THE October 1 closing date for the 2017 Louise Owen Memorial Scholarship for sheep shearers is fast approaching.

Established in 2014 by Louise’s family, the annual scholarship of £1,000 to help fund a trip to New Zealand is awarded to the junior shearer in Wales showing greatest promise and aims provide them with the opportunity to develop and advance their skills in sheep shearing.

The winner of the 2016 Louise Owen Memorial Scholarship was Gwion Evans of Tanllan, Taliesin, Machynlleth.

Gwion was presented with his certificate in the Merion Shearing Centre at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

Aled Jones, assistant chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said “Welsh shearers are amongst the best in the world and we are truly thankful for the generosity of Louise’s family in providing the chance for a young, up-and-coming shearer to benefit from this incredible opportunity.

“This is a chance in a lifetime to take advantage of some advanced shearing training and a subsidised trip to New Zealand to work with a professional shearing contractor."

Application forms can be found online at www.rwas.wales/louise-owen-memorial-scholarship/

Further details of the scholarship and application forms can be obtained from: Tracy Powell, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3SY (tracy@rwas.co.uk).