Member Snapshots - Mid Canterbury Branch

Jim and Margaret Stewart

Jim and Margaret farm near the Rakaia river, and run over 400 coloured sheep under the name Rosebank Farm. They have have registered purebred Corriedale and Romney flocks, and are regular winners in both sheep and fleece classes at Show and BCSBA competitions.

Jim is a Sheep judge and inspector and Margaret is an Associated Wool judge, and an experienced wool crafter. Amongst other things, Margaret makes and sells tiny clothes for premature babies, made out of the softest of Merino handspun wool. They sell fleece and carded wool, and also have supplies of Romney and Corriedale semen for sale.

Our field day visits to the Stewarts farm have been wonderful days experiencing their lovely views, the old farmhouse, their woolshed and studio full of beautiful fleeces, Margaret's hens, the sheep and their generous hospitality.

Leo and Karen Ponsonby

Leo and Karen have a holding south of Christchurch and run about 100 coloured sheep under the name Greenacres. They have registered purebred Corriedale, Romney and Merino flocks, and like the Stewarts are regular winners in both sheep and fleece classes at Show and BCSBA competitions.

Leo is a Sheep judge and inspector, and is a BCSBANZ Councillor and the president of the Mid Canterbury branch. He is a great advocate for the BCSBA and his enthusiasm for breeding and showing sheep is very infectious. Karen coaches netball for their local premier grade team, and evidence suggests that she is a very skilled gardener. They are both keen players of bowls.

Meetings held at the Ponsonby's is often followed by a barbeque in their lovely garden.

Ross and Margaret Manson

Ross and Margaret farm 1000 acres of mixed sheep and cattle near Hororata. They have a white English Leicester stud flock and breed white Romney rams.

Their coloured flock of about 150 sheep is run under the name Ebony. They have registered purebred Corriedale, English Leicester and Romney flocks and also breed Lincolns. Like the Stewarts and Ponsonbys the Mansons are regular winners in both sheep and fleece classes at Show and BCSBA competitions. Ross is a Sheep judge.

Their business is breeding and selling rams, and they also sell wool. Enquiries are always welcome.

Viewing Ross in a pen of sheep at field days, and seeing his ease and confidence when he handles them is both educational and inspiring!