Norfolk's Sheep Show flock stars are set for card game fame

Richard and Helen Savory, who farm at Gateley near Fakenham, have been running the popular livestock attraction at venues across the country for 30 years.

After more than 10,000 performances, Mr Savory is preparing to retire from the show.

But his woolly celebrities have already inspired a new venture - to create a fun and educational card-collecting game named Sheep Dip.

Mr and Mrs Savory have teamed up with Steve and Julie Turton to design the game, which features show performers Harry Herdwick, Sam Suffolk, Dougal Blackface, and Belinda Bluefaced Leicester.

The sheep's cartoons also appear on the box, alongside a proud "Created in Norfolk" logo.

Richard and Helen Savory's new game, Sheep Dip (Image: Denise Bradley)

The idea originated during the first Covid lockdown and developed its farming theme when Mr Turton, a Norwich-based marketeer and graphic illustrator, watched the Sheep Show at an event in Norfolk.

"He thought it was such a brilliant thing, and asked if maybe we could do something together," said Mr Savory.

"He said he knew nothing about sheep, but he liked drawing them. The game was his idea, but we had the Sheep Show so we have added our educational bit to it.

"It is a good fun family game, with something for everyone."

Some of Richard and Helen Savory's sheep with their new game, Sheep Dip (Image: Denise Bradley)

The game involves collecting "flock cards" featuring sheep characters from one of four breeds, while players can also pick up a sheepdog card to guard their flock - but they must be wary of people leaving gates open or trying to rustle their livestock.

Orders for the game have been taken from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand - where Mr Savory was born before moving to Norfolk more than 40 years ago. 

Although Mr Savory is stepping down from the Sheep Show, it will carry on under the stewardship of Trevor Wayborn, who has been working alongside him for five years. 

"I am retiring from the Sheep Show, but the show is carrying on," said Mr Savory.

"I have done over 30 years and at least 10,000 performances, so I think it is the right time. We have still got lots of shows booked, but I am ready to do something different."

The Sheep Dip game is available online at www.sheepdipgame.co.uk.

Richard and Helen Savory's new game, Sheep Dip (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Belinda card in the game Sheep Dip, named after one of the Sheep Show stars (Image: Denise Bradley)

Helen and Richard Savory with their dog and the cards for their new game, Sheep Dip (Image: Newsquest)

A Norfolk flock are the stars of a new family card game (Image: Newsquest)