Youth Ambassadors
Who are the Youth Ambassadors?
The Youth Ambassadors of the Ryeland Flock Book Society play an important role in promoting the Ryeland and Coloured Ryeland breeds among young people.
They help raise awareness of the society’s work, encourage youth participation in showing and breeding, and share their knowledge and passion for the breed at events, schools, and online.
Through their involvement, they inspire the next generation of Ryeland enthusiasts to learn, get involved, and continue the society’s proud traditions.
Upcoming Youth Events/Opportunities
Young Shepherd Video Diary Competition 2026
How to Register:
Email: Youthdp@ryelandfbs.com with "Video Diary" in the subject line to express your interest.
Competition Details:
Each video must be no longer than 10 minutes.
Filming period: 1st January 2026 - 31st October 2026
Your video should showcase the key tasks you can carry with your sheep throughout the year.
Age Categories (Your age on the 1st January 2026 determines which category):
11 and under
12 - 16
17 - 28
The Carol Bateman Young Shepherd of the Year Award 2025
On the anniversary of Caz Bateman’s birthday, I am delighted to announce the winner of the inaugural Carol Bateman Award. This award celebrates the exceptional contributions of our younger members. Caz’s unwavering dedication to encouraging, supporting, and developing our younger members was truly unparalleled, and this award honours that legacy.
Our 5 nominees were:
Jack Deakins
Natasha Powell
Chloe Holmes
Eilidh Garrett
Maddie Welford
Many thanks to our judges Steven Ramsden and Sue Quigley who were very impressed with the calibre of all nominees. 'We were so impressed with the contribution you are making at so many levels and in such practical and positive ways. All of you demonstrated an impressive ability to collaborate with others and a willingness to assist and share your knowledge with members of the society and the general public.'
So I am pleased to announce the first recipient of the Carol Bateman Award is
CHLOE HOLMES
Huge congratulations Chloe.
Meet the Youth Ambassadors
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Evie Chadwick
North Wales & Mercia Region
Hello, I’m Evie, and I own the Mulberry flock of Coloured Ryelands in Derbyshire. I have been breeding Coloured Ryelands since 2019. I have a small flock of around 14 breeding ewes. I enjoy every part of owning Coloured Ryelands including lambing and taking my sheep to shows near and around Derbyshire. If you see me at shows don’t hesitate to say hello.
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Lucy Carter
Northern England Region
Hello, my name is Lucy. I run a family farm in Ashton-In Makefield. I enjoy horse riding, going to young farmers and competing. I personally love coloured Ryelands for their amazing temperament and the brilliant meat which we sell to our local community and a nearby restaurant. We are continually improving our stock and sell some stock on each year to other breeders. I adore going to the shows to catch up with friends as well as meeting new people. I became a youth ambassador to help other young members get the most from the society.
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Eilidh Garrett
Scottish Region
Hello, I’m Eilidh, and I run the Gormack Ryeland Flock in Aberdeenshire. I’ve been breeding Ryelands since 2019 and have a lovely flock of 15 breeding ewes. Some of my highlights include raising and showing my former tup, Gormack Aragon, and connecting with fellow breeders at events like the Highland Show. I’m passionate about promoting youth involvement in the Ryeland Flock Book Society and excited for the opportunities ahead. If you see me at shows or events, feel free to say hi!
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Chloe Holmes
Northern England Region
Hi, I’m Chloe, I'm based in Northumberland and im part of the Tranwell Coloured Ryeland Flock. My family began breeding Coloured Ryelands in 2011, and we've grown our flock to around 40 breeding ewes. From lambing season to daily checks, I enjoy every aspect of caring for our flock. However, my main passion is showing my sheep and raising awareness about the breed. If you ever see me at a show, don’t hesitate to come over and have a chat! I love sharing the joys of the breed.
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Cai Lewis
Mid, West & South Wales Region
My name is Cai Lewis, and I farm the Lleuad Coch flock of Coloured Ryelands in Login, West
Wales. I have been breeding Coloured Ryelands since 2018 when I received 2 in lamb ewes for my 6th birthday. My favourite times of year are lambing and the show season. I compete in as many local shows as possible and have been fortunate to compete in the Royal Welsh Show, Spring Festival and
Winter Fair. I am a keen member of Clunderwen YFC and compete in stock judging competitions and last November entered Ryelands into the prime lamb competition in the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. I was placed first in the lowland section and came away with a reserve champion overall. I love talking all about sheep and am keen to grow the profile of the breed among young people.
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Thomas Nash
South West England Region
I’m Thomas Nash, based near Taunton in Somerset at the home of Windsor Coloured Ryelands and Capland Ryelands. I started keeping sheep in 2016 with two Coloured Ryeland ewe lambs. My flock size has grown steadily over the years and now totals 58 with this years retained lambs. I enjoy spending the summer months taking them to shows and meeting others with the same passion. I believe I have learnt many important life skills/lessons as a result of keeping and showing sheep. As I have been helped so much by fellow RFBS members I am keen to pass this on and help any new or young members, whether it be with show prep or young handler tips.
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Scarlett Ridge
Hereford & Marches Region
Ever since I was tiny, I've been captivated by the world of Ryeland sheep. There's just something special about the bond you form with these gentle creatures. Showing sheep isn't just a hobby for me; it's a passion. From early mornings spent feeding & grooming to the excitement of show day, every moment is a learning experience. I've learned loads from animal husbandry, to the importance of breed standards. Now, at 15, I'm more committed than ever to my sheep. Whether I'm showing or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow exhibitors, showing Coloured Ryeland sheep has become an integral part of who I am. I look forward to continuing this journey of showing and sharing my love for these animals.