Willie Dodds Glenwherry Hill Farm Stockman receives The Imperial Service Medal

Willie Dodds was presented with the Imperial Service Medal by John Fay, Director of CAFRE, on 7 October 2010 at a special reception at Greenmount attended by his family, friends and former work colleagues. The Imperial Service Medal, one of the UK’s highest commendations, is awarded in recognition of long and loyal service within the Civil Service.

Willie who retired on the 30 September 2009, had been employed at the Greenmount Hill Farm, Glenwherry for over 46 years, a record not beaten by many civil servants or indeed by many in the private sector. During his 46 years of dedicated service Willie attended to cattle and sheep in all weathers.  He always maintained a positive outlook and took great pride in showing students the best way to do the job.

His commitment, dedication and wealth of experience have made a huge contribution to the running of the Hill Farm for almost half a century during which time there have many significant changes. In the 60s and 70s it was all about output, livestock breeding, land reclamation and stocking rates. During the 90s and the noughties the emphasis changed to habitat management, environmental issues and public good. Despite these paradigm shifts, Willie remained a constant, a stockman unrivalled in his knowledge of suckler hill cows and keen to transfer this knowledge to the next generation – a very deserving recipient of the Imperial Service Medal.

Willie Dodds is congratulated by John Fay, Director of CAFRE after receiving the Imperial Service Medal at CAFRE Greenmount Campus

Willie Dodds with his wife Elsie and daughters, Stephanie, Leanne and Karen after receiving the Imperial Service Medal at CAFRE Greenmount Campus.