A busy schedule of events has been lined up for the 50th anniversary of the British Texel Society this year.
John Yates, chief executive of the society, which was first incorporated in 1974, says 2024 is set to be a special year for Texel breeders.
“A series of events and other activities have been planned to give breeders across the UK the opportunity to come together and celebrate this important milestone for the society,” he explained.
The major focus of the society’s celebrations during the summer months will be the Textravaganza weekend at Carlisle on Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6.
The Friday will see an inter-club competition day with teams of five from regional Texel clubs tackling a series of tasks, including stock judging, shearing and cookery challenges.
This will be followed on the Friday evening by the society’s Summer Sizzler BBQ and party for all society members.
“Saturday 6th July will then see member competing in the Textravaganza National Show, with classes being judged by Robert Cockburn of the Knap flock and Jennifer Aiken, Coniston, said Mr Yates. "This promises to be an excellent weekend giving members the opportunity to come together and relax while also having a competitive edge."
Alongside these member focused events, the Society will also be issuing commemorative 50th anniversary rosettes to local shows across the UK and hosting an international visitor workshop for Texel breeders from across the world.
“British Texel genetics have been exported to across the globe and the Society is delighted to invite breeders from overseas to see Texels here in the UK in this special year. Visitors will have the opportunity to attend the Textravaganza National Show, a series of flock visits and the Great Yorkshire Show,” said Mr Yates.
Helping to mark the anniversary will be a 50th anniversary book and a series of podcasts, both featuring insights from a number of noted Texel breeders and reflecting on the society’s successes over the last half century.
Wrapping things up will be society’s 50th anniversary celebration social weekend in Chester, incorporating the society’s AGM and two party nights.
Adding to all this will be a fundraising effort for the society’s 50th anniversary charity, The Farm Safety Foundation, better known as Yellow Wellies.
“The work of Yellow Wellies in highlighting the need for farmers to take care of both their physical and mental health is vital for safeguarding the future of the farming industry,” added Mr Yates.
Celebrating the society’s 50th anniversary is a remarkable achievement said Mr Yates. “Back in the early 1970s, despite the recent arrival of Continental cattle breeds, the idea of importing a foreign sheep breed was an entirely alien concept.
“Those initial importers faced numerous hurdles in their quest to bring Texels to the UK and the fact that a number of founding flocks are still active and will be taking part in these 50th anniversary celebrations is testament to the success of the breed.”
For full details on all these events see texel.uk/anniversary
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here