Dave Richards MBE, President of Longshaw Sheepdog Trails (left) with winner Adam Ledger
Across three days of competition, spectators were treated to world-class displays of working dog skill – and despite Saturday’s wind and rain forcing the cancellation of the planned Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast, the atmosphere remained as buoyant as ever.
This year’s Longshaw Championship silver teapot, which is sponsored by Graysons, was claimed by Adam Ledger from Macclesfield with his dog, Tip. Scoring 130 out of a possible 160 points, Adam narrowly beat last year’s winner, David Wood and Polly, into second place by just two points – earning his first overall win at Longshaw, despite previously taking the highest pointed run in 2018.
Graysons Solicitors, currently celebrating its centenary year, once again sponsored the event and the prestigious trophy – continuing a long-standing commitment to supporting rural heritage and community life in the area.
Adam Ledger also delivered the top run on Thursday with 92 points, while Friday’s honours went to Will Hurley and his dog Joe, who scored 90. Organisers hailed the new advance ticketing system a success, helping to ensure another strong turnout.
Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons, said:
“We’re proud to have once again supported such a historic and much-loved event. While the weather let us down late on, the competition, crowds and sense of occasion made it another hugely successful event. Congratulations to Adam and all the competitors who made it such a memorable weekend.”
The Longshaw Sheepdog Trials have been held since 1898, with breaks only during the two world wars and the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak. They are widely regarded as the longest-running continuous sheepdog trials in England.
Laura Cowan, head of private client at Graysons, Dave Richards MBE, president of Longshaw Sheepdog Trails and Laura Humphries, solicitor in the conveyancing team at Graysons
The first official trial took place on 24th March 1898 and had to be abandoned due to a snowstorm! There were 16 competitors on the second day and the total prize money for the event was £19. Now held in August, the second year attracted larger crowds – in the hundreds, and attendance was up to 3000 by 1901. The trials now attract thousands of spectators and more than 50 competitors.
This year’s winner, David Wood, was presented with the cup and Graysons’ sponsored teapot by Dave Richards MBE, president of Longshaw Sheepdog Trails.
