THE BDS NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH
Information on the British Deer Society (BDS) Northern Ireland branch including events, news, and contacts.
BRANCH Area AND COMMITTEE
![](https://bds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/northern-ireland-732x1024.png)
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
![fallow buck Phoenix Park-DublinIreland-By Barry Paterson](https://bds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/fallowbuck-PhoenixPark-DublinIreland-ByBarryPatersonWEB-1-1024x727.jpg)
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
![Skye DVC Project](https://bds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skye-DVC-Project-1-Landscape-1-300x169.jpeg)
Skye DVC Project: Pioneering Safety for Deer and Drivers on Skye
The project aims to raise awareness, engage the community, collect data, build partnerships, and influence driver behaviour to improve safety for both deer and drivers. Read the full blog article to find out more and read Scott MacKenzie from Fearnan Eilean Iarmain estate comments on the project which highlights the importance of targeting driver behaviour and awareness.
![Deer O Deer Garden at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show](https://bds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Deer-O-Deer-Garden-1-300x169.jpeg)
RHS Tatton Park Flower Show: A Golden Triumph
Discover how the BDS and talented garden designers Alice Meacham and Trudi Robson triumphed at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show with their gold medal-winning “Deer O Deer” display. This innovative garden, blending stunning floral arrangements with thoughtful design and steel deer silhouettes, showcases how to create beautiful, deer-friendly spaces.
![fallow buck by Lubos Houska](https://bds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/fallow-buck-by-Lubos-Houska-300x188.jpg)
Apply Now for Funding to Cover the Costs of Your DSC1 and DSC2 Training (England only)
The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund is now open for new applications (England only).
Through this fund you may be eligible to receive funding to cover the costs of your DSC1 or DSC2 training with The British Deer Society (BDS). This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone hoping to enhance their competency and skills in deer management.
Funding for courses is limited and we would encourage you to apply now if interested.
![](https://bds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/speech-marks.png)
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