The second of four programmes produced by CBTV Media productions for ITV Tyne Tees about the shepherds of the Coquet Valley in Northumberland. Title: The Last Shepherds In this first part of the programme Dave Baxter of Angryhaugh Farm comments that 'a good sheep dog on a farm is like a joiner with a hammer, a necessity'. It is 'Clipping' time of year, and the sheep are herded into a barn from the hill. Interview with Andrew Miller of the Northumberland National Park who...

The second of four programmes produced by CBTV Media productions for ITV Tyne Tees about the shepherds of the Coquet Valley in Northumberland. Title: The Last Shepherds In this first part of the programme Dave Baxter of Angryhaugh Farm comments that 'a good sheep dog on a farm is like a joiner with a hammer, a necessity'. It is 'Clipping' time of year, and the sheep are herded into a barn from the hill. Interview with Andrew Miller of the Northumberland National Park who says that it is an opportunity to check the condition of the flock. Inside the barn Dave and his friend Robert McKay brand the ewes with a letter before shearing them. While Robert uses an electric clipper, Dave uses a pair of hand shears as he wants to keep the tradition going. He goes on to talk about the tradition of shearing in the Coquet Valley when it was as much a social event as well as a job. On Blindburn Farm, which is technically two farms jointed together of around 5500 acres, Stewart and Gwen Wallace talk about their history in the profession and about working together. At the Flotterton Farm Sheepdog Trials near Rothbury interview with Raymond MacPherson who if a famous and successful competitor in trials around the world. Sheepdog trials have been going for more than 100 years are and getting better and more professional all the time, helping produce a better Border Colley dog. As he talks about how the trials work people and judges watch a competitor on the field. Interview with Viv Bellingham who is competing who says it is hard these days to get well breed dogs that will last as dogs these days are bred for trials. Interview with Breeder Scott Smith about the types of dogs being bred. Title: The Last Shepherds The second part of the programme begins with Dave Baxter and dog Scott taking part in the sheep trials at Flotterton Farm. As Dave commands Scott around the field Raymond MacPherson talks about how important luck is in such competitions. Dave isn't happy with the run, he thinks Scott wasn't listening. In the town of Rothbury people enjoying the Rothbury Traditional Music Festival. On his way home from the trials Dave Baxter stops for a drink and to listen to the music. Interview with the Chairman of the festival Alistair Anderson (who is also seen playing the concertina) who talks about how the festival helps to enliven and enrich the lives of people on the Coquet Valley. The music of the area has kept going in part thank to shepherds such as Graham Dick who sings 'Canny Shepherd Laddie' to a small crowd and talks about how these traditional songs have been handed down. Back on Angryhaugh Farm pup Meg chases chickens around the farm as Dave Baxter talks about why she will be a good dog and the training she is going to need. The final part of the programme shows Dave Baxter as well as Stewart and Gwen Wallace at The Star Inn at Netherton enjoying a few drinks, a chat and a game of dominos along with local residents and other shepherds. Title: With Thanks to Mary Carruthers, Judith Ridley, Buccleugh Estates Credit: Archive Beamish Museum, Peter Dawson, Edgar Charlton Credit: Narrator Andy Kluz Credit: Camera Lee Sutterby Credit: Dubbing Mixer Andy Ludbrook Credit: Editor Dave Hindmarsh Credit: Executive Producer Jane Bolesworth Credit: Producer Charles Bowden © ITV 2004 End Credit: A CBTV production in association for ITV