The British Simmental Review 2022

North East Club
Report By Katie Boyes, Secretary
2022 was a quiet year for us in the North East
Club but did see the dispersal of two fantastic
herds, the loss of a long lived member of the
Club, and the marriage of another.
We started the year attending the funeral of Ian
Steele, a much-loved member of our club. Ian
passed away in January and his death came as
a big shock to all of us. I and many others have
fond memories of Ian’s cheerful happy smile that
was contagious to all. He was knowledgeable
and always willing to share this and help you.
Ian and Margaret’s herd, known as the Blakewell
Herd, sold through Selby auction market. The
sale was absolutely packed to the rafters, with the
trade topping at £4,100 for the impressively bred
Caistor Empress. Her offspring and breeding were
heavily sought after on the day. These cattle and
the bloodlines are an absolute credit to Ian and
Margaret.
In May at Carlisle, Gerald Towers dispersed his
herd, compromising of the Tidkin and Jet herds.
In a strong sale, the herd topped at 5,000gns for
Tidkin Natalie’s Illusion sold with her heifer calf
at foot. Fifteen cows and calves averaged over an
impressive £3,300. Gerald has been a very active
member in the Club in years gone by, standing as
chairman twice and again always cheerful, even
with a glass of wine in tow! On the day, the cattle
sold from Wales to Scotland and the Tidkin/Jet
name is firmly on the map!
Cattle at the Blakewell Dispersal Sale.
Albeit sad, herd dispersals and funerals are a funny
way to meet and catch up with friends. The stories
and tales people have to share are fond memories
of past times.
May also saw the NBA’s Beef Expo held at
Darlington Auction, and it was great to see a
very busy event. The Simmental stand featured a
stock bull, and a commercial cow and calf unit,
and drew a lot of attention on the day from local
farmers and breeders in attendance. Third prize in
the event’s stand competition was a nice bonus! I
believe events like these are a great way to show
the capability of our breed and having commercial
cattle on the stand gives people something to
really think about. A big thank you to Richard
Sanders for the fantastic bull he supplied for the
day, and to Irving Pearson for the cow and calf.
At the May Worcester sale, Grangewood Lucas
topped the trade. This bull was entirely home bred,
sold for 5,500gns and went down to Herefordshire.
The Tidkin Dispersal Sale.
NBA Beef Event stand competition presentation.
140 | www.britishsimmental.co.uk