If anyone can throw any light on what's going on in these photos, I'd love to know.
I've just found them in a dusty cupboard. All I know is they were taken in 1974. Presumably it's some old-fashioned custom involving men throwing sheep on a rope into a river.
Quite what they hope to achieve - or what's in it for the poor sheep - I've absolutely no idea.
Shark bait, perhaps?
They are betting on which sheep will be able to swim furthest before it drowns.....? Goodness knows...
Is that Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire by any chance?
Perhaps the photo comes from Sheepwash, not many miles from me in Devon. They washed the sheep prior to shearing as clean fleeces were obviously more desirable and valuable. You try sticking a sheep in a bath with some shampoo - MUCH easier to fling it in the river. More info here:
http://www.lhi.org.uk/docs/WASHPOOL_LEAFLET_1.pdf
Hi Biofuelsimon,
Not sure where it is. Might try and track down the photographer to find out. It's bugging me now!
Tim
This is taken at Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, Derbyshire at Sheepwash Bridge. The two men are Alan Atkin and Chris Furness giving a demonstration of sheep washing at the annual Wells Dressing Week.Originally the Sheep were washed prior to shearing as a bonus price was given to washed wool. The parish council charged 6d a score for the upkeep of the walled pen adjacent to the river. The practice stopped in the early sixties when there was no price difference for washed wool.
Sarah Brocklehurst.
Highfield Farm
Ashford in the Water
Bakewell.
My father in law is in one of the other photos do you wish to part with them?