Young shearers are being given the opportunity to apply to the Billy Rudge Memorial Fund to fund travel to New Zealand to further develop shearing skills.
After tragically losing the life of Billy Rudge to a farming accident two years ago, a memorial fund was set-up in his name to allow young shearers to travel to New Zealand for the first time. The successful applicant requires an adequate level of shearing, with no previous shearing experience in a foreign country.
As Billy was a keen member of Pontrilas YFC, Herefordshire, the club are to host a speed shear on Friday, September 1 in Abbey Dore, Herefordshire to raise money for charity and awareness of the sponsorship fund.
Applications must be received on or before September 1 for a judging panel to then compare. The successful applicant may not necessarily win their class on the night, but the organisers ask they are in attendance.
The evening itself will host four classes - junior, intermediate, senior and open and will see generous prize money for first, second and third for each class. Each class will carry a £5 entry fee, with all money raised going to The British Heart Foundation, Pontrilas YFC and Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny.