Golden Shears
World Council

About us - the Council

The Objects and Powers of the Council are:-

• "To promote and encourage interest in wool and in the art and skill of blade (hand) and machine shearing and wool handling."
• To promote and encourage contests, competitions, championships and displays.

Executive

Patron

Ian Laurie Keats MNZM

Winning a shearing competition in 1948 was the start of a life long interest in shearing competitions for Laurie. In the 1950's he played a part in the formation of the Golden Shears, and in 1977 became President.

In 1980, he was elected Chairman of the World Council of Golden Shears, and spent the next decade shearing and promoting the World Council around the world.

At present, he is a Life Member and Patron of Golden Shears, and Patron of the World Council of Golden Shears.

Laurie was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to shearing in 2009.

Secretary

Alan Derryman

Alan farms in Sidbury, Devon running 900 Romney ewes and 70 beef cattle. Alan first got involved with shearing in 1976 working for a local shearing contractor in Devon, England and went on to compete for the first time at the Royal Bath & West Show in 1978. He represented England in 1986 in Perth, Australia and competed in 6 World Championships for the England team with his best result in Masterton, New Zealand in 1988. Alan has been a senior shearing instructor since 1989 and has been a judge for over 20 years. He has been on the shearing committees of Devon and the Royal Bath & West Show for 25 years. Alan has been a key member of the England Shearing Committee since its formation including the role of chairman. In addition, he has also acted as Chief Referee at the World Championships in Norway as well as Chief Wool Handling Steward at Gorey. Alan has been involved with World Council since 1996 as an England Representative. 

Alan is proud to be taking on the role of Secretary of the Golden Shears World Council and hopes he can live up to the high standards set by predecessors.

Chairman

George Graham

George, a third-generation shearer, first began shearing with his father aged just 8 years. Over the years he has achieved success in many areas, including two All-Ireland Wool Handling Titles and other shearing Titles representing his country ten times on the global stage. George has been involved with the World Council since the early 90’s and was honoured to be elected Chairman of the Golden Shears World Council in 2019. 

A previous Chairman of BISCA and ISSA, George finds time for commentating and judging at competitions, as well as running advanced courses for young shearers. He has a keen interest in all sports and promotes farm safety and mental well-being

Vice Chairmans

Phillip Morrison - Southern Hemisphere (NZ)

Colin McGregor - Northern Hemisphere (Scotland)