A fascinating night at Dalby schoolrooms on Friday 11th March presented by Dr Jen Shepherd chairperson of the Manx Loaghtan breed society. 

Jen has had a life- long affinity with Loaghtans, even when she lived in London!  In 2003, when she returned to the Island she was given 6 Loaghtan lambs as a welcome home present to “mow” the grass and now has about 630 in her flock! 

Loaghtans came with the Vikings.  Jen believes that “they are the one truly Manx animal we have on the Island“  and she is passionate about their preservation.  She says: “We have let them come close to extinction on the Island several times in the last 130 years. These sheep are wonderful, ancient and special with glorious wool and meat but they lost out to modern sheep as they are smaller and take much longer to mature. It is a sad fact that the UK now takes more interest in these sheep and has greater numbers than we have on the Island.” 

Jen, who has given many illustrated talks, as far afield as Iceland even, believes firmly that we should be the guardians of the sheep that originated on our Island,  they are part of our heritage.

The evening @ ?7.50 includes a Manx Loughton hot-pot supper with cake & coffee, please bring your own wine /beer.  To help us with our catering please book in advance by ringing Gilly on 844031, stating if you want a vegetarian alternative.

All proceeds after costs go to the Manx charity: Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation and the Manx Overseas charity : Excellent Development buildings sand dams in Africa, as well as Dalby Church Restoration Fund.

For any further information please contact Margy on 843768.