Harden Moss Sheep Dog Trials

As part of our sponsorship of this event we will have a stand at the trials displaying a selection of our properties - please feel free to visit us - refreshments will be available!

The following article is reproduced with kind permission of the Holme Valley Echo:

New Sign for an Old Favourite!

VISITORS approaching Holmfirith from the Greenfield Road can’t help but know that Harden Moss Sheepdog trials are just around the corner - thanks to a big and bright new sign sponsored by estate agents Wm Sykes.

And as the sign clearly says, the three-day country festival is being held this year from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June. This is the centenary of the trials, which started in 1908, although it is event number 97 as three years were missed through the outbreak of World War II and the more recent foot and mouth epidemic. With over 200 working dogs competing in classes ranging from young handlers to the ultimate supreme championship, this year promises to be a unforgettable event. Over the years the event has seen many attractions ranging from the first Brass Band Contest in 1934 to the unforgiving fell race which attracts some of the best runners in Holmfirth.

There have been surprises too - including runaway sheep and even a fell race runner losing his false teeth down a ravine. Spectators have a great view of the action from the much loved Grandstand, built in only four Sundays in 1974 by dedicated committee members.

As well as the trials themselves, visitors this year will enjoy craft stalls, home made cakes, a fully licensed bar, the Pink Ponies, a bouncy castle and to top it off Skelmanthorpe Brass Band on the Sunday.

In addition, Harden Moss has held a competition for the school children of the Holme Valley, which allows them to show off their artistic talent to impress the public at the trials. Money raised from admission will again go to The Woodhead Mountain Rescue who are hoping to raise enough to make a their final payment towards a second-hand Land Rover. The Mountain Rescue team, who received £1,000 from Harden Moss Sheep Dog Trials last year, helped with the Sheffield floods last year as well as their ‘usual’ duties of searching for missing people in the area. Admission to the Harden Moss Sheepdog Trials costs £3 for adults and £1 for children. Car parking for the event is free.