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 & Treasurer | Adrian Fitzsimons | chairnorthernireland@bds.org.uk |
| Secretary | Osmond Gurgan | northernireland@bds.org.uk |
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chair and Treasurer: Adrian Fitzsimons
Secretary: Osmond Gurgan
Deer Recorder: John Hetherington
Training Officer: Eric Rosborough
Media Liaison: Martin Malone
Education Officer: Jodie Donnelly
Deer Research Officer: Prof. Jaimie Dick
BRANCH AREAS
| Postcode | Area |
| BT | Belfast |
EVENTS
Date
Event
TBC
TBC
Please check beforehand whether branch events are going ahead due to any changes in Covid-19 guidance or regulations.
NEXT BDS NATIONAL EVENT
No upcoming events, please check back soon.
NEWS
The Game Banquet
For the seventh year running, the branch sponsored a Gala Game Banquet organised by the Ulster Reform Club for its members and guests. We support this event as part of the branch’s promotional strategy aimed at taking the BDS message to a wider audience than we can reach through our presence at game fairs and similar activities.
The Branch donates a carcass of wild venison which the Club’s Head Chef uses to create the centrepiece main course of a truly fine dining occasion. Greg Kane, representing BDS-NI, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the work of the BDS, the various deer species found in Northern Ireland, and the importance of deer management. Additionally, the Branch Chair very generously donates a case of wine as the first prize for a ballot held in aid of Belfast’s St Anne’s Cathedral Christmas Appeal which underpins a range of local charities doing essential community work but which are too small to afford professional fundraising support.
Gralloching and Butchery Demonstration
This took place at the farm of our Branch Chairman, John Hetherington, on March 2, 2019, This event is what we now refer to as a “Carlsberg Event”. Yes, you guessed it. This was probably the best event of the year and was the one we received the most positive feedback from you the members. Indeed, nearly everyone who attended this event wanted to know when we would run another one. You won’t have too long to wait as we hope to run a similar event soon.
At this stage I would like to pay tribute to our outgoing Chairman John Hetherington who unstintingly gives of his time and makes available his premises for many different events throughout the year. Thanks also to our committee and the membership of BDS NI for giving us yet another successful year.
Branch AGM
We are looking forward to the first event of 2020 which will, of course, be the Branch AGM. This year we are privileged to have BDS Chairman Rory Putnam come over and participate.
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
Restoring forests in the Cairngorms one burger at a time
Cairngorms Connect has launched a new project marketing venison, to share the story of forest expansion in the Cairngorms.
BDS Response to the Defra Consultation on Proposed Deer Management Strategy
The British Deer Society (BDS) has reviewed in detail the consultation on proposed deer management published by Defra on the 4th of August 2022. Whilst we welcome the consultation in general terms, and in particular the intent to develop a wider market for venison, we have serious concerns about some of the proposals.
Firearms and Mental Health – Awareness and Support Leaflet
The Scottish Firearms Licensing Practitioners Group has released a leaflet providing information on mental health support for firearms license holders.
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