SATURDAY will be a difficult day for Julie and John D’Este.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In memory of their only son, Bryan, who lost his life on August 28, they are hosting a dispersal auction of his poultry and waterfowl at their home in Bundarra.
“We thought it’d be more personal here,” John said.
All proceeds of the sale will go toward funding perpetual trophies for the Inverell and Armidale Poultry Clubs, and the New England Exhibition Poultry Association (NEEPA).
Bryan was actively involved in all clubs and had enjoyed incredible success this year at his debut Sydney Royal Easter Show.
John was understandably fragile as he spoke of his son and his accomplishments with Brahman cattle and the poultry he loved so much. Gunnedah auctioneer Bert Hewitt is driving up for the day. It is a link to Bryan’s early life and family.
“He’s known Bryan since he was that big. We come from down that way. Bryan used to go to sale yards with him when he was a little fella, and he offered to do it free of charge,” John said.
The D’Estes decided to reduce the numbers, but keep the foundation lines of Bryan’s Favorolles, Pekin Bantams, Rhode Island Red Bantams, and Silkies as well as some rare ducks.
John said there had been inquiries from far afield about the auction that will offer many bantam breeds including Wyandottes, Pekins, Black Orpingtons, Black Leghorns and Old English Games, and several Belgian D’Uccles.
There are also a few Indian Runner ducks and a pair of Campbells in the catalogue.
Renee Bartholomew, Bryan’s partner and an equally keen poultry enthusiast will also be there on the day and is bringing up some of her own birds from Cessnock for the auction.
The couple are uncertain how they will cope with parting from the birds that were so integral to Bryan’s life.
“Don’t know,” Julie and John both said.
“I won’t be delivering any birds. The pens will all be sealed,” John said.
“When it’s over there will be a couple of fellows that are going to take birds out,” Julie said.
The auction begins at 9.30am at the D’Este’s property at 13 Rowe Street, Bundarra. The Inverell Poultry Club is putting on a morning tea for the visitors. For more information phone 6723 7241 or visit their Facebook page: Destys Poultry.