THE 123rd FALSTONE BORDER SHEPHERDS SHOW
 23rd August 2008 

FALSTONE AND KIELDER SHEPHERDS’ SHOW

Hurrah! For the lasses from bonny Tyne Head,
And strapping young lads from the Rede and the Jed,
Coming over the fells with their cheeks all aglow
To enjoy all the fun at this grand Shepherds’ Show.

Now among the things shown, you must understand
Were sixty three shirts, all made with the hand;
The first prize, it went to the dale far below,
And richly deserved at this grand Shepherds’ Show.

There were carrots and turnips that any could vie,
All grown in the lowlands and lands standing high;
‘Heigh’ cries the old herd ‘do you not know
You’ll never see better than at this grand show’

The lasses so comely were in quite a flutter
With samples of barley bread, white cakes and butter
‘Now Jock’ says one ‘how will things go now?
Think you I’ll win at this grand Shepherds’ Show?’

The judges were called on their verdict to fix
On the fine glossy articles called gibby sticks
I should have liked to have had one, but then you must know
They soon would be missed from the grand Shepherds’ Show.

Onward I passed where some strong sturdy men
Were scanning the sheep that were shown in the pen;
I said to my friend ‘What a wool these sheep grow
They’ll surely be warm at this grand Shepherds’ Show.’

Not far from the sheep were the poultry in pens
Some filled with cocks and some filled with hens;
My! You should have heard how the rooster did crow
With the red tickets decked at this grand Shepherds’ Show.

The further I went, resolved not to fail
To see the grand sight of the famous hound trail;
When Emmethaugh Rob gave a loud tally-ho
As Charity won at this grand Shepherds’ Show.

The next on the card was the final event
And doggie men quick to the dog trial bent;
And many a shout and whistle did blow
To their wise-looking collies at this grand Shepherds’ Show

The last that was seen was the best of them all
The life-stirring game at the lively football;
Where folk from all parts stood close in a row
To see this fine game at the grand Shepherds’ Show.

Now, they danced all night till the break of the morn
And when the time came to hear Tom’s hunting horn,
Then off they all dashed with a loud tally-ho
And that was the end of this grand Shepherds’ Show.

By J B, Wark on Tyne

From The Hexham Herald, 1905

You might also like to read an article from the same year about the Hexham Wolf!
It's a thrilling tale. CLICK HERE TO READ IT ONLINE>