The Whiteface Dartmoor Sheep Association

The Whitefaced Dartmoor Sheep Association
Since 1951 the sale of registered Whiteface ewes and rams has been conducted at the Ashburton Show and as the association's main auction under the auspices of the auctioneers Sawdye and Harris.
John and Cecil Harris were the first to sell sheep in the early years of the association and completed twenty five years, at which time, in 1976, Cecil's son John became the auctioneer who was to sell the Whiteface Dartmoor Sheep at the annual association sale in Ashburton. The Sawdye and Harris office is situated in Ashburton.
Cecil Harris was an enthusiastic founder member of the association as well as its first secretary. Following in his father's footsteps, John became the second secretary and remained in office for twenty five years until relinquishing the job in 2001, the association's 50th anniversary.

Miss Sylvia Needham of Dipleigh, Widecome -in-the-Moor is the current president and has also been the treasurer since the association's inception in 1951. The first president in 1951 Cecil Caunter of Lower Weekaborough, Ipplepen. His grandsons still farm Whiteface Dartmoor sheep at the home farm. At this time John Coaker of Sherberton, Hexworthy, near Princetown was the first Chairman.
Phil Abel of Higher Godsworthy Farm, Peter Tavy, Tavistock was appointed the association's Chairman for the 50th anniversary in 2001, and has shown great skill in showing and farming Whiteface sheep. Paul Vincent of Dittisham, Dartmouth has taken over as charman this year. The office of secretary is taken by another of the Sawdye and Harris team, Gordon Chambers. The Newley elected treasurer is Trisha Haley from Buckfastleigh.
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