The Welsh Sheepdog Trials
Sheepdog trials, like many sporting events, encouraged Welsh communal engagement and values. Explore the sport, and the community, through the lens of Geoff Charles.
Llandudno Sheepdog Trials (1972-08-02) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The sheepdog trials were an opportunity for local men and women to show off skills that were closely tied to Welsh agriculture and tradition, in a celebration of the rural community and its inhabitants.
Ruthin International Sheepdog Trials (1963-08-08) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
Indeed, the sheepdog trials were not just an event for those competing, but an occasion for the community at large.
Ruthin Flower Show and Sheepdog Trials, Coconuts (1963-09-07) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
As well as watching the sheepdog trials, visitors could expect to enjoy games and entertainment typically associated with any local fair or fete, such as coconut throwing.
Ruthin Flower Show and Sheepdog Trials, Fishing (1963-09-07) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The sheepdog trials brought friends and family together, to spend quality time with one another and enjoy the outdoors. In this photograph, a group of children can be seen amusing themselves through trying their hand at fishing in a nearby river.
Ruthin Flower Show and Sheepdog Trials, Flower Shows (1963-09-07) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The sheepdog trials also provided a platform for others to demonstrate their own talents, such as flower arranging and displays.
Ruthin Flower Show and Sheepdog Trials, Showjumping (1963-09-07) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
Here, the photograph shows local young men setting up fences ready for some showjumping--another sport showcasing the capacity and skill of working bonds between people and animals.
Ruthin Flower Show and Sheepdog Trials, Ponies (1963-09-07) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
For those who were not quite ready for showjumping, there were also guided pony rides available.
Ruthin Flower Show and Sheepdog Trials, Stalls (1963-09-07) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The sheepdog trials also brought stalls selling various goods and produce. This photograph indicates that the sheepdog trials were an opportunity for local people to enjoy commodities from across the globe and thus experience a host of different cultures and customs.
International Sheepdog Trials at Tywyn (1968-09-06) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
The sheepdog trials were a source of pride for certain members of the community...
Ruthin Flower Show and Sheepdog Trials, Picnic (1963-09-07) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
...and release for others. This photograph shows a family enjoying a well-earned picnic during their day of recreation and relaxation.
Oswestry Sheepdog Trials (1952-09-17) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
Sheepdog trials continue today, and though they might look quite different than the ones photographed by Geoff Charles, they are still driven by an urge to bring people together in a celebration of farming communities and rural culture.
International sheepdog trials, Cardiff (1959-09-24) by Geoff CharlesThe National Library of Wales
With this, the Welsh of today keep in touch with the past, and connect with the people enjoying the sheepdog trials all that time ago.
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