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The Story Behind the Stamp by Laurie Farrell
When the Post Office issued the set of stamps under the heading of ‘Dogs’ it set me thinking especially when one of those portrayed was a collie. This is the description generally given to those dogs employed by farmers and shepherds in the daily care of livestock and are such an important part of rural life, especially where livestock are more predominate rather than the barley and corn in the more fertile areas of the country.
Competition amongst local shepherds about who had the best dog has long been in being and it is reputed that the first dog trial was held in 1873 at Bala in Wales. Another opinion is that the first recorded sheep dog trial was held sometime in 1876 at Phiwas, also in Wales and was won by a Mr James Thomas.
Here in Northumberland it is generally regarded that the first was held locally and won by Mr Walter Telfer. Since then trials have become an established way of life wherever the sheep dog is regarded as just as important to the stockbreeding areas, as the tractor and combine harvester is regarded in the corn growing part of the country. As well as trails at a national and international level a body was set up to organise and control the sport. Even the BBC ran a popular programme for a number of years under the heading of ‘One Man and his Dog’.
Over the years Northumberland produced a large number of trialists who have represented their country at all levels notably amongst them the Wallace family. Father and son were regarded as experts winning just about every honour going. William Wallace junior was unlucky in that he reached his prime just on the outbreak of war in 1939 when all trails at a high level were suspended. However, most local shows continued in a restricted form mainly to raise funds for the Red Cross, so trails were held in a rather subdued manner. Post-war William Wallace became prominent and well known for his appearance at various exhibitions etc herding ducks and geese with his 6 dogs all at once. William (Billy) Wallace Junior is shown below, right, with his dogs Jed and Foch.
Breeding played an important part in the Collie Dynasty. A large number of championship winners are descended from a dog called ‘Old Hemp’ who lived from 1893 to 1901, shown below, left.
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