Alan was the eldest
in a large family of 4 boys and 5 girls, and was educated locally before
leaving school at 14 years of age to work on his father’s farm at
Brandesburton, near Driffield. The farm relied on heavy horses and sheep,
but it was the sheep that interested Alan the most, particularly the
Leicester Longwool which was a popular breed at the time.
During 1959 Oxgang
Farm came on the market. Alan and his brother Lawrence were able to acquire
it and began farming in their own right, taking the flock of Leicesters with
them. Although sheep had been his first love, a local lass had caught his
eye. Anne and Alan were married in May 1968. Eastfield Farm at North
Frodingham was purchased in 1982, and remains in the Aconley family.
Alan’s first
subscription to the Leicester Longwool Sheepbreeders Association in 1973 was
£3. 50! He began
showing sheep in 1975, and continued for over 30 years, briefly interrupted
in 1976 when daughter Gillian was born. The Aconley name proudly appears on
almost every piece of silverware presented to the breed. Alan felt honoured
to be presented to HRH Prince Charles in1999 and again in 2006 at the Great
Yorkshire Show.
Judging appointments
were plentiful, being asked to preside at the Royal Show twice, the Rare
Breeds Show and Sale at Stoneleigh and many others. He has continued to
support the L.L.S.B.A. Council for many years and became President for his
term of office in 2004.
In his eightieth
year reluctantly, he finished showing and judging , and handed over the
prestigious Oxgang reins to Gillian and her husband Mark, who intend to
retain the flock name in his honour. Although he lived for his sheep even
they could not match his excitement when, he was presented with his first
granddaughter Louise. Sadly he did not live to see her first birthday.
A quiet, and
unassuming man, who was not afraid to voice his expert opinion on his
favourite subject, had numerous friends and acquaintances throughout the
livestock fraternity. As a result generous donations were given to Cancer
Research and North Frodingham Church in his name.
He will be greatly
missed by all who were privileged to know him.
