The Society is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Society chairman Jimmy Warnock MBE of the Watchknowe flock, Lanarkshire.
A founding member of the British Texel Sheep Society, Jimmy had been introduced to the breed by Lanarkshire abbatoir owner Bill Jackson who persuaded Jimmy to become the Society’s 16th member.
A devotee of the breed Jimmy was renowned across the UK for his knowledge of Texels and his passion for the breed never dimmed, taking pride in seeing Texels flourish to become the driving force in the UK sheep industry. Jimmy was recognised for his dedication to the breed with a Society 50th Anniversary Award at the Society’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2024.
Chairman during the Society’s 21st anniversary year in 1995, he was instrumental in the celebrations of that year as he had been at many major Texel milestones previously.
Indeed, it was Jimmy who triumphed at the first ever show of Texels in the UK, Lesmahagow Show in 1978.
He went on to top Lanark in 2005 with the 44,000gns Watchknowe Lanark Kracker, with this one following hot on the heels of the 22,000gns Watchknowe Jimmy’s Pride in 2003.
Society chief executive John Yates said Jimmy’s farming career had been intertwined with the Texel Sheep Society’s development and he was always a guiding light within the Society.
“Jimmy was, arguably, Mr Texel to many people, both in the UK and further afield and he will be remembered fondly for his passion and wise counsel on many matters. He was a friend to all and the Society sends its condolences to Jimmy’s family, particularly his wife Elizabeth and daughters, Carol Anne, Jane and Helen.”
A memorial service for Jimmy will be held at Lanark Auction Market at 1pm on Tuesday 13th January.