The Society’s National Annual General Meeting & Social Weekend 2009

Members attending the event, summed it up as one of the most successful Society AGM and Social Weekends, although the Society has always prided itself in working with its regional clubs to ensure that members get a real treat when attending these types of events, the Society’s North West National AGM didn’t disappoint.

A great advert for the Society with the electric atmosphere throughout the weekend summing up exactly why Texel breeders support the Society, where an association of breeders with great passion for the breed get an opportunity to voice their opinion, share ideas and work hard at socialising, of which none of these need much encouraging! Quote-un-quote John Yates Chief Executive.

The Moorside Grange Hotel, Stockport, perched on the side of the Peak District, Cheshire proved an excellent choice to base the event, with extensive facilities for partners, young members through to let’s say the not so young! The mix was superb with plenty of space for members to relax and absorb the phenomenal year for the Texel breed that Texel Membership had provided.

The Friday evening kicked off with a gathering of breeders from across the UK meeting up with the Board of Directors for the informal evening. The scene was set with all looking forward to what was proposed to be a great farm visit and welcome from the Boden family at Mellor Hall Farm, home to the Mellor Vale and Sportsmans flocks.

The coach departed early on the Saturday morning followed by a convoy of cars for the short drive to Mellor Hall. On arrival an extremely well organized event by Charlie, Steph and Joan Boden, assisted by the Boden family and the North West Texel Club unfolded, Members were in for real treat! The outstanding home catering further supported by the Nesbitts famous Yorkshire Hog Roast was sampled to the full by the hundreds of members that had flocked to the morning event.

Charlie displayed the flocks to the full within the extensive buildings at Mellor Hall, much to the envy of the breeders attending, with many jostling for position to marvel at the tremendously well turned out stock. All were impressed to say the least!! The Stock judging event hosted by North West Texel clubs Secretary and Chairman Jill Mortimer –Tarbatt and David Houghton, further added to the fun for members, with a selection of the fine stock produced by the Boden family with further exhibits from the Sportsmans Charolais Cattle herd added to test the audience. At this stage the catering changed to hot soup, much appreciated on the cold morning.

Miraculously one of the many category winners of the Stock judging was Finley Clark, son of Alan & Marla (Garngour), no mean feat when you’re under one years of age! Alan is currently our new Chairman of Sales & Shows Committee.

The hog roast and formal vote of thanks from Tim Healy culminated in what was an outstanding flock visit, our thanks to the North West Club Committee and the Boden family for all the effort in preparing the stock, providing the catering and hosting the event.

The afternoon session proceeded back at Moorside Grange, with members engaging with the executive at the formal AGM. The sensitive issue of the subscriptions increase was presented thoroughly by our Chairman and Chief Executive, with the opportunity to discuss the merits and concerns at length. A majority decision followed, to proceed with the resolution to increase subscriptions, which ultimately places the Society in a stronger position to operate more effectively on behalf of the membership in the future.

The evening Dinner & Dance soon beckoned with all members brushing up mighty fine, entertained by a short pre dinner photo quiz, where the 150 diners rattled their minds to remember various high price ram names, prices, purchasers and vendors details. Not that simple but all thoroughly enjoyed. The winning ticket, from Steve & Sherry Richardson (Stonebridge), obviously both have minds of an encyclopedia! Stephen is our new Honorary Treasurer with an eye for figures!

The event drew to a close some time on the Sunday morning! With a plethora of “with thanks” messages received at the Society office in the following weeks. The event would not have been possible without a great team effort which combined the support of the Society administration, the North West Club and the hosting of the flock visit at the Boden residence. Not forgetting all the Members who attended the event.

The Society looks forward to welcoming members to the 2010 AGM and Social weekend later this year. Further details will be available shortly.

Charlie Boden proudly presents his flock with eager on onlookers attending the AGM flock visit

Gordon Gray, the Society’s new Chairman offering a vote of thanks, with David Houghton, Jill Mortimer-Tarbatt of the North West Club. Alan & Marla Clark to the front of the photo.

Tim Healy taking a rest on his last day as outgoing Chairman and Gordon Gray reaching for some tonic as he starts his two year stint as Chairman of the Society! Come on Gordon it won’t be that challenging? Will it Tim?