The third Isle of Wight Sheepdog Trial certainly didn’t disappoint. In fact, the event delivered all it hoped to and much more with a whopping £17,659 raised for Mountbatten.
A sunny June weekend set the scene for around 3,500 spectators to come and watch 50 dogs compete from all over the UK.
The crowd brought chairs, picnic blankets and their loved ones to relax on in a stunning field and enjoy Goddards beer, Brownrigg and Hazelgrove burgers, as well as Calbourne Classics cake and clotted cream ice cream.
Run by a voluntary committee
The event, which is run by a voluntary committee, aims to provide both a national qualifying trial on both days, as well as a rural event to celebrate and demonstrate a countryside skill.
On top of this The Isle of Wight Sheepdog Trials is set up to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice as 100 per cent of profits go to this incredibly worthwhile local cause.
The winners
Saturday was won by former World Champion, Aled Owen from Wales.
Sunday’s trial was won by former English Nationals Winner, Jed Watson from Devon
Sponsors of the event
Huge gratitude goes to event sponsor, Red Funnel whose sponsorship helped fund the crossings of the competitors. Thanks also goes to day sponsors Go Internet and BCM also supported the event.
Without the sheep and the land supplied by farmer, Angus Baird and his supportive landlord Alan Aylett, the event couldn’t take place.
Wheeler: Over the moon with the donations
Ian Wheeler said,
“There’s so many people to thank who help make this event a success we really don’t know where to start.
“However needless to say we are over the moon to announce a donation of £17,659 to the hospice from the 2024 event.”
The 2025 event will take place on 7th and 8th June, but in the meantime watch this short film made by Wight Productions.
