Wade takes chairman's role

Wade takes over from Glenarm-based Beltex breeder, Hugh O’Neill, who will continue to serve the club as vice vhairman.

“It’s an honour to be voted in as the new chairman,” said Wade. “The Beltex Club is going from strength to strength with a lot of new members joining every year as more and more commercial farmers are choosing Beltex rams as their terminal sire.”

John Harbinson remains as secretary of the club with Shirlee Nicholson continuing to serve as club treasurer. Other committee members elected on the night were Elizabeth McAllister, Patrick Brolly, Sean Daly, Seamus Kelly, Eddie O’Neill, Colin Barnes, Matthew Burleigh and Kenny Preston.

The club will be holding a number of events throughout the year with the calendar to include an open day, its National Show, a carcase competition, a flock competition and a show preparation day as well as a number of other key shows and sales. (Keep an eye out in local press and social media for further information.)

Cancer Research UK has been selected as the club’s chosen charity for the year ahead and fundraising will commence with the sale of raffle tickets to help raise money for this great cause.

John Harbinson from the Glenkeen Flock has kindly donated a shearling gimmer ewe (which will be eligible for export) and David Christie and Son, Ballymoney has donated 10 bags Of Greenvale Stage 2 lamb feed to the prize pot with more prizes being added as the fundraising gathers momentum.

The prize draw will be made at the club’s premier sale in Dungannnon Farmers Mart, which will be held later in the year.

There will be a stand at this year’s Balmoral show in the NSA tent for anyone interested in joining the club or finding out more about Beltex Sheep.

For further information contact club secretary, John Harbinson on 07843957718 or email [email protected].