Whitchurch and Sampford Spiney Sheepdog Trials celebrate 50 years of trialling on August bank holiday from 10am with a great day out for all the family on Plasterdown (PL20 6LE, what3words: noisey.conquest.riverside). As well as the sheepdog trials throughout the day, there will be a welcome return of the popular dog/terrier racing; a ridden display of stunning horsemanship by Jacky Stopler and Mark Smith on magnificent Lusitano stallions; the family dog show with classes to suit all dogs; games for everyone including "welly wanging championships"; a bouncy castle; and a great variety of local craft and artisan stalls, together with the refreshment and beer tent.
50 years ago, in 1974, the first Whitchurch and Sampford Spiney sheepdog trials were held in the “playing field” on Plasterdown, courtesy of the late John Doidge - and now his son Michael. It was a very small trial with just teas and coffees from the back of a trailer and the first trails chairman, Rev Harry Kennen, vicar of St Andrew’s Whitchurch, used a loud hailer to organise participants. Mr Tom Brown, respected Ward & Chowen auctioneer, started them to fundraise for St Mary’s Sampford Spiney and St Andrew’s Whitchurch - which they still do. The trials have now become one of the larger events in the region with competing handlers from Penzance, Gloucester, Wales, Somerset and all parts of Devon.
If you have old photos of the trials or memories of taking part in years gone by, please contact the organisers on Facebook: Whitchurch and Sampford Spiney Sheepdog Trials – as they would like to include as many as possible in the fiftieth commemorative programme.
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