The trial field falls quiet each evening, but Huntington Farm doesn’t. Two nights of entertainment are lined up for World Trial week, and both are open to anyone who fancies a good night out near Lauder.
Speed Shear — Friday 18 September, from 7pm
Friday night belongs to the shearers. From 7pm, some of the fastest hands in the business go head to head in the Speed Shear, with a total prize pot of £750 up for grabs. Registration is on the night, entry is £20, and every penny of the entry fees goes to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
There’s a team competition too, for those who’d rather share the load. Teams of three, each member with one job — shear a sheep, eat a pie or finish a pint — and the clock running throughout. Choose your teammates wisely!
Speed Shear spectators go free, so bring the family. Beef and lamb rolls will be on sale, and an auction during the evening will offer two shepherds’ crooks, kindly donated by David Seaton, and a pair of Scotland v Australia rugby test match tickets kindly donated by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. All auction proceeds go to World Trial 26.
Dinner and ceilidh — Saturday 19 September, 7pm until late
Saturday is the night to put the boots on and dance. The Lauderdale Marquee hosts a two-course dinner followed by Da Hooley Ceilidh Band, who’ll keep the floor busy until late. If you’ve never done a Strip the Willow before, this is the place to learn, and the great thing about ceilidh dancing is that almost everyone is a novice - the band will explain all the dances as we go.
Tickets are £30 and they are available on site from Wednesday 16 September at the World Trial Secretary’s desk, in the Indoor Market Marquee. Numbers are limited by the marquee, so buy early in the week if you want to be sure of a seat.
