Pressure & Performance through Personal Loss - words from Stuart :

On Saturday 21st September at 5.00 am, I will be attempting to break the 9-Hour British Lamb Shearing Record at Fernhill Farm, Cheddar Road, Compton Martin, Bristol, BS40 6LD.

In April 2018, life decided to serve my family a cruel and devastating curveball, Our Daughter Grace passed away at 3 years old, she was diagnosed with ‘Mitochondrial Disease’. We had never heard of this disease, let alone understand how our happy, healthy and full of life daughter had just been diagnosed.

Mitochondrial disease is caused by mutations in mitochondria, these are tiny organelles which are present in every cell in the human body and are responsible for generating 90% of the energy needed to survive. So, when they fail, the consequences can be serious, wide-ranging and sadly fatal.

The current record is 781 lambs and I will be using Heiniger Gear, as I believe it is the best in the world.

The record, is a huge challenge, requiring an enormous amount of time, planning, dedication and cost, approximately £10,000. So, there is a huge effort being made order to raise the necessary funds to ensure that this record is broken on the day. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Please help me spread the word, get people to come and support me. I can only do this with your help. I won’t let you down and can assure you that you will see nothing less than 110% from me on the day and in the lead-up.

Put the 21st September in your diary, your support will help me to smash this record.

Here is the link to the official Stuart Connor - 9 Hour British Lamb Shearing Record Attempt Facebook event page for full details

Join us at Fernhill Farm to watch the sheep being shorn in our lively shearing shed with Blade Shearing lessons available from 9am - 11am to allow every age and ability to try shearing with blades.

From Noon until Dark skilled shearers from around the world will take part in this bi-annual tournament to compete with the best and help raise the profile of the Benefits of Blade Shearing here in the UK.

Buy fleece fresh off the boards in the shearing shed, as well as finished products made from our wool in our pop-up Sheep Shop. Beautiful scarves, blankets, yarn, clothing and more in a range of natural and dyed colours. 

Throughout the day wool spinning, peg loom weaving and needle felt workshops will be available from the Fernhill Fibre team, and we welcome all those who use natural resources to promote and create rural activities.

Keeping with tradition we invite local food stalls, folky musicians, and volunteers to help us serve up Somerset Ales, Wines and Ciders to our thirsty spectators and hard grafting shearers!

We also wish to continue to offer foraging walks throughout the day, where you can learn to find food growing wild around this farm landscape. More details on how to book coming along soon

Free entry to all – it's a perfect family day out and please do get in contact if you wish to get involved wool@fernhill-farm.co.uk All proceeds are donated as prize money for talented shearers

Camping available to pre-book on our farm events website www.fernhill-farm.co.uk

Here is the link to the Facebook Event Page

Join us at Fernhill Farm to watch the sheep being shorn in our lively shearing shed with Blade Shearing lessons available from 9am - 11am to allow every age and ability to try shearing with blades.

From Noon until Dark skilled shearers from around the world will take part in this bi-annual tournament to compete with the best and help raise the profile of the Benefits of Blade Shearing here in the UK.

Buy fleece fresh off the boards in the shearing shed, as well as finished products made from our wool in our pop-up Sheep Shop. Beautiful scarves, blankets, yarn, clothing and more in a range of natural and dyed colours. 

Throughout the day wool spinning, peg loom weaving and needle felt workshops will be available from the Fernhill Fibre team, and we welcome all those who use natural resources to promote and create rural activities.

Keeping with tradition we invite local food stalls, folky musicians, and volunteers to help us serve up Somerset Ales, Wines and Ciders to our thirsty spectators and hard grafting shearers!

There will be foraging walks throughout the day, where you can learn to find food growing wild around this farm landscape. More details on how to book coming along soon

Free entry to all – it's a perfect family day out and please do get in contact if you wish to get involved wool@fernhill-farm.co.uk All proceeds are donated as prize money for talented shearers

Accommodation available to pre-book on our farm events website www.fernhill-farm.co.uk