Lack of respect from ramblers almost let sheep onto the M62: Jill Thorp

The gate under Long Clough underpass was wide open. The stile at the side had clearly been too much of an inconvenience to the group of ramblers that had been out walking, much easier to just open a gate and of course not bother shutting it.

Later that day I received a message from our local rural community watch group that sheep were out on the main road next to Junction 22 of the motorway. Yet again, a wide open gate, right next to the slip road of one of the county’s busiest motorways. Thankfully, the cattle grid had prevented them heading onto the motorway.

There seems to be a complete lack of consideration and respect for the countryside and those that live and work there.

Despite endless pleas from farmers and numerous horror stories on social media, photos of mauled sheep and farmers left devastated, pleading for greater enforcement of the law, the selfish “I have the right” attitude continues unabated.

The news earlier this week that the Great Yorkshire Show would be going ahead came as a huge relief. Despite only managing to secure enough pens for John-William’s sheep, we are all desperate to go.

Our favourite show, it gives us a much-needed break, a change of scenery and most importantly, a chance to catch up with friends that we rarely see. The social side of the show is what really makes it. The banter in the ring with fellow competitors, the celebratory drinks if you’re lucky enough to win and the camaraderie at the bar!

I love walking down the sheep and cattle lines, watching the frantic preparation. Endless washing, brushing, whitening of socks, oiling of horns. The look of pride on owner’s faces as they stride into the ring, a magnificent bull on the end of their rope or in our case, a slightly undignified entry to the ring, clinging onto the horns of a rather feral hill sheep!

Paul always heads to the machinery stands and stares with awe at the huge, glistening tractors, whilst dreaming of a Lottery win.

It will be John-William’s second year of showing his own ‘Ramsbeck Woodlands’ as well as hopefully attempting to win the young handler title again.

With the welcome news that we will be heading to Harrogate again, it’s time I dug out the white showing smocks. Considering the speed at which the little guy is growing, it’s likely I’ll be ordering a new one!

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