Northern Ireland Young Texel Breeders Club

Balmoral Show

Following the Texel judging at the show, the Young Breeders club held a Young Handlers class which Texel Club President Gordon Gray from South East Scotland kindly judged. results>>>

Texel Breeders young and old recently joined together at Raceview Karting, Ballymena, to take part in a mini grand prix. The night was very enjoyable with Cahir McAuley, Antrim, taking the pole position, closely followed by Andrew Kennedy, Ballymena, in second and David Chestnutt, took third place.

After the fun and games the evening took a more serious note and breeders unanimously voted to establish a Young Breeders Club. David Chestnutt was elected Chairperson with James Adams, Ballymena, as his Vice-Chairperson. Stephanie McCollum, Antrim, starts the hard work as secretary with Lesley-Anne Beacom, Portstewart, assisting her. Cahir McAuley, will be the club’s treasurer with Zara Price, Loanends assisting him. Connor McClery, Crumlin, will take over as PRO and Adrian Liggett, Fintna, will represent the young breeders on the NI Texel Sheep Breeders Club committee. Andrew Kennedy, Ballymena, James Wilkinson, Cookstown, Nikki Martin, Saintfield, John Trimble, Banbridge, and Robert Gamble, Bangor, also sit on committee and will assist the office holders.

Furthermore the committee have the great pleasure of welcoming Nigel Hamill, Crumlin, as the club president. Nigel has bred Texel’s for many years and his knowledge and expertise will likely come in very hand over the forthcoming weeks.

The new committee have decided that anyone who shares a passion for the Texel breed and has Texel connections is very welcome to join. Membership starts at £5 for anyone aged 18 or under and £10 for those aged between 18 and 35.

The committee have great expectations and are already planning a vast amount of events for the forthcoming summer, including workshops, a BBQ, fireside quiz and bowling.

David Chestnutt, the club Chairperson, has said
“this is an exciting opportunity for any breeder with a passion for the Texel breed and our aim is to promote and support young breeders. Like any new club this is all very daunting for us but I am sure with a lot of hard work we will get a series of events organised and lead the way for all young Texel breeders in the UK”.

If you would like any further information on the Texel Young Breeders Club NI or would like an application form to join, please feel free to contact the Northern Ireland club secretary Stephanie on 07813318233.