It is with the deepest sadness that we have to inform you that Charles Sercombe died yesterday. This was following a cancer diagnosis, which the medical teams were not able to suppress. Charles has been an integral part of the Charollais Society and one of its strongest supporters for 37 years and a close personal friend.
I recall in 1987 a young, fresh-faced farmer purchasing his first Charollais; closely followed by a trip to France to inject some imported stock into his Dalby Flock, ‘PE’. It soon became apparent that this young man not only had bags of energy and enthusiasm for this new breed into the UK, but also a considerable skill in breeding pedigree livestock.
The Society and the breed has been extremely lucky to have Charles’s support over these years. The flock has produced many of the top show and sale sheep in the breed; holding a number of records for top prices. Dalby stock have won championships at all the major shows across the UK and the flock has supported local shows consistently to keep the breed in the spotlight.
But Charles was not one to solely concentrate on his own stock and farming enterprises; he had a passionate interest in the sheep industry and gave his time and intellect to serve on many boards, groups and Government committees at the highest levels. For the Charollais Society he has served as Eastern Region Chairman, Judges Committee member, F&GP Chairman and currently National Chairman. We were all so fortunate to attend the 2024 National AGM at Sandlands Farm and celebrate with friends in best Eastern Region style. This was not the first time the farm has been host to a major Charollais event; many times we have been entertained and thrilled to view the top quality stock on the farm.
Charles loved the showring; whether exhibiting or judging and certainly was a master of both skills. He officiated at all the major Royals and was a top ranked judge of not only the Charollais breed but a number of others. But it was not all looks that were important to Charles in hisbreeding programme; he was a passionate supporter of performance recording and all that entailed and brought to sheep breeding. He was an original member of the Charollais Sire Reference Scheme and more latterly a flock in Signet’s Ram Compare trial work. Always looking for ways to improve his flock through scientific methods not only for his own rewards but to take the UK sheep industry forward.
The Charollais Society has lost a dear friend and devoted supporter. We send our love and support to his wife Helen and children Victoria, William and Grace.
