RETIRED police officer and chief steward at Northumberland County Show, Wilf Laidler, spent last Tuesday afternoon having tea at The Ritz with the Prince of Wales.

He was selected as one of only eleven ‘Rural Heroes’ from across the country to share the 70th birthday celebrations of Prince Charles at the London hotel.

“I was a shepherd in my early life and used a shepherd’s crook as an everyday tool,” explained Wilf. “I was encouraged by Norman Tulip – a legend in stick dressing – to join the Border Stick Dressers Association as it seemed as though the craft was dying out.

“I became secretary in 1995 and, despite trying to retire several times, still hold the post today. Prince Charles is the patron of the charity, and I was honoured to be invited by him to the event.”

Wilf created a special stick for the Prince’s birthday; a simple plain crook crafted from sheep’s horn with the Prince of Wales feathers engraved on the back.

“It’s an elegant stick and I hope he likes it,” Wilf added.

In 2000, legislators tried to ban the use of sheep horns, categorising them as “specified risk materials”, a move that would have led to the art completely dying out.

Following letters of appeal, Prince Charles stepped in to lend his support to the association and fortunately, they were successful in overturning the proposals.

The Border Stick Dressers’ Association now boasts a membership of over 350, and although members are scattered throughout the world, the majority are based in the North of England and Southern Scotland.

It can take up to 250 hours to make a single stick due to their intricacy and craftsmanship. Competitors travel from across the country to compete at the Northumberland County Show, held each May at Bywell near Stocksfield.