Tributes to a champion of Dexter cattle breed
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Devon farmer who dedicated her life to promoting Britain’s smallest breed of cattle.
Dexter breeder Philippa Laing, from Templeton near Tiverton, passed away on Sunday, June 21 after a short battle with cancer, aged 83.
Members of the Dexter Cattle Society, dressed in their white showing coats, formed a touching guard of honour for the arrival of her coffin at Great Bradley Cottage Natural Burial Ground on Thursday, July 2.
Breeding Dexter cattle for over 50 years and founder of the widelyrespected Templeton herd, Mrs Laing served as president of the Dexter Cattle Society four times, was a long-standing council member and bull inspector, and became a breed judge in 1972.
The funeral also featured an ovation given by Fiona Miles, a leading member of the society for many years.
Close friends Richard and Alison Bunning, from Lower Washfield near Tiverton, described Mrs Laing as a “huge influence” to many in the Dexter community and someone who worked “tirelessly” to develop and promote the breed, particularly when it was classified as endangered in the sixties and seventies.
This included supporting the late Joe Henson, father of Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, when he established the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) in 1973.
Mr Bunning commented: “Philippa was one of the world’s experts on Dexter cattle, breeding and husbandry. Philippa’s exceptional cattle have been a huge influence throughout the Dexter world and her bulls always had a very special place in her heart, especially Templeton Michaelmas Squeak and Templeton Irresistible.
“Philippa encouraged us all to show our Dexters, as she considered the show ground to be the ‘shop window for the breed’, winning many trophies over the years with her beautiful cattle, Apple Pie and Templeton Lele being two that come to mind.
“The other item that is closely associated with Philippa and showing cattle is her tea trolley – everyone on the Dexter lines would be invited to share the abundance of food on the trolley. It was legendary!”
He added: “Twenty years ago, Philippa walked into my kitchen at
She had an irrepressible sense of fun and everyone just loved her company
DEXTER CATTLE SOCIETY
Temple Cross Farm and I instantly knew we would be lifelong friends. I offered to look after her animals who were on foot and mouth lockdown, if she taught me how to do it. I know that I am one of many with whom Philippa shared her enthusiasm and knowledge, and I count myself as extremely lucky to have been taught by the master herself!”
The Dexter Cattle Society, which supports Dexter owners and breeders and has around 1,100 members from all over Europe, also paid tribute to the important role that Mrs Laing played in preserving the breed.
In a statement on its website, the organisation said: “She dedicated her life to the Dexter breed and her beloved Templeton herd. Philippa bred Dexters for over 50 years and the Templeton herd was one of the oldest Dexter herds in the UK.
“She was a true friend and inspiration to many in the Dexter world and encouraged and supported both those new to the breed, and anyone who wanted her sensible and invaluable advice. She also had an irrepressible sense of fun and everyone just loved her company.
“She will be very sadly missed by her family, friends and the Dexter breed. A true Dexter lady.”