Surprise for James

The Northern Ireland section of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists sprang a pleasant surprise on James Campbell during an evening reception at the Balmoral Show. Campbell was presented with a gift marking his retirement after 20 years as the section's treasurer. He stepped down after being elected treasurer of the IFAJ.

An apple a day

Pictured, from left, are: Cliff Kells, Commercial Manager Tesco NI; Oliver McCann, McCann’s Apples; Robert Irwin, Chair of Northern Section of Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Angus Wilson, CEO of Wilson’s Potatoe

Tesco recently hosted a lunch for members of the Northern Section of Guild of Agricultural Journalists at Paul Rankin’s Cayenne restaurant in Belfast to celebrate the expansion of McCann’s Harvest apple juice and Wilson’s Country potatoes ranges now on sale in stores across Northern Ireland. There was a good turnout of Guild members including several new recruits. The new products are featuring prominently in Tesco 'Taste Northern Ireland – get to know your locals' major promotion event. Tesco Commercial Manager Cliff Kells said: “We are committed to supporting local suppliers, and the expansion of the McCann’s and Wilson’s range is just another example of Tesco doing more to help the local economy.”

Obituary

Brian Daulman - A gifted photographer

Brian Daulman, who died on May 20 aged 75, spent more than two decades as the staff photographer for FarmWeek. He joined the paper in 1963 from the Ulster Star in Lisburn, and his gifted work was an essential component in the growing popularity of the then fledgling agricultural title based in High Street, Belfast. Highly respected as one of Ireland's leading livestock and rural affairs photographers, he was a truly accomplished lensman, winning not only the admiration of his peers but all those he captured so
vividly in his eye-catching images. When it comes to photographing livestock, patience is an all- important attribute. Brian had this quality in abundance. His 'subjects' were always shown at their natural best.
His inspiring images, evoking precious memories of successes in the judging ring, adorn countless family photographic albums in rural Ulster.
For an older generation of pedigree breeders in particular, Brian was a familiar and welcome sight on the provincial show circuit up to the early 1980s.
Many enduring friendships were forged. His meticulous work in the show rings was universally praised. He believed that a good picture was worth a thousand words. Light and background were critical considerations when he lined up a shot with
the sun always behind him.
His skills and knowledge covered the full spectrum of photography
disciplines. On one unforgettable occasion, when covering a high-profile muck-
spreading demo, the popular FarmWeek cameraman was asked to take a 'close-up' of a new spreader in action. The overly-enthusiastic tractor driver prematurely triggered the PTO drive and Brian - and his spanking new Rolleicord twin-lens reflex camera - were liberally splattered by dung! Brian, characteristically, was unfazed, and the apologetic event organisers, then Ministry of Agriculture officials, responded magnificently to the incident. Brian, duly cleaned up, was subsequently able to complete the photographic assignment though onlookers observed that he wisely kept a respectable distance from the young tractor driver in question! Brian's portfolio of the creme de la creme of Ulster livestock breeding, amassed over so many years, was unique. As a professional, he was unceasingly conscious that an inferior print could reflect unfairly on a breed - or, indeed, not do adequate justice to the endeavours of a dedicated breeder.
Brian, who lived at Dunmurry, Belfast, was a former member of the Ulster Gliding Club and a model plane and ham radio enthusiast in his retirement.
He is survived by his wife Margaret and daughters Dorothy and Catherine.


Brian Donaldson elected All-Ireland President



Brian Donaldson was elected All-Ireland President of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists at the Guild's All-Ireland AGM in Balmoral. He received his chain of office from outgoing President Michael Miley

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) hosted a reception for the Guild of Agricultural Journalists at Balmoral Show at the close of the second day of the hugely popular Belfast event. Although the day had turned out rather damp there was still a good attendance at the show of both the general public and indeed Guild members on what is traditionally the busiest day of the three-day show. At the reception the members of the northern section of the Guild were joined by a good turnout of members from the south who had travelled to Balmoral not only to see the show but also for the All- Ireland AGM of the Guild, which followed the RUAS reception. Northern chairman Robert Irwin introduced RUAS vice-president Robin Morrow, who welcomed the Guild members and referred to the symbiotic relationship between journalists and the event organisers. A presentation was made to James Campbell who has served the northern section as treasurer for the past 20 years and has now taken on the role of treasurer of the international Guild. James has been the driving force behind the northern section for many years and has seen a considerable revival in membership in recent years after a period when enthusiasm for Guild activities was low.