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Family aiming to round up trials prizes

6/ 8/2008

IT WILL be less a case of one man and his dog but the Gilman family and their four dogs, when they enter Macclesfield and District Sheep Dog Trials.

Four members of the Gilman family, from Pye Ash Farm, Bosley, are preparing their crooks in anticipation.

Dad James, 41, leads the pack with a wealth of experience under his belt having appeared on TV’s One Man and His Dog. Mum Jane, 43, will make her show debut and will compete against James and daughter Martha, 12, in the nursery category. Martha and brother George, 11, will go head to head for the Young Handlers’ prize.

Martha said: "Dad is more experienced but I’ll give it my best shot and mum is nervous as her dog is a bit crazy!"

George found another piece of sheep dog-related fame at the weekend when he was featured on BBC2’s "Help! Teach is Coming To Stay!" training his teacher Raj Barard in his unusual hobby.

Mr Barard paid attention in George’s Class and successfully herded some ducks to win Bosley St Mary’s Primary School a day trip in the programme finale.

The trials are on this Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9, from 7am at Sutton Hall Farm, and the Championship is at 4pm on Saturday.

There is a tug-of-war competition at 7pm on Friday and the Tegg‘s Nose Fell Race is at 2.30pm on Saturday as well as a variety of exhibitions, activities, food and drink.

Entry is £3, accompanied children go free, and on Sunday there will be an Evening of Music and Laughter, at £12.50 a head.

Information and tickets are available from Peter Middleton on 01260 223774.