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From: 161 Spring 2025
Author: Peter Smith
The traditional annual Round Up was announced very last minute with some doubt, after days of heavy rain and a rising water level, that it would happen at all. The late September day though was sunny.
The event was certainly practically affected by rising water and partial flooding - the Ranger, Julian Cooper, and graziers had to herd some stragglers heading north through 2ft of water at the southern end of the Meadow.
Although we met up at 8:30, a lot later than usual, there was a delayed start as the graziers were caught up in rush hour traffic. The Sheriff, Cllr James Fry, represented the City Council and I represented the Freemen.
The event would be different to last year in view of the conditions. There were five vehicles involved, plus a tractor and two dogs. The Sheriff and I had an exciting 20 minute ride around in the Rangers 4WD, with Julian very professionally herding, as a team effort with the graziers and dogs.
After a few rebellious breaks for freedom, prevented by impressive synchronised and instinctive manoeuvring of vehicles, the herd settled down to a brisk trot to the pens.
The vet was on hand and all 270 cows were tested as cleared of TB. The 30 odd horses roaming on the Meadow were frisky but, amazingly, trotted en-masse through the moving cows making their way onto Wolvercote Common out of the way.
In the (wet) circumstances it was an enjoyable variation to the more traditional “pedestrian” herding we are used to. Alas no breakfast this year, but I hope the Round Up next year will revert to the more traditional format in drier circumstances. With the health and safety risks of the traditional format, and budget constraints, the City Council want to discuss with us how the round up can be best undertaken going forward. They, and we, do however recognise how important it is to seek to maintain these old traditions.
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