Durham Dairy Goat Society

Durham Dairy Goat Society
History of the Club

Home

History

Members

Shows

Winners

Adverts

At Stud

The Durham Dairy Goat Society was first formed in 1921 and is therefore one of the oldest clubs in existence and apart from periods like the war years etc. the club has continued to thrive with a healthy membership.

In keeping with the great character of the people of the North East of England, the Durham Dairy Goat Society has had more than its fair share of interesting moments over the years. When an unfortunate administrative error in 1977 led to the loss of the 5th Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' treasured mascot, in a gesture of inter-Regimental fraternity the 3rd Batallion, Light Infantry turned to the DDGS for a replacement. Contrary to popular thought, horned billy goats are not easily come by! In a happy case for all concerned, the Regiment got its goat and the animal in question landed on all four feet! He had previously spent all his life tethered by the road side with the same collar from the time he was a kid. The collar was embedded in his neck and the skin had grown over it. Rescued by a DDGS member and with good veterinary help and lots of TLC, he looked magnificent when, re-christened "Henry II", he took up active duties as stable companion to the Regimental Drum Horse "Trojan" who had himself been presented to the Guards by the Queen. Never has a goat looked more splendid in Regimental Colours, nor been so much the focus of media attention.

The North East is full of 'characters'; so, what do you do if you want to compete at goat shows, but you can't drive?

For Peter Copeland, back in the late 70s/early 80s the answer was simple. He did have a horse, so he built a trailer in the style of a gypsy caravan to transport his goats. He may have had to leave on Thursday for a weekend show, but it is a clear example of dedication to the hobby, and the triumph of ingenuity over circumstance.

Peters Goat Mobile was used until such times as Peter passed his driving test and he found getting to shows became much quicker!

Uniquely, the DDGS is truly democratic with no committees or steering groups; all decisions are made at meetings in an open vote of attending members.