The Society’s Annual General Meeting held on Friday 26 October, reviewed another successful year for the Society, with the breed leading the way at many Interbreed Championships throughout the Show season and at two major shows first of all was Stuart Wood with a gimmer shearling at the Royal Highland Show, then at the Great Yorkshire Show when Paul & Christine Tippetts took the Interbreed again with a gimmer shearling.

The Sales season went well with the sales record being broken yet again when Neale & Janet McQuistin with a tremendous pen of shearling rams all round but it was Airyolland Castro who after fierce bidding was knocked down to Paul & Christine Tippetts, Hackney & Wilodge flocks.

Membership continues to grow and therefore the Council decided to increase the staffing for the Society and are happy to welcome Kayley Kennedy to the fold in her new role as Breed Promotion Officer, she will work alongside the secretary, Barbara Huddleston and Robert Smith.

Kayley is a very approachable young lady with a lot of confidence and experience, report writing, photography, and publication design all the attributes the Society was looking for. Kayley is from a farming background and all to aware of the Beltex genetics and how they can be an important part of a commercial flock.  Due to her relocation to the Lake District she has left Scottish Farmer who are sad to see her go. Chairman John Harbinson said “I believe the Society are extremely lucky to have Kayley on board and look forward to working with her”

This year also sees changes on the Council with two members stepping down Sue Wilkinson and David Thornley. Therefore a vote was held for the two places with Henry Jewitt (Jewitt flock)  and Andrew Bishop (Bishops) being successful, congratulations to both parties.

The Society also saw a change in President with Mary Dunlop having served her two years being succeeded by another Scottish lady Maimie Paterson who is and has been a stalwart of the Society having served on Council also as Chairman.

After the meeting the celebrations continued with a formal dinner and charity auction in aid of the Doddie Weir Foundation.