Shepherd Publishing has appointed wool expert Bill Skidmore as editor of its specialist industry publication, Wool Producer.
The magazine, which resides within the centre pages of Shepherd’s leading sheep publication, Sheep Breeder, was launched following the instigation of the Campaign for Wool in 2010 by HRH the Prince of Wales to promote the importance of wool as a desirable, natural and sustainable product. The national wool clip has recently seen an increase in value as a direct result of the hard work of the British Wool Marketing Board and the Campaign for Wool.
Guild member and Shepherd publisher Howard Venters says: “I am delighted that Bill will now be editing Wool Producer in addition to our publication The Woolman, which is the Journal of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen. He will bring a wealth of industry knowledge to the publication.”
Bill Skidmore is an expert on wool production, fashion and textile industries and is an active member of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, one of the City of London’s older livery companies. He spends much of his time educating both producers and retailers in respect of the complicated process of wool from fleece to garment or application.
“I am extremely pleased to be asked by Howard to be editor of Wool Producer,” he says. “I have been associated with Shepherd Publishing for a few years as editor of The Woolman and the summer edition of Sheep Breeder carried an article of mine on the many uses and products made from wool.”
“Many people are still not aware of the performance, qualities and end uses of one of the oldest fibres known to man,” he points out. “Wool has been around and used for thousands of years and as a fibre it has been developed, through research and breeding programmes, but many consumers are totally unaware of what happens to the wool clip once it leaves the farm gate.”
Bill Skidmore has been working closely alongside Shepherd managing editor Peter Reynolds, also a Member of the Guild, for some months.
Howard Venters added: “The editorial opportunities in relation to the importance of wool, its origin and application, are limitless. I welcome any contribution in relation to any aspect of the importance of wool, the breed from which it originates, its variety, use and application.”
Back copies of Wool Producer, The Woolman and Sheep Breeder are available to anybody wanting to learn more about the wool process – as well as details of advertising and sponsorship opportunities – from Liz Venters at Shepherd Publishing. Contact her by phone (01684 565533) or email (info@shepherdpublishing.co.uk).
