The third 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 The programme begins on Blindburn Farm in the Coquet Valley where husband and wife shepherds Stewart and Gwen Wallace are bringing the sheep of the hills in the rain for the 'gathering'. Steward and his dog use a quad bike to get around while Gwen and her dog are on foot. Steward and Gwen as well as Andrew Miller of...

The third 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 The programme begins on Blindburn Farm in the Coquet Valley where husband and wife shepherds Stewart and Gwen Wallace are bringing the sheep of the hills in the rain for the 'gathering'. Steward and his dog use a quad bike to get around while Gwen and her dog are on foot. Steward and Gwen as well as Andrew Miller of the Northumberland National Park talk about the importance of this time of year so that the sheep can be checked for issues and prepare for market. On Angryhaugh Farm Dave Baxter continues to train 5-month-old bitch pup Meg. He talks about how well she is progressing and that she will make a great sheep as well as breeding dog. At the Autumn Sheep Sales at Bellingham Dave Baxter is in the market ring with his lambs keeping them turning so that the buyers can see the animals. Outside Stewart and Gwen walk around the pens speaking to friends and colleagues. They all talk about how they prepare the sheep for market not just for commercial reasons, but also because of pride. Because of changes these markets are in decline. Title: The Last Shepherds Dave Baxter and Andrew Miller talk about the tradition of shepherds owning a few of their own sheep. Dave breeds them for the shows and to sell. Out on the hills Dave and his dog herd a number of sheep while talking about breeding and what is expected. Today people want sheep with black heads, he prefers the older days when they were more black and white. At the Alwinton Show in the Coquet Valley Dave has sheep entered. It's not done for the money, more the pride of being the shepherd with the best sheep. There are views from around the show including other shepherds from both sides of the border watching over their sheep in pens. A boy and man take part in Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling competition and a bagpipe band performs for the crowd. Interview with the Bobby Dixon, Show President about the history of the event which started 139 years previously as a show for border shepherds rather than farmers. Gwen Wallace is also at the show presenting a selection of cakes, gingerbread and scones. Stewart Wallace is also taking part in the sheep trials. The show, he says, is the last of the season. 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