunday 29th April 2007 Bill and Shirley Howes opened their doors at their home in Kenilworth and invited twelve club members to attend a piggy workshop for beginners. It started at 10am with everyone arriving and parking their cars on Bills long driveway and being greeted by Shirley with hot mugs of tea and coffee.
Bill and Shirley introduced themselves, then all the attendees were asked to introduce themselves to the group. After this we had a tour of the yard and met the pigs with Bill and Shirley answering everyones questions as we went along.
After the guided tour we were shown to a small paddock where we all met, 'Honest Bill' who was trying to sell his pig to us! I certainly didn't see anyone going home with a pig on the roof rack so I'm not sure if he managed it!
We were then shown how to tattoo a pigs ear, as Bill and Shirley - actually mostly Shirley - got covered in tattoo ink, as they earmarked a litter of piglets! We were also shown what points to look for on a pig.
After leaving Shirley to wash her rather black hands and with the newly tattooed piglets gradually going from a nice ginger colour to black we all adjourned for lunch in the garden.
After lunch we went for a walk around the grounds looking at the bluebells and the pigs out in the woodland that Bill and Shirley have at the rear of their house.
Then Bill brought out four of his show gilts to show everyone how to move and show a pig with a board and a stick. Then the real fun began when we were all allowed a go!! A couple of the group members were racing around the ring after their pigs, with board and stick in hand, followed by lots of encouraging raucous laughter from those stood safely behind the fence!
After this we all had another drink, which gave us time to relax and reflect on a truly enjoyable day, before at 4pm, reluctantly saying goodbye and making that long trip home.
In closing I would just like to say a sincere thank you to Bill and Shirley for a truly enjoyable and exceptional day. I know from comments made that all those that attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves and took far more piggy knowledge home with them than they came with. So from everyone who attended, to Bill and Shirley, a really big thank you.
I am also aware that there are other members who were unable to attend due to the limited numbers. I think you'll find that the club secretary will be badgering Bill and Shirley during the coming show season to do another later in the year. So watch this space!!
Steve Anderson