Update: Monday 21st June 2021
Great news to report regarding the dispersal of the Gorse flock - Whittington Oxford Downs have bought the flock and have posted these words on their Facebook page:
"We are very excited and honoured to have been able to purchase 26 ewes/ewe lambs and the stock ram Greenlands Roland from John Brigg's (831) Gorse Flock.
We think John's stock are fantastic and we will be keeping them registered as a separate, (to our current flock on paper) closed flock as they have been for the last 50 years (although they will have a new flock number and name in due course).
We are very excited to build on John's years of hard work and dedication. As well as striving to improve the Oxford Down as a breed, we are going to be building our direct sales of breeding stock, wool and meat products over the next few years and also do our best to promote the Oxford Down as a terminal sire, by hopefully crossing our tups with some Lleyns next year and sharing the results."
Update : Monday, 07 June 2021
Thank you for your interest in our Oxford Down flock. We have received and accepted a good offer for the flock as a whole. All the females plus the stock ram will be going shortly to a young couple who have just started in the breed and are totally committed to Oxford Downs.
Several people expressed an interest in the rams. We now have available one shearling ram and two ram lambs, all by GREENLANDS ROLAND out of GORSE ewes. One of the lambs is a full brother to the shearling. For sale now on an ex-farm, first-come-first-served basis so, if interested, please give us a call to arrange a visit.
For those interested in buying females, we draw your attention to the forthcoming ODSBA official sales. The main sale at Worcester Market on 7th August, Melton Mowbray Market on 11th September and Carlisle Market on 18th September. Details, catalogues etc. in due course via ODSBA website www.oxforddownsheep.org.uk
With best wishes
John & Joshua
After 50 years of pedigree breeding, John Brigg has made the reluctant decision to offer his Gorse Flock No 831 for sale as a whole. This has been brought about by the Brigg family's recent sudden and tragic bereavement.
This sale affords buyers a unique opportunity to acquire one of the oldest flocks in the Oxford Down Flock Book. The Gorse flock was established in 1971 and played a key role in the breed's survival during the 1970s and subsequent revival in the 1980s.
The flock has enjoyed considerable success over the years in both show and sale ring and has been a major provider of both stock rams and foundation females to other registered flocks.
John has served the Association with distinction in various roles throughout this period, including Council member, Secretary and President. He is also a highly respected judge of Oxford Down sheep.
A total of 34 head is being offered in this complete sale of the flock, comprising:
15 flock ewes
2 shearling ewes
13 ewe lambs
1 stock ram
1 shearling ram
2 ram lambs
John has also placed a number of photos of the flock on his website at: http://www.bishopsgorse.com/Oxford-Down-Sheep
It is very much hoped that a buyer can be found who will keep the flock together and take it forward to develop the potential of the stock on offer. All enquiries about the flock should be made directly to John Brigg.
e-mail bishopsgorse@btconnect.com
Tel (01926) 651273
