The main purpose of  Dovedale Sheepdog Trials Society is to preserve and promote the skill and craft of sheepdog training and proper handling not only for the benefit of the working dogs themselves, but also the sheep, shepherds, farming community generally and, last but not least, the landscape. The staging of the annual August trials provides the dogs and their handlers with the opportunity to display their skills for all to see, as opposed to just at home on the farm or smallholding.  It also provides those holidaying in the Derbyshire Dales, as well as the local community, the opportunity to marvel at the partnership of man and dog.  The society too benefits from the entry monies, the surplus from which is donated to local and/or national charities as c chosen by the President each year.

The event is organised by a small committee of local volunteers and , in addition to the Sheepdog Trials themselves, there is a craft marquee which includes the work of local artists, spinners and weavers, soap makers, stick makers, a potter, a producer of cakes and preserves and a seller of books and other collectables.

OFFICERS FOR 2019

President – Mrs Susan Pattinson

Chairman – Nigel Davis

Vice-Chairman – Robert Watkins

Treasurer – Graham Nottage

Sponsorship Secretary – Mrs Caroline Carr

Website & Publicity – Mrs Ruth Downing

Craft Marquee – Terry Prince