Texel Sheep Society 37th Annual General Meeting & Social Weekend 2011

This extremely successful event was hosted in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Texel Club on Friday & Saturday October 28th – 29th 2011 at the La Mon Hotel and Country Club, Castlereagh, Belfast.

On the Friday evening a large attendance of members from the mainland were joined by local breeders with over 100 members dining and setting the weekend’s social event going with a quiz hosted by the Young Breeders Club.

The La Mon Hotel proved an extremely relaxing and successful venue so much so many members had decided to make use of the leisure and hospitality whilst a coach of Members headed city bound early on the Saturday morning with an interesting city tour of Belfast. The coach headed to the Balmoral showground where many local NI members met the coach party for an exhibition at the Londonderry Hall, comprising of N.I. Texel Sheep & Young Breeders Club display of sheep followed by lunch at the Kings Head and more refreshments! This was the only opportunity to view the Elite Gimmers that were auctioned later that evening prior to the Dinner Dance.

Following the ever popular Dinner Dance, presentations were made by the Society and NI Club. Society awards included in particular 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 Robbie Mulligan.

Gordon Gray presenting Robbie Mulligan with the Presidents Award

Additional awards also included the incoming Chairman and President Nick Tavernor presenting Gordon Gray a Crystal Rose Bowl on behalf of the Society and Membership for Gordon’s dedication and commitment over the past two years in carrying out his role. Bruce Mair was also presented with a Crystal Clock to commemorate his retirement following ten years as a valued Director on The Texel Board. The new chairman also announced his very popular proposal of Vice Chairman and President which is local Northern Irish breeder Henry Gamble. Further Club awards with entertainment by an Irish dancing display followed by “The Harmony Dance Band” .

The weekend proved extremely enjoyable with many members taking the time to discuss the extremely successful year the breed and the Society has achieved, the annual Autumn social events provided by the Clubs and the Society continue to go from strength to strength and we look forward to hosting next year’s event.

The 2012 event takes place in conjunction with the Solway & Tyne Club at the very popular De Vere Hotels Holiday resort at Slaley Hall Northumberland. With 30 rooms already reserved, Members are encouraged to book early by contacting the Society office in the first instance.

John and Richard Currie, Ballymena topped the NI Texel Club Elite Gimmer sale held as part of the National AGM & Social Weekend. [report]

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. [report]