NI 2010 AGM
N.I. Dorset Sheep AGM 2010
Philip & Margaret Baker with Catherine Maybin & Sharon Knox
Michael & Catherine Maybin presenting Gary Henderson with the Galgorm Cup
Vice Chairman Ben Lamb with Philip Baker (president) & wife Margaret
There was an excellent turn out at the 51st Annual General Meeting of the N.I. Dorset Horn and Polled Dorset Sheep Breeder’s Club, which was held last Monday evening. Alongside a full business agenda, there were two guest speakers who contributed greatly to the success of the evening. The start of a new year is a good time both to look back and to look forward, and this was reflected in the themes of the two talks.
Firstly Mr John McConnell from DARD Policy Division gave a presentation on the new rules concerning electronic identification of sheep. This was of great interest to all breeders and after a clear and concise overview of the regulations Mr McConnell was able to answer specific questions from the audience. Having looked forward at the EID tagging issue, the second speaker, Mr Philip Baker from Yeovil, Somerset took a trip down memory lane and shared some of his experiences with Dorset sheep. Mr Baker has recently taken on the role of President of the Dorset Horn & Polled Dorset Sheep Breeders Association; but previously he was treasurer of the Association for many years. As a teenager he worked for Mr B Lenthall who imported the first Polled Dorset rams from Tasmania in 1956 so he was able to trace the growth in popularity of the polled Dorset from then until present day.
During the AGM the Chairman, Mr Graham Cubitt reported on a very busy year last year as the club celebrated their Golden Anniversary. Throughout the show season the members were encouraged to support the Dorset classes at the Agricultural Shows and each show was judged by a Dorset Breeder from Britain . Many special events were organised by the committee and throughout the year it had been decided to support a chosen charity. The charity nominated was the ‘Friends of Jessica’, which provides life saving equipment for the regional intensive care neo natal unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital . Two members of the N.I. Dorset Club have reason to be very thankful for the care that their children received in this unit so it is a charity very close to our hearts. At the meeting on Monday evening the club were delighted to be able to present a cheque for £2550.50 to Mr & Mrs D Wolfenden from the ‘Friends of Jessica’. This money was raised by auctioning a lamb at the Autumn Sale, donated by Thomas Wright, Ballymoney; auctioning a pure bred lamb donated by George Robson, Doagh at the Golden Anniversary Dinner in November and also the auction of semen; and a raffle, which was well supported by members from throughout the province. Thanks are due to P&O Ferries, Temple Golf Club , Ross Park Hotel and Jackson ’s Butchers, Ballynure for sponsoring raffle prizes.
The chairman was also delighted to report that both the Premier Sale in July and the Autumn Sale had been very successful, with excellent quality stock selling for record prices and each category showing a higher average price than last year.
The Office Bearers for the year are:
President – John McCullagh
Chairman – Graham Cubitt
Vice Chairman – Ben Lamb
Secretary/ Treasurer – William Carson
Pro – Catherine Maybin, assisted by Sharon Knox
New Committee
Samuel Caldwell Amy McConnell
Mary Cubitt Alistair McNeill
Raymond Hill George Robson
Trevor Knox Sandy Wilson
Steven Lyons Thomas Wright
Seamus Mullan
