Tom Ashton 1938 - 2026

Wednesday 4th February 2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tom Ashton.

Tom Ashton of Lawns Farm passed away on 1st February 2026.

Tom, along with his late wife, Margaret, who died in 2010, spotted the carcase-producing potential of what is today’s British Blue cattle and, the similarly double-muscled Beltex sheep - both of which have literally shaped the course of primestock production in the UK.

Tom was the founder member of the British Blue Cattle Society, being elected the first chairman in 1981 and continuing into the late 80s and then serving as its president from 1991 - 1993. He was elected the first non-Belgian chairman of the World Association of Belgian Blues.

He had the honour of judging Blues at top level in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Belgium and the USA.

We send our deepest sympathies to his daughter Helen and family. 

Funeral of Tom Ashton

St James, Orrell WN5 7AA
on
Friday 20th February 2026
at
12:00 noon

  Wake at Houghwood Golf Club
WA11 8RL