World Sheep Dog Trials sponsorship tops £35K Over £35,000 has to date been pledged in sponsorship for this autumn’s International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) World Sheep Dog Trials, Food & Country Festival. However, the local organsing committee is still looking to attract additional financial support, including a main headline sponsor, to help towards the £200,000 required to stage the four-day event, which is being be held in England for the first time amid the picture postcard surroundings of the Lowther Estate, near Penrith, in Cumbria from September 15 to 18. The current major sponsor is Welsh-based CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds, of Bodfari, Denbighshire, run by international sheep dog trialist and judge Ceri Rundle. The company also sponsored the last World Trials held in Wales in 2008. Another regular World Trials supporter, dog food manufacturer Gilbertson & Page (Gilpa), based in Welwyn Garden City, Herts, has agreed to sponsor again this year. Also included in their support package is a solid gold shepherd’s whistle for the competitor crowned world champion on Sunday, September 18. The first overseas sponsor is Albert Scheper, of Scheper ClinMon, which is based in Meeden in The Netherlands. The company provides solutions for medical device and pharmaceutical companies. Other keynote UK-based sponsors already in place include: Penrith & District Farmers Mart. A.W. Jenkinson Forest Products, Clifton, Penrith. Lord Lonsdale, Lonsdale Estate. Eden District Council. Nigel Davis Solicitors, Burton-in-Kendal – Nigel is chairman of the organising committee. Armstrong Watson Accountants, Carlisle. Scotpen Sheep Handling Systems, part of DCH Farm Sales, Lauder, Berwickshire. ISDS English president Tim Longton, of Rooten Brook Farm, Quernmore, Lancaster, said: “We are extremely grateful to all companies, organisations and individuals who have already provided or pledged sponsorship in what are difficult economic times. “We are continuing our negotiations with a number of other potential major sponsors - and a couple of potential headline sponsors too, but still need to attract additional financial support, whatever the sum, to help us stage what is going to be one of the largest events of its kind ever seen in this part of the country, or, indeed, in England. “We confidently expect upwards of 40,000 people to attend from all parts of the world, providing a multi-million pound boost to the local and regional economy.”