Television sheep-dog trials were not the most obvious choice for a programme, but One Man and His Dog - which began on 17 February 1976 - proved to be a popular addition to the BBC Two schedules. The Radio Times felt the need to inject some drama into its description - "with unpredictable sheep, there is always the element of chance" – but there was no need, as viewers responded to the slow pace, Phil Drabble's quiet enthusiasm and Alan Benson's soothing theme tune. At its peak, eight million people were tuning in.
In the first programme Drabble explained the history and development of sheep-dog trials, visiting several shepherds to look at how dogs are trained. The competition began the following week, with teams from England East, England West, Scotland and Wales. In the first series David Sheehan and his dog Meg won the singles trophy, with the brace trophy going to Wales, represented by Glyn Jones with Gel and Brachen.
Drabble presented One Man and His Dog for 18 years, before handing over to Robin Page. The regular series ended in 1990, but returned in Christmas specials. Drabble died in 2007, but the enduring popularity of the format led to its revival in 2013, as a part of Countryfile.
February anniversaries
-
Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971