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Firework Spectacular Goes off With a Bang!
3rd November 2008
Hundreds of people wrapped up and braved the cold weather to enjoy Ludlow’s spectacular annual festival of fireworks, which McCartneys is proud to sponsor.
The crowds cheered as the night sky above Ludlow Racecourse was lit up by a fantastic display of fireworks, all set to music.
In addition there was a sumptuous Fawkes Feast, and a charity auction – overseen by McCartneys auctioneer Michael Thomas - of a wide variety of lots, from a night in a local hotel to a lorry load of gravel!
The entire evening was in aid of Action Medical Research, a charity which funds research into serious conditions and diseases.
“It was a great evening and lovely to see so many families enjoying it,” said Debbie Anderson of McCartneys. “The event has become an annual fixture for Ludlow, and we at McCartneys are delighted to be a part of it – especially as it’s raising money for such a deserving charity.”
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Firework Spectacular Goes off With a Bang!
3rd November 2008
Hundreds of people wrapped up and braved the cold weather to enjoy Ludlow’s spectacular annual festival of fireworks, which McCartneys is proud to sponsor.
The crowds cheered as the night sky above Ludlow Racecourse was lit up by a fantastic display of fireworks, all set to music.
In addition there was a sumptuous Fawkes Feast, and a charity auction – overseen by McCartneys auctioneer Michael Thomas - of a wide variety of lots, from a night in a local hotel to a lorry load of gravel!
The entire evening was in aid of Action Medical Research, a charity which funds research into serious conditions and diseases.
“It was a great evening and lovely to see so many families enjoying it,” said Debbie Anderson of McCartneys. “The event has become an annual fixture for Ludlow, and we at McCartneys are delighted to be a part of it – especially as it’s raising money for such a deserving charity.”
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New Face at Worcester Market
3rd November 2008
McCartneys is pleased to announce the appointment of a new member of staff at Worcester Market.
Giles Drew joins the company as a rural professional and trainee auctioneer. He’ll deal with all rural matters from land management to diversification projects, and will also gain experience as an auctioneer in the livestock market.
“We’re delighted to have Giles on board,” said Clive Roads, McCartneys’ partner-in-charge at Worcester Market. “He’ll be straight in at the deep end, doing all types of rural professional work as well as auctioneering. But I’m sure he’ll rise to the challenge.”
Giles, who gained a degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management from Harper Adams University, grew up in Cheshire, where he worked on farms and kept his own stock from a young age. In 2003 he won the title of Cheshire Young Farmer of the Year.
“I’m really looking forward to my new role,” said Giles, 23. “I’m keen to put my training into practice and gain further valuable experience at a busy market.”
Giles can be contacted at Worcester Market on
01905 769770 or on his mobile
0787 669 6259.
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Chance to Buy a Slice of History
27th October 2008
As famous couples go, King Arthur and Guinevere have to be up near the top.
Guinevere brought the romance to the legend of King Arthur, famed for his sword ‘Excalibur’ and his Knights of the Round Table.
And now there’s a chance to own a bit of that legend - the site where Guinevere is said to have married Arthur is up for sale.
The place is Knucklas Castle in Powys, although little now remains of the actual castle. The land makes up part of Castle Hill, which is to be auctioned by McCartneys.
“The castle has a fascinating history,” explains Jenny Layton of McCartneys. “It was believed to have been commissioned in 1240 by the Norman knight Ralph Mortimer, of the famous Mortimer family. He did not stay in the area to see the construction of the castle, choosing rather to leave his 11 year old son, Roger, to oversee the work.”
Evidence suggests the castle was of a square construction with substantial stone walls and a circular tower at each corner. Its purpose was to remind the more or less hostile Welsh population who was in charge.
The castle was attacked and destroyed by the forces of Owain Glyndwr – the charismatic rebel of part one of Shakespeare’s Henry IV - in 1402 during his rebellion.
“This is a rare opportunity to purchase a really unusual site with breathtaking views,” commented Jenny. “You don’t get many castle ruins for sale on the open market – especially ones with such historic importance.”
The land at Castle Hill – which is just over 21 acres - is for sale by auction in two lots on 27th November.
For more information contact Jenny Layton at McCartneys on
01547 528621.
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Wainddu Farm Dispersal Sale
9th October 2008
McCartneys Auctioneers Glyn Owens and Jenny Layton are pleased to report an excellent dispersal sale of live and deadstock held at Wainddu, Penybont, Llandrindod Wells on behalf of The Ormathwaite Farming Partnership on Saturday 27th September 2008.
A large crowd was present and bidding was fierce on a large selection of good quality farm equipment and machinery, fodder, an excellent flock of Welsh Mule, Welsh Cheviot and Beltex X sheep and an outstanding herd of Limousin and Belgian Blue Cattle.
Prices were:-
New Holland TS115A (04cReg) - £22,200; Matbro TR200 (P Reg) - £13,500; Case 580 Digger (K Reg) - £10,000; McConnell Flail Hedge Trimmer - £6,500; Vicon RV1601 Opicup Round Bailer - £6,500; Ivor Williams Stock Trailer (2003) - £3,000; David Thomas Sheep Shower and Pump - £3,000; AW 8 ton Dump Trailer with Hydraulic Tail Gate (2004) - £4,300; Concept 3m Power Harrow (2003) - £3,000; West 1300 Dual Spreader - £2,900; MF/Ovenim 3 Furrow Reversible Plough (2000) - £2,800; Honda Foreman 450 4x4 Quad Bike (2002) - £2,200; Mailleux Auger Bucket - £1,490; Cattle Crush - £1,700; Harrington Turnover Crate on Trailer - £1,400; Sheep Handling Race - £1,450.
Wrapped Round Bales of Haylage sold to £1,150 for 142 Bales. (£8.10 per bale)
Ewes sold to £98 per head for 3 year old Beltex X Ewes. Also to £91 for 2 year old Ewes. Welsh Mule Yearling Ewes to £83; 2 year old Ewes to £71; 3 year old Ewes to £72; 4 year old Ewes to £56.
Welsh Mule Ewe Lambs to £53. Mixed Store Lambs to £47.50.
Full Mouthed Blue Faced Leicester Rams sold to £210 and excellent Beltex X Texel Rams to £451.50.
Outstanding Limousin Cows sold to £1,700 for a Limousin Cow with Belgian Blue X Heifer Calf at foot. Also £1,680 for a Limousin Cow with Belgian Blue X Calf at foot and to £1,500 for an in-calf Black Limousin Cow.
5 year old Belgian Blue Bull, Penfro Vagabond, to £3,150 and 7 year old and Belgian Blue Bull, Seifton Taffy, to £2,310. Outstanding Belgian Blue X store Heifers sold to £810 per head and Belgian Blue X Store Steers to £690.
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SPS 2008 Rate Set
1st October 2008
SPS 2008: Exchange rate set at 1 euro = £0.79030
SPS 2008: Exchange rate set
The exchange rate for 2008 SPS payments (also applicable to Area Payment for Nuts, Aid for Energy Crops and Protein Crop Premium) was set on 30th September 2008, the rate being the last one set by the European Central Bank in September. The rate has been confirmed as 1 euro = £0.79030.
There all SPS payments for 2008 will be based on this exchange rate.
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New Kid on the Block
22nd August 2008
Katie Morris has joined McCartneys as an Assistant Rural Surveyor after graduating from Harper Adams University College with a first class honours degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management. Based at the Knighton Office and Livestock Market and Ludlow Livestock Market, Katie will assist Glyn Owens and Jenny Layton with a range of rural professional work while working towards completing her professional qualifications with the RICS and CAAV.
Katie lives on the family farm near Llangunllo and outside of work enjoys participating in a range of activities. She is an active member of Knighton YFC, while other interests include sport and music, as well as helping out on the farm.
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Flying High With McCartneys
19th August 2008
The crowds were out in force at this year’s Burwarton Show, and, for most of the day, so was the sun - which was especially good news after last year’s wash-out. A couple of late downpours didn’t dampen spirits and it was standing room only at the McCartneys stand throughout the day.
At the front of our stand was the McCartneys Mini, full to bursting (!) with balloons. The competition to guess just how many balloons were in it proved to be a great success.
The entry fee was £1 per guess with every penny taken going to The County Air Ambulance. We’re delighted to report that we raised just over £300 for this worthwhile charity – so thank you very much to everyone who entered.
And for those who were wondering there were in fact 166 balloons squeezed into the Mini.
Prizes up for grabs, donated by McCartneys, were vouchers of £50, £25 and £10.
One person got the number spot on – that was Mr C Quayle of Bewdley. Runners-up, who were just one balloon out, were Clare Briggs of Bridgnorth and Mr E Morgan of Elton near Ludlow. Congratulations to all three winners, and once again a big thank you to everyone who took part.
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Zwartbles Top at 1200gns
19th August 2008
The Zwartbles Sheep Association's Show and Sale at Worcester proved a very popular and encouraging success story with females finding strong competition and selected rams were also in strong demand.
The top price of the day levelled at 1200gns for the Male and Overall Champion from Rob and Vicki Grinnall's "Beech Hay" flock at Kidderminster, Worcs. The ram "Beech Hay Pied Piper" had already won Male Champion at Three Counties and Royal Show earlier in the summer. He was secured by S.W. James, Pershore, Worcs., for his newly formed flock. Mr James was a strong and consistent buyer taking 12 females to a top of 220gns from Peter Combs "Mendip" flock.
Top price in the female section was the Reserve Female Champion, a ewe lamb from E & M McConkey's "Barmoll" flock taken by AL Smith-Maxwell who also purchased the second prize Ewe lamb from the same flock at 260gns.
Shearling ewes were hotly contested with the Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion from DF Scott's "Marton" flock going to RJ Hoadley, St Gennys, Cornwall at 200gns.
Charles Scott of East Middle, Hawick had a long but successful trip south with their consignment of two ram lambs being closely followed and selling to 510gns to Noel Porter and Avril Evans, Usk, Monmouth and 110gns to J Baggarley, Bottesford, Notts.
Averages:
26 Ewes av. £165.17
8 Ewe Lambs av. £177.19
6 Rams av. £455.00
2 Shearling Rams av. £278.25
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The Acre - Rest in Peace
4th August 2008
Following on from the banning of pounds and ounces the ever increasing tide of European Directives has now identified the British Acre which I am informed from January 2010 will become insignificant as all land areas will have to be described in hectares.
In my professional capacity I still sometimes have to work in the old methods of area measurement, namely acres, roods and perches. As land and property Agents we already know that one mans idea of an acre is different to another’s and this new directive will only add more confusion to the subject.
Come what may I will always ask for a pint of beer and not half a litre or .568l to be precise when I call in to my local Hostelry!
I wonder what of my five year old when he comes of age?
