THE BDS NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH
Information on the British Deer Society (BDS) Northern Ireland branch including events, news, and contacts.
BRANCH Area AND COMMITTEE
BRANCH CONTACTS
| Chair | John Hetherington | chairnorthernireland@bds.org.uk |
| Secretary | Osmond Gurgan | northernireland@bds.org.uk |
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairman: John Hetherington
Vice Chairman: Martin Malone
Hon Secretary: Osmond Gurgan
Hon Treasurer: Adrian Fitzsimons
Training Officer: Eric Rosborough
Media Officer: Martin Malone
Education Officer: Jodie Donnelly
Deer Recorder: John Hetherington
Deer Research Adviser: Jaimie Dick
BRANCH AREAS
| Postcode | Area |
| BT | Belfast |
EVENTS
Date
Event
Friday 12th January 2024
Branch AGM
Saturday 4th May 2024
Gralloching at John Hetheringtons Deer Farm
Saturday 18th MAY 2024
Butchery Demo and BBQ
See news section below for more details.
NEXT BDS NATIONAL EVENT
No upcoming events, please check back soon.
NEWS
Saturday 3rd June 2023 Gralloching at John Hetheringtons Deer Farm.
If you want a great day out join us for a day down on the deer farm.
The day starts at the Valley Hotel, Main Street, Fivemiletown at 8.30am where you will be served with a sumptuous traditional breakfast fry of sausage, bacon and eggs with potato and soda bread followed by tea/coffee with toast and marmalade. If this is not your cup of tea, then why not go for a continental breakfast or a bowl of cereal or porridge or indeed whatever else you may like.
After that lovely breakfast at 9.30 am we head off from The Valley Hotel to John’s farm at Clabby.
Its only a short trip and upon arrival we go up the stairs into the loft where John will give a briefing to the group at 9.45am. If your breakfast has not quite satisfied you (highly unlikely) there will be tea , coffee and biscuits available throughout the event
10.15am – we will go downstairs and assemble in the larder and cutting facility to witness and take part in the gralloching of one or two deer.
12.15 – we will break for some light refreshments
12.45 – there will be a debrief and question time in the loft with the event expected to conclude by approximately 2.30pm.
Saturday 17th June Butchery Demo and Venison sausage and Burger Manufacture Demo followed by BBQ .
This event will commence at 9.30am with the skinning of a deer followed by the butchery demonstration of one or two carcases. A professional butcher will demonstrate how to break the carcass into primal cuts and then how to cut the primals into roasts or steaks or stewing meat etc .
The butcher will then demonstrate how to manufacture venison sausage and burgers and what meat and ingredients you need for this.
Finally to finish of you will be treated to a great venison sausage and burger BBQ.
This event should conclude around 2.30pm
COST OF THESE EVENTS
Saturday 3rd June Event
Adults £25
Students & Pensioners £17
Saturday 17th June Event
Adults £20
Students & Pensioners £12
SPECIAL PRICE TO ATTEND BOTH EVENTS
Adults £35
Students & Pensioners £22
You will see that if you attend both events you are getting a phenomenal price! We do not run these events to make money but for your enjoyment and education. We would like as many of you as possible to come along to both events. We would ask that you Confirm your attendance by email, no later than the 28th May. Thank you.
Osmond Gurgan – northernireland@bds.org.uk
STAY IN TOUCH
If your contact information has changed please make sure to let us know. To update your details simply email membership@bds.org.uk or call 01425 655434.
LATEST NEWS
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After 15 years of dedicated work by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC), together with essential support from Dorothy Ireland, Tony Lowry, and numerous volunteers from The British Deer Society (BDS) plus expert deer managers in Hampshire and surrounding counties, we are delighted to see the HIOWC Humane Animal Dispatch (HAD) volunteer scheme poised for a national rollout.
Support BDS and Help Protect Deer and Their Habitats
Discover how the British Deer Society is working to protect deer, their habitats, and promote sustainable wildlife management. Learn about our mission, vision, and how you can support deer welfare through education, research, and donations. Join us in making a difference for deer and the environment.
The Role of Deer Management in Conservation in the UK
Deer management plays a crucial role in supporting conservation efforts across the UK, helping to restore habitats, preserve biodiversity, and address the challenges posed by rising deer populations. This article explores the importance of balancing deer numbers with ecosystem health, highlighting the impact of culling, stakeholder collaboration, and holistic management strategies.
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