ILKLEY-based Sarah Turner, founder of Little Beau Sheep Ltd, is celebrating becoming a member of The Worshipful Company of Woolmen - one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London, dating back to 1180.

The honour was bestowed due to all the work she does in raising the profile of the magical material that is wool – especially British wool.

Sarah was clothed as a Liveryman at a Civic Dinner at Mansion House, by kind permission of the Lord Mayor, also a Woolman and in attendance by The Princess Royal, Past Master of the Woolmen.

After having her first baby, Sarah took her craft of felting and turned it into an award-winning popular business, Little Beau Sheep. Using British wool, Sarah and her team hand-make a range of natural and novel gifts and goodies.

Sarah is a supporter of the Rare Breed Survival Trust and The Campaign for Wool and Little Beau Sheep is also a British Wool Licensee - meaning they can display the “Shepherd’s Crook” of British Wool so that customers can shop assured that the products contain British Wool.

Sarah, who has a workshop in the old Wool Secretariat building in Ben Rhydding, said: “As someone whose life is wrapped up in wool, I occasionally take for granted that everyone else knows the benefits of this miracle material as well as I do: that people truly understand how wool keeps you both cool and warm. That it’s naturally waterproof and yet flame resistant. And, how its breathability organically repels the build-up of odour-causing bacteria. But, that’s just the tip of the iceberg – don’t get me started about the environmental advantages of wool and how it’s the ideal alternative to plastic-shedding man-made fabrics, which take years to degrade in landfill. So, as a champion for wool – and British wool especially – I’m super keen to spread the word about this amazing fabric.

“I am delighted to have been clothed as a Liveryman, and it was a pleasure to attend the Civic dinner. I truly believe that wool’s environmental credentials are just as relevant today, as it was in the 12th Century.”

To be a Liveryman, Freeman and Woolman of the City of London, means that you have the right to drive sheep across London Bridge.

The Sheep Drive continues to this day, and is a historic annual event organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, and Sarah is looking forward to taking part next September 2023.

She added: “British wool has an amazing history, especially in Yorkshire and in my own way, I’d like to think I’m carrying on a truly grand tradition with my small business.”

To find out more about Sarah’s products - from dryer balls for a faster more fragrant tumble-dry to felted soaps for an invigorating bath or shower, visit: www.littlebeausheep.com