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Catch up with all the latest successes at Club, District, Regional and National competitions............. District Junior Quiz In one of the shocks of the Young Farmering year, Halkirk A made it to the final of the Junior Quiz. However their inability to tell what a Doon Major was amongst other things saw them lose out to Bower A by 29 points to 19. The team consisted of Alan Macleod, Mark MacDonald and Hamish Coghill. Also representing Halkirk were: B team - Ryan Macleod, Andrew Mowat and Lee Kirk C team - Fiona Swanson, Michelle Sutherland and Darryn Sutherland
Club Junior Quiz - Beeg Al retains top title Alan Macleod cemented his place as the brightest junior by retaining the Club Junior Quiz title. He fought off stiff competition from Mark MacDonald and Hamish Coghill who were 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Ten Pin Bowling - Halkirk down to third Halkirk had three teams competing in the district ten pin bowling competition. The Comm Cup went elsewhere this year with Forss regaining it. Bryan Sinclair was 2nd individual with the Halkirk A team taking third place overall. The team was Lee Kirk, Carol-Ann Budge, Bryan Sinclair, Roddy Gray and Jamie Rydell.
Singer Sewing - Silver for the Girls Halkirk ladies were runners-up for the overall trophy with the team consisting of Angela Sutherland, Carol-Ann Budge, Fiona Swanson and Jade Baikie. Third place in the Junior competition went to Laura Gow with Michelle Macdonald unlucky not to get a placing.
Club Pool & Darts Some hard fought matches in both competitions in Halkirk Youth Club saw two new Champions emerge. In the Pool, Lee Kirk came out on top, with Darryn Sutherland runner up and Bryan Sinclair taking bronze. Top in the arrows was John Coghill, with Alan Craigie in silver and Alan Macleod taking the third place.
North Region Participation Award Halkirk came in at 2nd place in the Participation award being pipped to the trophy by Inver-Ross.
North Region Senior Speechmaking It was bronze position for the Halkirk Senior Speechmaking team at the North Region Elimination held in Stromness Academy on Sunday 29th January. The format was a Matter of Opinion with a Chairman and three panel members. Teams were mixed up with panel members debating a number of topics. Harray were the eventual winners with Lower Speyside in second. The Halkirk team was David Brewster (Chairman) and panel members, Lorraine Angus, Gail Sinclair and Willie Budge.
Entertainments Competition The "Halkirk Ladies" came a credible second in the Entertainments Comp held at the North Region Conference with a rousing rendition of "The Gambler" which really did bring a tear to the eye.......
Long wait for return of Bonspiel trophy is ended After a number of years without even being close to success, Halkirk B finally managed to claim the Bonspiel trophy on Sunday. The team comprised Alan Gow, Kenneth Sutherland, Andy Mowat and skip, Bryan Sinclair. After beating Forss, Bower A, Bower B and the Halkirk/Watten Select, the lads were on 8 points. Halkirk A just lost out on a placing on shots finishing on minus 6 shots. They beat Bower B, Halkirk B and Watten in the round robin but unfortunately lost out by high scores to Forss and Bower A. The Halkirk A team was David Brewster, Gus Mowat, Lee Kirk and skip Jamie Riddell. Also taking part were Carolyn Coghill and Willie Budge who formed part of the Halkirk/Watten select. Although they finished with 8 points, level with Halkirk B they were ineligible to get a placing due to the mixture of members from two clubs.
Club Curling Despite having one man short, the Chairman's Select outdid the butcher's select by 6 ends to 1 at the Club Curling in Brora. Making up the winning team were Kenneth Sutherland, Gavin Swanson, Bryan Sinclair and Ryan Macleod. While Andrew Mowat's Butcher's Select were David Brewster, John Coghill, Alistair Budge and Hamish Coghill.
Disappointing Turnout but Halkirk reclaim Team Trophy The District Winter Stock judging saw a poor turnout from Halkirk with only 2 teams and two individuals. Although the lack of quantity was made up for in quality as Halkirk B took the team trophy by 2 points from Forss A. The Halkirk team was Kenneth Sutherland, Bryan Sinclair and Alan Gow. No Halkirk members were placed in any of the individual categories. Halkirk A consisted of John Anderson, Sean Macleod and Alan Macleod. The individuals were Alistair Findlay and Angus Mowat.
Top Gunn at Winter Stock Judging The club winter stock judging was held at Skinnet this year. Overall winner was Andrew Gunn after the four classes of stock had been judged. Official judge was Liam Gunn with 15 competitors taking part.
Ladies - 1st Fiona Swanson, 2nd Carolyn Coghill 3rd Michelle Sutherland Juniors - 1st Darryn Sutherland, 2nd Fiona Swanson, 3rd Alan Macleod Associates - 1st Willie Budge, 2nd Stephen Sutherland Overall - 1st Andrew Gunn, 2nd Darryn Sutherland, 3rd Fiona Swanson
North Regional Junior Speechmaking and Brains of the North Quiz - 27 November The Halkirk boys once again did the club proud putting in a great performance against vastly experienced opposition. Whilst not being in the top three, Messrs Morrison, Macleod and Mowat can be extremely pleased with their performance which bodes well for the future. In the quiz, Halkirk came 4th with Stephen Sutherland, Bryan Sinclair, James Riddell and the late call-up, James Morrison just missing out on the final. In the audience participation, former Halkirk member, Gordon Campbell, joined by a motley crew of present members won a tin of Quality Street's for the most points in the audience competition with 112 points.
Open Seed & Root Show - 26th November 2005:- Club Jnr Seeds & Roots - 1st John Anderson, 2nd Alan Macleod, 3rd Angus Mowat Club Snr Seeds & Roots - 1st Bryan Sinclair , 2nd Graeme Gunn, 3rd Kenneth Sutherland County Snr Baking - 1st Karen Oliphant (Bower YFC), 2nd Kathleen Campbell (Watten YFC), 3rd Anne Alexander(Bower YFC) County Jnr Seeds & Roots - 1st John Anderson, 2nd Alan Macleod, 3rd James Barnetson (Bower YFC) County Snr Seeds & Roots - 1st Bryan Sinclair , 2nd Graeme Gunn, 3rd Kenneth Sutherland Open Baking - 1st Catherine Murray, 2nd Carol-Ann Budge , 3rd Nan Budge Open Seeds & Roots - 1st Willie Budge, 2nd Carol-Ann Budge, 3rd Stephen Sutherland
Junior Speechmaking The District Junior Speechmaking saw two teams taking part, Bower and Halkirk. The Halkirk team was James Morrison (Chairman), Ryan Macleod (Proposer) and Andrew Mowat (Opposer). The lads came second but did very well considering their age and the fact they were all novices. They will now go forward to represent Halkirk and Caithness District at the North Region Competition, to be held on Sunday 27th November, in Thurso Town Hall. trainer this year was Ms. Catherine Murray.
Brains of the North Quiz After a frantic final round in the Brains of the North Quiz, Halkirk A lost out by 1 point to Watten. The Bravehearts in the team were Stephen Sutherland (Captain), James Riddell, Bryan Sinclair and Jamie Henderson. The Waterfront arena also saw a strong performance from Halkirk B who held up all the other teams, finishing a credible 11th place. They consisted of Kenneth Sutherland, Angus Mowat, Ryan Macleod and Andrew Mowat. Sandwiched between were Halkirk D in 8th, Graham Gunn, Carolyn Coghill, Jade Baikie and Fiona Swanson. In 6th were Halkirk C, Ellen Falconer, Carol-Ann Budge, James Morrison and Cheryl Henderson. Halkirk E completed the line-up coming 4th, Alan Gow, Willie Budge, Alan Macleod and Shaun Macleod.
Juniors do well at District Cattle Dressing It was bronze position yet again for Alan Macleod and Alistair Budge at the District Cattle Dressing held on 15th October. The lads were, like last week, trying this event for the first time. They made a great effort and were not too far behind more experienced opposition.
SAS retain District Sheep Dressing Shield It was success for Sinclair and Sutherland at the District Sheep Dressing competition on Saturday 8th October. The event may have been short on quantity but certainly not quality as 3 teams fought it out to win the Mackay Shield. However it was Bryan and Kenneth who emerged victorious with their fellow Halkirk team, Alan Macleod and Alistair Budge, coming in third place but making a very good job of their 2 sheep. The winning team will now be joined by the runners-up from Bower YFC at the National Finals to be held in Perth Mart on Saturday 5th November.
Club Sheep Dressing The club sheep dressing practice was held at Quarryside farm by kind permission of George and Andrew Swanson. The trainer for the evening was former Halkirk YF member James Allan, Durran Mains. A former National Sheep Dressing winner himself. A good turnout of members were put through their paces by James and will now take part in the District elimination at Quoybrae Mart on Saturday 8th October. Those present were Gavin Swanson, Jack Cowan, Mark MacDonald, Alan Gow, Bryan Sinclair, Kenneth Sutherland, Ham Coghill, Alistair Budge, John Coghill, Andrew Mowat and James Morrison.
Kennedy Cup retained for 4th year in a row, but only by half a point Halkirk retained the Kennedy Cup for the 4th year in a row at this years County Show with 18.5 points, Watten were runners-up with 18 points. The stock judging team of Kenneth and Stephen Sutherland and Angus Mowat came out on top in the two classes of pigs and lambs with 289 points out of a possible 300. In the Ladies section, both Halkirk teams put out tremendous displays and were 2nd equal in the Girls event. This meant the A team winning the trophy by the narrowest of margins.
Thurso Gala Float entered but unplaced this year
Castletown Gala Best Float 2nd - Halkirk
Royal Highland Show 2005 Tug of War Another successful Highland Show for Halkirk saw a magnificent effort from the Boys and Girls TOW teams. Both qualified from their respective leagues as runners-up with the boys facing eventual winners, Kinneff, in the semi. Having lost they then gave a tremendous last push to beat Lanark into 3rd place. The team was Andrew Morris, Mark MacDonald, Bruce Swanson Jnr, Bryan Sinclair, John Murray and Graham Gunn with coach Michael Macgregor. The girls had eventual winners Dunlop in their group but after some great pulling they qualified for the semis. Unfortunately it wasn't to be their day but they gained a credible 4th place. The team was Ellen Falconer, Heather Campbell, Christine Keddie, Isobel Swanson, Carolyn Coghill and Catherine Murray with coach Johnnie Campbell. Special mention must go to Mark MacDonald and Christine Keddie who both only started Tug of War this year. Arts and Crafts Halkirk Girls also entered the Arts and Crafts for the very first time. The Halloween theme consisted of a decorated cake, decorated tea light holder, floral arrangement, child's costume, trick or treat bucket and one further article. The articles and Appearance & Display netted the team a total score of 82.5 points. An excellent achievement for a first time entry and one which the girls can build on for next year's entry. Stock judging Caithness District did not have a Senior Stock judging team this year, however Halkirk members made up some of the Junior and Associate teams. Alan Gow was joined by Kiri Shallcross (Watten) and James Barnetson (Bower) in the Junior team although they were unplaced. In the Associates team, Stephen Sutherland and Willie Budge were joined by Liam Swanson (Watten) to attain 4th place. Pentathlon Halkirk members made up the North Region "A" team in the Pentathlon. Live Stock Assessment - Kenneth Sutherland & Bryan Sinclair Farm Management Quiz - Stephen Sutherland & Willie Budge ATV Motorbikes - Alan Gow & Willie Budge Construction Skills - Kenneth Sutherland & Stephen Sutherland Obstacle Course - Bryan Sinclair & Alan Gow
Halkirk Gala Best Decorated Float - 1st Halkirk
Highland Rally Stock judging Individual – 3rd Ellen Falconer 286 points out of a possible 300, 4th eq Carolyn Coghill, Andrew Gunn, and Alan Gow 284 points Team – 1st Halkirk A, Kenneth Sutherland, Andrew Gunn, and Alan Gow with 846 points. Practical Competitions
Wire Tying – 1st Halkirk – Jamie Henderson & Kenneth Sutherland Marzipan Fruits – 1st Kenneth Sutherland
Sports Competition
Halkirk winners of football, hockey, tug of war, the wellie boot race, tossing the sheaf and both the boys and girls 100-metre race.
Tug of War Elimination - Cornhill Ladies - 1st - Halkirk - Ellen Falconer, Heather Campbell, Christine Keddie, Isobel Swanson, Carolyn Coghill & Catherine Murray. Coach Johnnie Campbell Gents - 3rd - Halkirk A - Andrew Morris, Mark MacDonald, Bruce Swanson, Bryan Sinclair, Graeme Gunn & John Murray. Coach Michael Macgregor Both teams will now compete at the Highland Show. Also competing although unplaced were Halkirk B coached by Andrew Swanson They were Willie Budge, Angus Mowat, Jamie Riddell, Alasdair Findlay, Hamish Coghill and Alan Gow.
Open Stock judging and Slave Auction The Open stock judging and Slave Auction was again a great success with 22 slaves being sold to a top bid of £100 for Michelle Sutherland, a record price. The average for the 22 was £42.59. The winner in the Open Stock judging was Colin Mackay, Westburn, Murkle with a top score of 293 out of a possible 300. Runner - up in the Open was Ladies and Young farmer winner, Selina Campbell, Mid-Calder. The Junior winner was Alan Macleod, Olgrinbeg, Scotscalder. The full results list was as follows:- OPEN - 1st Colin Mackay, 2nd Selina Campbell, 3rd Alan Rutherford LADIES - 1st Selina Campbell, 2nd Christine Campbell, 3rd Catherine Murray YOUNG FARMERS - 1st Selina Campbell, 2nd Alan Rutherford, 3rd Alan Macleod JUNIORS - 1st Alan Macleod, 2nd James Barnetson, 3rd Christine Campbell Guess the weight of the duck - Mr John Macadie, Leuirary Mains
District Hockey - Games Hall, Thurso High School Girls 1st - Halkirk A - Isobel Swanson, Ellen Falconer, Natalie Blackwood, Heather Campbell & Carolyn Coghill 3rd - Halkirk B - Fiona Swanson, Michelle Sutherland, Jade Baikie, Lynsey Sutherland & Louise Louwe Boys 1st - Halkirk A - Andrew Gunn, James Riddell, Hamish Coghill, David McCarthy & Alasdair Finlay District Football - Castletown Primary School Boys 1st - Halkirk A - James Riddell, Roddy Gray, Lee Kirk, Graham Gunn, Gavin Swanson and Martyn Cook Girls 1st - Halkirk A - Isobel Swanson, Ellen Falconer, Natalie Blackwood, Heather Campbell & Carolyn Coghill 2nd - Halkirk B - Fiona Swanson, Michelle Sutherland, Jade Baikie, Lynsey Sutherland & Cheryl Henderson
Agri Skills Competition - 15 May, Quarryside Farm 2nd - Halkirk B - Alan Gow, Shaun Macleod & Jamie Henderson 3rd - Halkirk A - Roddy Gray, George Coghill & Darryn Coghill
District Summer Stockjudging - 14 May, Westerseat, Skaill and Forsie Team Event-1st Halkirk A, Andrew Gunn, Kenneth Sutherland & John Anderson 2nd Halkirk B, Bryan Sinclair, Alan Gow and Angus Mowat Individual - 1st Andrew Gunn, 3rd Angus Mowat Junior Section - 2nd Angus Mowat Ladies Section - 2nd Michelle Sutherland
Club Summer Stockjudging The Summer Stockjudging was held over two nights by kind permission of Mr William Sutherland, Brackside, The Minter Family, Sandside and Messrs Nicolson, Sibster. Classes were Suffolks, Cheviots, Aberdeen Angus and Friesian. The official judges were Mr Johnnie Campbell, Bardnaclavan, Mr W Manson, Skaill and Mr Steven Nicolson, Sibster. The results were as follows:- Overall 1st - John Anderson, 2nd - Angus Mowat and 3rd - Carolyn Coghill Junior 1st - John Anderson, 2nd - Angus Mowat and 3rd - Alasdair Finlay Ladies 1st - Carolyn Coghill, 2nd - Fiona Swanson and 3rd - Michelle Sutherland
The North Region Annual
Assembly was held on Saturday 7th May at Craibstone near Aberdeen.
Halkirk were named winners of the North Region Participation award, the
first time the club has won this honour since 1999. This
award is presented to the Club who has participated the most in
competitions at all levels - district, region, and national. Halkirk
were well ahead with 35 points, followed by
Harray YFC in second place with 18 points and third equal was Watten YFC
and Bower YFC with 15 points.
The District Club of the Year results were announced at the District AGM on Wednesday 16 March with Halkirk awarded runners-up spot behind Bower.
The Club AGM was held on Thursday 10 March with results as follows:- Best Junior Female - 1st Fiona Swanson 2nd Claire MacBean 3rd Michelle Sutherland
Best Junior Male - 1st Darryn Sutherland 2nd Alan Gow 3rd Angus Mowat
Best Senior Female - 1st Ellen Falconer 2nd Carolyn Coghill 3rd Gail Sinclair
Best Senior Male - 1st Kenneth Sutherland 2nd Andrew Gunn 3rd Bryan Sinclair
Best Overall Member - Kenneth Sutherland
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