The Welsh Halfbred Sheep Association was founded in 1956 by its three founder members (from left) the late Francis Morris, the late Captain Nicholas Archdale of Penbedw, Nannerch and Gordon Wilyman of Rhyl.
The Association celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2006 by electing its last surviving founder members as joint presidents for the year. Gordon Wilyman, Captain Nicholas Archdale and Francis Morris, were among the far-sighted Welsh farmers who identified the need for a consistently good cross-bred ewe suitable for upland and lowland farmers throughout the British Isles.
The Welsh Halfbred Sheep Association was founded in 1956 by its three founder members (from left) the late Francis Morris, the late Captain Nicholas Archdale of Penbedw, Nannerch and Gordon Wilyman of Rhyl.
The Association celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2006 by electing its last surviving founder members as joint presidents for the year. Gordon Wilyman, Captain Nicholas Archdale and Francis Morris, were among the far-sighted Welsh farmers who identified the need for a consistently good cross-bred ewe suitable for upland and lowland farmers throughout the British Isles.
Note the “sale ring” is formed by the vendors and buyers. What would Health and Safety say about that today! The man standing at the bottom left of the ring is the young Captain Nicholas Archdale.
Gordon Wilyman published his life story in 2004. The book, Gordon Wilyman; Memoirs of a Welsh Halfbred, was written by Gordon and family friend, farmer and writer Meurig Owen. It tells the story of the city boy with a burning ambition to become a farmer. Gordon moved to Wales and became one of the country’s best known hill farmers and his home, Melai, was a showcase farm.