Harrison & Hetherington has named its main pedigree auction ring in tribute to previous managing director David Thomlinson.
Ring 3 at Borderway Mart has been renamed in honour of Mr Thomlinson, who is remembered for his outstanding dedication to the livestock auctioneering world, particularly as an integral part of the H&H team.
After an opening tribute given, by H&H Group non-executive director, Dawn Harrison, who then unveiled a plaque, Ring 3 The David Thomlinson Ring was officially named on Friday.
Born and bred in Cumbria, David left school in 1962 and began working as an office boy at Harrison & Hetherington based in Botchergate, Carlisle. During his early career he took and passed his Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor exams, then moved across into auctioneering and rose through the ranks to managing director – a career spanning 57 years. He died three years ago as a consequence of an accident on his farm.
David’s passion for pedigree stock was inspiring.
He served for six years as chairman of the National Beef Association’s Pedigree Breeders Committee, prior to becoming its chairman in 2013, a role he held for several years.
Michael Scott, chairman of H&H Group, said: “The board and everyone at H&H wanted to pay tribute to David who really was a cornerstone in the business. It seemed an appropriate honour to name Ring 3, our main pedigree ring, after David as he was so passionate about the pedigree aspect of the operation.
“We decided to make this official during the Limousin Club’s 50th anniversary celebrations, as David was a notable pedigree Limousin breeder and had been involved with the society since its inception, being a former chairman of the north west Limousin Cattle Breeders Association.”
Although David could have retired, he still maintained a key role within the company through his love of the livestock rings as an auctioneer, mentor, and assisting the land agency with property sales.
With many successes and highlights during his work as an auctioneer, one of his most proud moments was the sale of a Texel Shearling Ram, Loosebeare Imp, in 2003 which sold for 120,000gns. In 2014, David started the bidding for the exceptional animal Glenrock Illusion at 10,000gns before seeing the price rise 125,000gns, this was the highest priced heifer ever sold at that time.
Craig Ridley, honorary president of the British Limousin Cattle Society, added: “David was an integral part of our society and is greatly missed by everyone. He was an inspiration to many and was always happy to help and support in any way he could. It is a great honour to be involved in celebrating his life in this way and is a very fitting way to open our 50th anniversary celebrations at Borderway.”
