SHEEPDOG TRIALS - The 71st annual sheepdog trials took place at the Court of Gladestry by kind permission of Mr and Mrs S Watson. In spite of unsettled weather an encouraging number of spectators and competitors enjoyed a varied programme. More women took part in this year’s events and great interest and skills were exhibited by young competitors. Two youngsters who show great promise are 15-year-old Sam Bowen of Yardro and 10-year-old Sally Bayliss of Hergest. Sam, with his two-year-old bitch Zena, gained first prize in the eight-mile radius local class event and first prize in the best dog in the parishes event. It was Sam’s first time as a competitor. A close second, in the same event, was Sally, running 10- year-old Ted, and third place went to Robert Watson of Gladestry with Nell.

The trials began on Friday with the South Wales class and 52 dogs competing.

Current Welsh shearing team manager, Bryan Pugh, Nantmel, gained first place in the Open South Wales event and Martha Morgan, Tregarron, was runner-up for the second year running. Saturday’s national style trial once again attracted the sport’s top names with current international champion Richard Millichap and his dog Tweed taking first place with regular Welsh team member Harcourt Lloyd gaining second place and twice England champion Vic Morris winning third place. The organisers thanked the Watson family for hosting the trials, Edward Hamer and Sam Bowen for acting as sheep stewards, Ridgeway Catering, and everyone who helped ensure that Gladestry continues to be one of the most popular events on the circuit.

ANNUAL WALK AND DUCK RACE - About 30 walkers braved the showery weather to walk from Trewern to Gladestry Village Hall where a hearty ploughman’s supper awaited them.

Following refreshments, the annual Gladestry duck race took place on the brook. Mrs J Ashton picked the first duck home, winning £30. Last duck home prize, a bottle of toilet cleaner, was won by Mrs B Williams.