The Parish Council was recently approached by Caroline Chater, the great granddaughter of Adam Telfer who was famous throughout the world for breeding Border Collies. His most famous dog was Old Hemp who has become internationally known as the father of the Border Collie breed.
Caroline informed the Parish Council that after much dedicated research by family historian Stuart Lawson, it has been established that Adam Telfer farmed at Woodhouse, West Woodburn during the lifetime of Old Hemp (1893-1901).
Caroline proposed that the Parish Council consider the possibility of erecting a memorial to Adam Telfer and Old Hemp in West Woodburn. The memorial would be funded by money raised by the ‘Reconition for the Border Collie’s Heritage’ fund and gifted to the parish. After consideration of this, the Parish Council agreed this would be a fitting tribute and an honour for the Corsenside community to have such a memorial in their village.
A memorial plaque is being situated on the Jubilee Triangle, North of West Woodburn, off the A68 northbound. The photographs show that work is almost complete. There will be an official unveiling of this on the 8th of September at 2pm, followed by tea & cake at The Bay Horse.
For more information on Adam Telfer & Old Hemp please visit #www.adamandhemp.co.uk
(By Cllr Peter Bilton)
