Texel AGM a huge success

Members of the British Texel Sheep Society descended on the Province for their National AGM and Social weekend on 28th/29th October 2011. With more than 75 members travelling from the Mainland and the Isle of Man this was a weekend packed with events and entertainment to suit both the Texel enthusiasts and their partners. The La Mon House and Country Club was the hub for all the activities which took place, beginning with an informal dinner and Table Quiz organised by the NI Texel Young Breeders Club. This proved to be an excellent ice-breaker as many teams fought for first place, while others just enjoyed the craic.

On Saturday morning delegates were spoilt for choice, some hopping on the luxury coach to take in the sights of Belfast including Stormont, Titanic Quarter, The City Centre not forgetting a visit to the many murals dotted throughout the city; others took the opportunity to use the fantastic leisure facilities at La Mon, while some just got caught up on the sleep they missed the previous evening. The final stopping point for the bus trip was Balmoral Show grounds where members from the N I Texel Club put on a show of females, judged by Keith Campbell, Argyllshire and compered by Jimmy Warnock, Lanarkshire this proved to be a very popular stop for both the delegates and Club members who joined them. The Millar’s flock bred by Martin and Cyril Millar took the honours of the show as Keith announced their group of three Show Champions while the Springhill flock, exhibited by John Foster took the Reserve Championship. At this stage members also had a chance to view the Elite Gimmers for Sale on Saturday evening. Following the Show, delegates retired for lunch and refreshments before travelling back to the hotel for the AGM.

Saturday evening’s entertainment kicked off with a display of Irish Dancing by the local Donna Revie School of Dance, while harpists Mairead and Eimear McAuley welcomed the guests with their musical rendition.

Before dinner auctioneer Graham Loughrey took up his position at the rostrum to auction the Elite gimmers and Charity items catalogued. The chosen Charity was REVIVE which will receive the guinea from the sale of gimmers plus the proceeds from the select items auctioned. Guests were extremely generous with their bids, as were those who donated items, the Club are indebted for their support.

Following an excellent meal presentations were made by both the Society and NI Club. Society awards included the biannual “Presidents award” presented by the Society President and Chairman Gordon Gray to an individual that in the Boards’ opinion has dedicated a significant amount of time and support to the benefit of the society and the breed; this was gracefully received by veteran Northern Irish breeder Robbie Mulligan.

Gordon Gray, out- going President, presents Robbie Mulligan with the President’s Awards for dedicating a significant amount of time and support to the benefit of the society and the breed

In-coming Chairman, Nick Tavernor, then presented Gordon Gray with a Rose Bowl in recognition of his hard work and dedication during his term in office. Gordon also received a gift from the NI Club for his tireless support throughout his time as both Vice Chair and Chairman. Nick then announced his very popular proposal of N I Area representative, Henry Gamble, Groomsport, as Vice Chairman.

Victor Chestnutt, NI Club Chairman chats to Raymond Brady, of Thompsons, sponsors of the event

Presentations from the NI Club included the Young Breeders cup which was awarded to Stephanie McCollam for her dedication and hard work on behalf of the NI Texel Young Breeders Club.

Nigel Hamill presents Stephanie McCollam with the Young Breeders Cup

The remainder of the evening was a time for catching up and socializing; with many of the revellers dancing the night away to the Harmony Dance Band.

A great weekend was had by all, and many thanks go to the Society, sponsors Thompsons Feeds and all those who made this a special weekend.

Young Breeders

The Texel Young Breeders NI Club has recently been part of the 37th Annual General Meeting and Social Weekend of the British Texel Sheep Society. This event took place in Northern Ireland and will not be back again for four years. La Mon Hotel was the venue for the Young Breeders Table Quiz on the first evening where there was no charge for entry yet the club still managed to raise over £200 for their chosen charity, Revive.

Stephanie McCollam and Victor Chestnutt pictured at the Texel Young Breeders NI Table Quiz which took place at the National AGM Weekend

Revive supports the work of the Regional Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and is a charity close to all the hearts of the members of the Northern Ireland Texel Club.

Quizmaster Stephen McCollam

The Table Quiz aroused the competitive side of many members from as far away as the Isle of Man. Thanks must go to Stephen McCollam for acting as Quizmaster on the evening and to Victor Chestnutt for all his help on the evening.

Some members of the Texel Young Breeders NI Club who attended the National AGM Weekend

The results of the Quiz were very close and this resulted in a tie breaker for 2nd place which saw the CEO of the British Texel Sheep Society in England competing with a local man. Not surprisingly, Northern Ireland succeeded and the team ‘Ewe Beauties’ were placed 2nd with ‘The Has Beens’ in third.

To no surprise, a team of women came in 1st place. ‘Agada’ was made up of the British Texel Sheep Society’s Headquarters staff so it was interesting to know that they are more intelligent than the Board of the Society!

First place at the Table Quiz was awarded to 'Agada', pictured with Club Secretary Stephanie McCollam and Club Chairman David Chestnutt

Second place at the Table Quiz was awarded to 'Ewe Beauties'

Third place at the Table Quiz was awarded to 'The Has Beens'

In the Table Quiz last place went to ‘Innes’, who received a wooden kitchen utensil and Best Team Name unfortunately went to ‘Wales Defeated Ireland’.

David Chestnutt presenting the prize for the Best Team Name at the Table Quiz

On the second day of the weekend, the Young Breeders Club joined many others at Balmoral Showgrounds to view a display of some Northern Irish breeders’ sheep which was then followed by lunch. On the second evening of the weekend, many young breeders attended the Dinner Dance which also saw a sale of elite gimmers. These gimmers were chosen for sale in July 2011 and five young breeders were selected out of the fourteen.

Following the sale the prizegiving took place which saw the Texel Young Breeders’ Club Secretary Stephanie McCollam being awarded the President’s Cup for the most promising member. Nigel Hamill was kind enough to sponsor this cup and explained how he looks for the most enthusiastic member who gives the most to the club.

TYB Secretary Stephanie McCollam pictured receiving the President's Cup from TYB President Nigel Hamill

The AGM weekend was certainly very social and the Young Breeders Club are very thankful for being asked to participate in it. If anyone has any interest in the club please do not hesitate to contact Club Chairman David Chestnutt on 07843152743 or Club Secretary Stephanie McCollam on 07792161316.