Preparations underway for sheep dog trials
THE team behind the sheep dog trials are getting ready for this year’s event.
Organisers of the Macclesfield Sheep Dog Trials, which take place each year in Sutton, are making preparations for the event at the start of next month.
Competitors from all over England will attend at Ann and Bud Eardley’s Sutton Hall Farm to be part of the competition, which involves using sheepdogs to herd sheep around a field, through fences, gates and into enclosures. Winners will go on to the National Championships.
Each year the Macclesfield Sheep Dog Trials Association, which organises the event, raises money for various charities.
The association last year raised money for East Cheshire Hospice, Ronald McDonald House, Macmillan Nurses and Rossendale Trust.
Members and patron MP David Rutley will present the money this weekend.
Vicky Clampett, secretary, said: “We’re holding our cheque presentation for our chosen charities at Sutton Hall Farm this weekend.
“Last year there was no Macclesfield Sheepdog Trials as we had the honour of hosting the English National Sheep Dog Trials.
“The money to be presented has come from the raffle and other events we ran alongside the nationals.
“It’s a tradition to donate money to our charities and a great way for people to get excited about this year’s event.”
The Macclesfield and District Sheepdog Trials Association held its first trial on September 1, 1945.
There had been previous trials run from the 1920s by Mr May of Wickenford Farm.
Macclesfield and District Sheepdog Trials run from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14 and include family entertainment as part of the weekend.
They start on Friday, August 12 with Tug of War Competition at 7pm and trials from 7.30pm.
On the Saturday the Teggs Nose Fell Race is at 2.30pm and Junior Fell Race at 2.40pm with craft fair in the marquee.
Then on Sunday, August 14 a concert compered by Norman Prince will feature comedian Mick Miller and musical act Julie Gould.
Visit the association’s website for more details.