JOHN THORNBORROW (Auctionier) R.I.P

[LISA]

I was just reading on the Longhorn Cattle Society website about the very recent death of the auctioneer John Thornborrow.

I did not know Mr Thornborrow very well but fondly remember speaking to him at Stoneleigh every year (when the annual Rare Breeds Show and Sale was held there - a very big and presigious event then).

Mr Thornborrow ignited my love of Auctions. He was a superb auctioneer (the very best) who worked hard to sell every animal to its best possible price. He was such an exciting auctioneer to watch and brought some theatre and excitement to the auction ring. He was Society auctioneer for many of the pedigree breed societies and was auctioneer at some of the most prestigious dispersal and production sales in all breeds. I imagine many of the long term Dexter Breeders will have similar very good thoughts of him, especially any who sold stock at Stoneleigh - happy days and wonderful memories.

[Duncan MacIntyre]

John Thornborrow was both an auctioneer and a gentleman. In my quest for my first Dexter I put bids in although I could not attend at various sales, always lost by a few pounds ( or guineas?) and eventually he gave me a phone number for Veronica Kay (now Schofield), and I got my first Dexter direct from Beckside. He really knew about the animals he was selling. Having purchased Harron Erica in 1986 John Thornborrow obliged and sold her for me for more than twice the price two years later, with Veronica at the ring side.

The RBST Stoneleigh Show and Sale was reputed to be the largest auction of pedigree stock anywhere in Europe.

We have lost a few old friends from these days this year, John Thornborrow, Joe Henson, and though not perhaps so well known John Mattley of Phenotype Books. Great memories of good times.

Duncan

[ann]

It was a sad day when the last rare breeds auction was held at Stoneleigh, such good social events to.

[Louisa Gidney]

The Stoneleigh sales in the 1980's were amazing events and fondly remembered (in part!). I didn't know John Thornborrow personally but he was a great showman as an auctioneer. We could really do with personalities like him at the current rare breed sales.