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13/02/2024 09:14:55
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Edition 1 - 2024 - Northern Ireland

Holstein NI held its 24th annual dinner and presentation of awards in the Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena.

Club chairman Jonny Lyons thanked everyone for attending and said he was delighted to see such a good turnout of members and friends. He extended a special welcome to guests, Richard Hamilton, president, Irish Holstein Friesian Association, and local breeder Wallace Gregg, chairman of Holstein UK.

Jonny said: “We have a gleaming array of silverware to present tonight which reflects the success of our members throughout the year. There have been numerous club achievements to date with many more to come.”

He gave a resume of the club’s activities throughout the year.

IHFA president Richard Hamilton thanked Holstein NI for its invitation. “It has been a tremendous evening. Congratulations to Holstein NI on another fantastic year, and I wish the club continued success in the years to come.”

Mr Hamilton concluded by inviting Holstein NI and HYB members to participate at its calf show, and the stockjudging competition at the annual Open Day.

Holstein UK chairman Wallace Gregg said it was an honour to represent Holstein NI at National level.

“The society is in good heart and doing well, and has recently unveiled its new headquarters, Scope House based in Telford. The new facility includes office space, conference suites and a state-of-the-art lab for CIS. I would urge club members to visit if they have an opportunity.”

Wallace Gregg concluded by saying that Holstein NI has a strong membership. “It’s clubs like Holstein NI that form the backbone of the parent society. Northern Ireland’s contribution is immense and we have recently welcomed Wallace Patton as a new trustee on the board. Iain McLean is also set to take on the mantle in the near future.”

 

During the evening Holstein NI president David Perry made a presentation to club secretary John Martin, in recognition of his commitment and dedication as club secretary for 25 years.

The charity raffle and auction raised in excess of £2,400 for the Mae Murray Foundation. Holstein NI is indebted to everyone who donated the raffle prizes and auction items.

The awards were presented by Mrs Beatrice Perry.

 

Holstein Northern Ireland has made a special presentation to John Martin in recognition of his outstanding contribution as club secretary for 25 years.

Speaking at the club’s 24th annual dinner held in Ballymena, Holstein NI president David Perry said it was a great pleasure to present John with a token of appreciation for his exemplary service and dedication to the club.

A former student at Portora Royal School and Greenmount College, John who hails from Kesh in County Fermanagh, joined United Milk Records where he became involved in the dairy farming industry.

John joined the Holstein Friesian Society of GB and Ireland as a Field Development Officer in May 1997. In April 1998 an agreement was made with the society’s CEO David Hewitt to allow John time to serve as NI club secretary alongside his full-time role.

John Martin became secretary of the NI Holstein Friesian Breeders’ Club under the guidance of then Club President, the late and much respected Robert Wallace, Alderview Herd.

In March 1999 John played a major role in establishing Holstein Northern Ireland, which was formed following the amalgamation of the NI Holstein Friesian Breeders’ Club and the Northern Ireland Holstein Breeders’ Club.

Twenty-five years on and John Martin has been a terrific ambassador for the Holstein breed. He has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the parent society and club members, and has organised many events, trips and herd competitions, not to mention on-farm Charity Open Days which have raised almost £100,000 for various local charities.

Over the years, John has been supported by his wife Vanessa, and their children, Tamsin, Victoria, Katie, Andrew and James.