The Pontrilas Young Farmers Club (YFC) is organising a charity speed shear in memory of Billy Rudge, a young man who lived and worked on his family’s farm at Baysham Farm, Sellack, near Ross-on-Wye on Friday, September 1st.

The event will be held from 7pm until approximately 10.30pm at Dorelands Farm in Abbey Dore, by kind permission of Frank Lloyd.

Ellie Watkins, one of the event organisers, told the Ross Gazette, “We are holding this competition to incorporate the Billy Rudge Memorial fund, raised two years ago in memory of our club member Billy Rudge who lost his life in a farming accident. The fund is already established and works to send young individuals to train and shear in New Zealand.”

In February 2015, 20-year-old Billy Rudge died after he became trapped under farm machinery and, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at his family’s farm in Sellack.

Cheryl Williams, another event organiser, said, “It’s nice to do something to keep Billy’s memory alive.”

Ellie explained that at the forthcoming speed shear, the young farmers who are applying for the funding will have the chance to meet the panel, as well as Billy’s parents, and take part in the event itself.

Competitors from all over Herefordshire, as well as Monmouthshire, Powys and Shropshire, are expected to take part in the charity speed shear.

During the evening all money raised on the barbecue, raffle and shearer’s entry fees will be donated to the British Heart Foundation and Nevill Hall Hospital.

Those wanting to apply for the funding for the farming placement in New Zealand should contact Cheryl: [email protected], or Ellie: [email protected].

See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here.