“Usually very time you judge a trial something different happens…” says International Supreme Champ Toddy Lambe to Paddy Fanning in this 5th short film clip from the full 20 minute interview – coming soon. This interview was filmed in the run up to Series 2 of ‘A Way with Dogs’ sheepdog trials, is launching in early 2019.
Subscribe free now to our YouTube channel to be the first to watch the new Sheep dog Trial film series featuring top sheepdog handlers in the stunning countryside of North Wales. Watch here in HD or on CSJ YouTube.
On Saturday 22nd September, after the excitement of meeting up the day before, the handlers, crew and presenters devoured delicious Welsh breakfasts inside welcoming bed & breakfast establishments around Bodfari, then made their way to the Old Trials Field in Bodfari.
The morning was fresh, the sky a pale misty grey and the groups had been drawn after supper the night before. Everyone was ready for the action to unfold.
Andy Jackman and Sue Main drew everyone together to brief the course to the handlers
Director Peter Melling climbed up into his gantry to set up the film cameras and stills photographer, Jan Evans set out her lenses on the grass.
Peter Melling sets up
Jan Evans’ lenses
Now all that was waiting was to find out the running order of Group 1. The grey sky was mottled with tangled patches of dark grey cloud, but the rain held off for now.
Bryony stepped up to draw the running order for Group 1
Derek Fisher drew first to run
Derek had flown all the way from Idaho, USA, then travelled via Paris and Ireland and was now lucky enough (!) to draw first to run in the first group! Toddy Lambe followed with Ben and Mosse Magnusson with Sally.
Bryony & Derek
Ceri & Derek
Group 1
1. Derek Fisher with Nell
2. Toddy Lambe with Ben
3. Mosse Magnusson with Sally
Derek Fisher with Nell
Toddy Lambe with BenMosse Magnusson with Sally
The ‘Gourmet Sausage Box‘ van was set up now and doing a roaring trade in teas and coffees. All day long, piping hot sausages, burgers, veggie sausages were served, as well as some extremely yummy, crumbly cakes.
Next up were Group 2
Group 2
4. Bryn Davies with Lad 5. Angie Driscoll with Kinloch Mazi 6. Allistair Lyttle with Scott
Bryn Davies with Lad
Angie Driscoll with Kinloch Mazi
Allistair Lyttle with Scott
More cake!
Meanwhile, another hand-baked cake had arrived at Bwlch Isaf farm – this time a fruit cake with the A Way with Dogs logo carefully piped in icing.
In the Old Trials Field, tension was high and the onlookers were enjoying some dry wit and competitive spirit.
Now it was time to draw the running order for Group 3
Group 3
7. Neil Gillon with Sweep 8. Katy Cropper with Zac 9. James McCloskey with Sweep
Neil Gillon with Sweep
Katy Cropper wih Zak
James McCloskey with Sweep
The morning’s action was over, so we asked Mike Northwood what he thought about the show so far…
And then down came the drizzle, but it didn’t last for long. The onlookers were undeterred.
As the handlers from Group 3 gathered round to talk about the runs, the sky cleared in time for everyone to enjoy a break for lunch.
The crew including (especially!) Mike and Bryony looked extremely happy at the way things were preceding. And we’ll let you know more about what happened in the afternoon and evening in next week’s blog post. As well as the most special, cake-tastic surprise Ceri…
Look out for the next in the series of ‘The making of A Way with Dogs – Series 2.
Look out for the next in the series of ‘The making of A Way with Dogs – Series 2.