Some Ramblings about Berkshires
Uploaded January 2005

Dear Members,

The Berkshire pig of the 21st century owes its very existence to the Master-breeders of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

I have chosen one individual whose contribution to Berkshire pigs in the middle years of the 20th century was, and still is, of paramount importance, Stephen D Player, who founded the "Whipling" herd of pedigree Berkshire pigs, which lived in several locations during its long and noteworthy existence.

Firstly at Whipling Farm, Whatton, Notts, then Whatton Manor, Whatton-in-the-Vale, Notts. From there they moved to Poulton Fields, Nr Fairford, Gloucs, and finally to Ednaston Manor, Nr Brailsford, Derbys - from where Whipling Lady 108th was exported to some far off exotic location.

Mr Player was very active in the NPBA (the fore-runner of the BPA), and I am told he made many wise and fruitful financial business transaction, which benefited the NPBA for many years. Mr Player (a member of the Players cigarette dynasty), continued to be active in NPBA matters for many years after the Whipling herd was dispersed.

I have written before that the "Pig Breeders Hall of Fame" should at some time become a reality. Stephen D Player will certainly hold pride of place along with other notable breeders, including Mr Tom Copas, for their contribution and loyalty to a truly splendid breed of British pig.

The following is a snippet of Stephen Player's contribution to the bloodlines in the 20th century.

The "Myosotis" line developed by Copas Bros
founded on a Whipling Myosotis.

The "Royal Lustre" line also developed by the
Copas Bros from Whipling Lustre.

The "Stonebow" line developed in Lincolnshire by
Mr Don Oswin, from Whipling Amber Margaret 3rd
and Whipling Dawn.

Litters sired by Swinton Farmer 3rf circa 1941 on
Whipling Lady (fine still with us).

"Peter Lad" boar line developed by Copas Bros
from Whipling Peter Lunn

- SD Player

Many of the above bloodlines were registered well into the hundreds. Cookham Myosotis 100th was used in the Cookham herd as a brood sow. Mr Oswin certainly had Stonebows well into the hundreds as well.

Many lines have been lost over the years. The "Sally Lunn" was an extremely good line, and existed for many years, now sadly gone. I think perhaps if we look at the breeders we may find that as they pass on, so does their particular bloodline, which is a shame, that on-one cares enough to preserve even just one specimen.

However, that's farming. Perhaps our smashing new website should be used to record the various bloodlines and breeders - let us know what you think.

Vaughan Byrne is the president of the Berkshire Pig Breeders Club. He can be contacted on 02897 532417 and would welcome your views or comments.