On Saturday 18th May history was made in Northern Ireland as Sperrinview competed against four other Special Schools from Northern Ireland in the Dexter Young Handlers Class at Balmoral Show. The project evolved from Mike Frazer (Dexter Society) who had a passion to see young adults with special needs competing at Northern Ireland's most prestigious agricultural event. The project ran as a pilot last year where Riverside school (Antrim) entered five of their pupils. This year it was decided to broaden the project and five different Special Schools competed against each other for the Dexter Trophy! These included Riverside (Antrim), Roddensvale (Larne), Rathore (Newry), Tor Bank (Belfast) and Sperrinview (Dungannon).
We were delighted to support three pupils at the show who have been working hard for the past few weeks with our appointed Dexter cow, Binky. They have been learning how to prepare cattle 'to show' which has included skills such as washing, brushing and back-combing. One pupil took the halter this year and had the important job of leading Binky around the ring. Although we were narrowly beaten by Roddensvale for the Dexter trophy, our team did a splendid job and we are so proud of them!
In an unexpected twist, Binky calved during show week at Balmoral! Binky's owners, the Bloomer Family from Eglish have given us the honour of naming Binky's new calf.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Balmoral Show, for allowing this competition to take place, Dunbia, in particular Janet and Jim Dobson and the Dexter Society for making it all happen!
On a further note we are indebted to the help and support of the Bloomer family, including Binky!
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