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Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 7:14 pm
by areoch
Just feel like airing a personal view - from a relatively recent member, living north of the border.
The decision to join was not a bad one, I have learned quite a bit about Dexters and cattle in general, and been priveleged to meet with some very interesting and knowledgeable folks, which in itself has been rewarding - I must emphasise that if I act on my current urges to give up my membership, I would hope to retain my associations with these kindly folks !
But give up membership is is what I am on the point of doing , so sickened am I with the internal bickering within the society that I joined, albeit in ignorance of the individuals involved . My impressions, ill-founded I hope, are that the Dexter cattle come 'way down the list of priorities of some of the key players, and since it was principally an interest in Dexter cattle which brought me into the society, it seems logical that I continue with my Dexters, and discontinue with the society. My wife and myself get pleasure from keeping these animals and will continue to do so irrespective of a current green slip proving their lineage.
Geographically (or temperementally) I can see very little potential for being in a position to be of much use to the society anyway, the centre of the Dexter world being seemingly firmly anchored in the deep(ish) south - fact not criticism!
Since there are no other postings along these lines, I guess mine is a 'one-of' - the bulk of membership must be very much more forbearing than I.
Regards to all genuine Dexter enthusiasts, J M Muirhead, Auchareoch Farm, Arran.
p.s. I will be delighted to be informed that my impressions are totally without foundation - here's hoping!
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 8:23 pm
by Saffy
areoch,
I am sure you are not alone in your thinking, feelings have been running unusually high.
However I have spent many happy times on the site here before we bought our cows last Summer and since, in fact I think I have been a member of the site for 3 years altogether. It is usually a VERY friendly place and I am sure things will settle back down so give it time. It is also the best place for a bit of advice if you ever need it!
Also having run a herd of a different breed most of my life, I can say that if you decide to let the pedigree side lapse you may regret it, people often do.
Good luck with whatever you do.
Stephanie Powell
Edited By Saffy on 1195414081
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 8:44 pm
by Duncan MacIntyre
This is a difficult time for all members, whatever their degree of involvement, and for those recently joined it may be all too easy to be downhearted and feel like pulling out. However I think that like all crises this one will pass, and we must be patient. Things are happening, albeit a bit slowly. It is important for them not to happen with indecent haste, for due consideration to be given to the next steps, and for time for all members to have time to absorb it all and understand what is happening. Things must be done properly and be seen to be done properly, and some time will be needed.
I do hope members will not give up too easily, there are better times ahead.
Duncan
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 8:49 pm
by Martin
areoch, please stick with us for a while. This episode will soon pass and I am sure a better future for all Dexter keepers and their animals will follow. We need a Society that is not sidetracked by politics, and people like yourself are what the society needs most, uninterested in side issues and pasionate about the animals that we have chosen to keep. No member should fear what the Steering Committee is about, we only have the best interest of the breed at heart.
Martin. Medway Valley Dexters.
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 8:51 pm
by Mark Bowles
A sense of depression is starting to hit me too!
Over the last 10 years since i bought my first dexter i have tried to give the breed a helping hand through every way i could, thru various endevours, with the current discussions its tough.
Dont forget the Black cows ( and red and dun), they are the true survivors, we owe it to them to get the DCS sorted.
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 9:58 pm
by Colin
Areoch, please don't resign. I'm like you, I joined the DCS recently (this year) and never thought anything was awry. I have followed the heating discussions at times with jaw dropping astonishment. Clearly there is a lot of background and a huge amount of emotion. I have also more recently felt a sense of exasperation that the debate continues, when clearly we have no option but to try and put the past behind us and move forward.
I don't personally know the people on the steering committee but I do know they already do a huge amount in their own right in furthering the cause of the Dexter breed for the benefit of us all. And they are extremely willing and helpful in this discussion board. So I am absolutely confident in their credentials and in their experiences to do the right thing. And they will have my full support to get the DCS back on track. So now is not the time to think about leaving, but to support the team and offer them constructive ideas and suggestions to take us forward.
Colin
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 1:27 am
by welshdexterboy
Don't give up Areoch, When the going gets tough the tough get going as they say somewhere. What has gone on is in the past and the steering committee need help and ideas to make the future bright again. I can understand how feel out on a limb where you are but technology brings us all closer and helps to keep us informed. Keep your chin up and wait to see what happens.
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:21 am
by Chris Downward
Areoch
My sentiments exactly, when I joined the DCS it was because of the (in my case) black cows. They are fantastic, absolutely marvellous animals. The society is a much different beast, I've posted a number of comments on this board and sometimes a logical discussion and reasoned argument takes place, at other times you feel as though you are attacking a "sacred cow" (pardon the pun)---try saying we don't need a glossy bulletin!!!!!!!!!!
I feel much like you, I'll see what happens--but I think that at the first mention of DCS politics I'm off--maybe it is possible to join another countries Dexter society?,
Chris
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:19 pm
by Sylvia
Could you point me to the post where you suggested the DCS didn't need a glossy bulletin please, Chris, because I don't remember that.
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 5:19 pm
by Chris Downward
Sylvia,
I'm sorry I can't find it, it was on this site and was probably about 12 months ago. I suggested that we probably didn't need one and analysed what was in the bulletin that was produced. It produced a storm of protest mostly based on how hard people worked to produce it--which I'm sure they did--but my opinion still stands that for what it contains we don't really need it. The comments drove me away from this site for quite a while--we need reasoned democratic argument to keep the society together not positional statements.
chris
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 5:55 pm
by Peter thornton
But Chris, democracy is when the majority prevail - and it was clear to most of us that the majority wanted the bulletin to stay as it was.
If the society is to move forward then we have got to get into the habit of putting forward our case but sometimes accepting that other people have a valid view and sometimes their view will gain more acceptance.
For example, if this board is some kind of barometer of opinion then it would seem that all but a couple of posters support the steering committee and what they want to do.
Sometimes we have to accept that the way forward is not necessarily that which we would have personally chosen.
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:06 pm
by Martin
Chris, I remember the topic and I agree with you to a certain extent. The problem is that there are still a lot of people that do not have the internet and they look forward to recieving their copy of the bulletin (along with others that do have the internet). I believe there was some sort of poll that took place, allong with the election? (I think) and of those that responded the majority wished to keep it in its present form. I understand that ways to make it self financing via advertising are being looked at (with a readership of 1200+ it could be a good vehicle for some companies), and in the future may be able to turn a profit.
Martin. Medway Valley Dexters.
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:29 pm
by Chris Downward
Peter and Martin
Very happy with the will of the majority, also totally understand your points--the majority in a membership vote wanted the bulletin, so be it, that is the way things should work,-- but to go back to the proverbial Steering groups/council etc the same points must apply here.
If we have an election and we vote the steering group to council I for one would be delighted. If we vote somebody else/group in then again I have no problem.
My main point is that whatever, we must have elections first and then decide changes afterwards. Whoever wins then has a "mandate" to do things, I think this is only fair to the steering group--why do all this work elect a council and then have it all changed perhaps?
The point about this board is that it does enable people to organise and support an opinion which perhaps the majority of the membership disagrees with, it gives us a great advantage--but it does not give us the right to impose this opinion on the majority. The only way to attempt to move forward without pulling the society apart is elections--everybody then knows were we all stand. If nobody stands then we don't have a society and we have to start again--then we need a steering group etc etc.
I believe it was a mistake for the council to resign--they should of asked for a vote of confidence from the membership--then if they lost it the steering group would of had some sort of mandate --at the moment I don't think they have. This does not in anyway mean that I don't support them in the daily running of the society, I do, but I do not support them when it comes to changing the society or planning so to do--they should be unbiased and independant until we have had elections.
chris
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 7:46 pm
by Jo Kemp
Most cattle societies have problems from time to time .... unfortunately .... but I do feel like Mr. Muirhead and am wondering if we can register our animals without being members. I do want to have the little green cards!
Like most of the membership ie. away from the hot spots in the south, I dislike the way disagreements become personal. Surely one can have differing opinions without losing respect for and of the one who disagrees?
I am tempted to say "Grow up"
In exasperation Jo
PS Just returned from a lovely 'wool weekend' with fellow Shetland sheep breeders ... it was SUCH FUN!
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 12:14 am
by Chris Downward
Jo Kemp
You are so correct--I have Black Welsh sheep, the society is fun-------------we need to get the DCS to be fun and not boring.
Politics are fascinating but all we want is a society that is supportive and fun.
Thank you for a real comment
Chris