It is with deep regret to inform you all that Mr Alan Birbeck, Pennine View, Nateby, Kirkby Stephen, current President of the Association, passed away in Lancaster Hospital early on Tuesday 23rd February.

Alan, husband of the late Ruth and father to Christine and Stephen, was the last of five brothers who had all farmed in the Kirkby Stephen area. A lifelong supporter of Swaledale sheep he was immensely proud to have been nominated as President for 2021 and it is extremely disappointing that he was unable to attend any event on behalf of the Association.

Over the past eighteen years Alan had been a great help to members in Ireland with the export of Swaledale sheep from the U.K., the latest batch going last week.