Highly respected sheep breeder Charles Sercombe was honoured at industry event, the Sheep Breeders Round Table last weekend, as his family received the National Sheep Association (NSA) George Hedley Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to the sheep industry.

Charles, a sheep farmer from Leicestershire, sadly passed away in August. He was the unanimous choice for the respected award this year.

Charles carried out many influential and challenging roles across multiple farming organisations. He was an NSA Trustee when he passed and was actively involved with the Charollais Sheep Society, as well as serving a huge number of other industry working groups, particularly chairing Sheep Breeders Round Table.

NSA Chair Peter Delbridge opened the presentation emphasising ‘The notable and beneficial influence Charles had on our UK sheep industry during his life'. Peter adds: “As Charles was instrumental in the conception and success of Sheep Breeders Round Table, we thought it very fitting to present the award at the event.”

Following Peter, Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, spoke to delegates sharing his memories of Charles, reminding all attendees of the fruitful life Charles lived.

Phil reminisced: “Charles was a brilliant travel buddy, and I can still recall an amusing experience in China involving some unidentifiable meat and Charles’ not so bullet-proof stomach. Despite his palate not being suitable for all foreign cuisine, Charles was always one for taking the best from his visits and being thoroughly engaged with learning as much as he can from other countries to improve the UK sheep sector.”

The NSA George Hedley Award was presented to Charles’ wife Helen Sercombe and his daughters, Victoria and Grace (pictured below). The family bravely accepted the award and Helen courageously delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking all friends, colleagues and acquaintances for the recognition of Charles’ contribution to the sector.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker adds: “I can’t think of a more fitting event to deliver the award in recognition of Charles. He was a good friend, colleague and more. There could be no more deserving recipient of this award than him. It is impossible to measure the positive impact he has had on our industry, but he will be remembered as a progressive and highly ethical agent of change for UK sheep farming.”

NSA thanks the Sheep Breeders’ Round Table for offering to host the award presentation at the event’s formal Saturday evening dinner, a fitting occasion as Charles chaired the event organising committee until his passing.

The Sheep Breeders Round Table will take place again in two years’ time in November 2026.