The Innocence of Youth

Fri 10 April 2015

That’s good coming from a grumpy old g…!!! – so old I can hardly remember when I was (a youth)! Yes I can that was supposed to be a joke – Yes I know very feeble . . . stop taking the “michael” and read on . .

Last Thursday I had the privilege of being invited to judge the Auctioneering Competition at the newly formed and extremely popular “National Young Show Stars” event that was staged at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

The event provided the opportunity for young people to show their individual and team skills in a cross section of classes covering animal show preparation, showing ability, judging, butchery, auctioneering and so on. It takes an event like this to remind “us old ‘uns” what innocent enthusiasm and interest can do to rejuvenate everyone’s mood and optimism for the future.

When we all (me included) listen to and add to negativity and moaning to see these youngsters full of ideas, keenness, laughter and enthusiasm to “get on” was a “breath of fresh air”, how little they realised that their enjoyment in what they were accomplishing rubbed off on those of us who should be showing them.

The Auctioneering Competition particularly in these days when Auctioneers seem to be the “poor relation” was well supported by 7 entrants. They had a number of tasks to perform, viz:

a)Providing a promotion and written essay about themselves and views of the industry.

b)Judge and then value 6 individual store cattle and value 6 lambs and 6 pigs.

c)Identify a cross section of farm associated produce including crops, forages, feeds, seeds etc.

d)Value a number of items of deadstock and machinery

e)Face a public interview about the profession and the industry.

f)Sell 3 items that you would find at a farm sale.

All the competitors did well, showed a keenness, had a sense of humour (the most important part of an Auctioneers make up) and entered into the spirit of the competition with bright optimism.

One outstanding young man from North West Auctions, William Alexander (pictured above) exemplified that enthusiasm, keenness, confidence and ability and took the “poll position” – he is surely a member of the profession who will make a mark in the years to come and “under the wing” of Bill Nelson at North West Auctions they will (if not already) be a premiership team to look out for.

When is the transfer market open for Auctioneers?!!

O’ to be young again . . . mmmm

Clive C Roads

Partner, Agricultural Dept Chairman

Worcester (01905) 769770