WE GIVE A LITTLE TO
TAKE A LITTLE
The Cairn Fun Day is based around
such a concept. Yes, it is a day for the owners of Cairn Terriers solely kept
to be enjoyed as pets to meet up with those who breed and show their Cairns; to
form friendships and a better understanding between pet owners and breeders.The
breeders need the pet owners more than the pet owner needs the breeder; for
where else would breeders find the necessary homes for their surplus puppies?
So is it too much to expect breeders to give a little of their time and in
doing such, benefit the breed by being in a position to advise pet owners to
always buy from recognised breeders/exhibitors, who strive to produce quality
stock with known good temperaments.The pet owners find that we give a little by
providing a good venue with both free entry and car parking facilities. The
only thing we cannot give to them is guaranteed good weather, for that is in
the hands of the gods but we do give activities and events for them to
participate in or to just sit and watch all that is going on around them.
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Spectators sat
comfortably
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Putting some in
the shade
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In return, we take a little by
selling refreshments, goods on stalls, entries fees for the Wacky Races;
Agility Course and not to be overlooked, the Fancy Dress and Novelty Classes. Then,
at the end of the day, we tot up those takings to find the total proceeds and
this allows all the helpers to have the satisfaction of knowing that by their
efforts a worthwhile donation has been made to benefit our wonderful breed of
dog - the Cairn Terrier.
You have to come to have some fun
So having taken care of the title
line to this article - given a little to have taken a little.- it brings us to
this sub-title. You have to come is applicable to both the helpers and to the
Cairn lovers who attend the Day, as both are equally essential in the making
the day to be a success. The helpers, naturally, to ensure that there is enough
numbers to assist in helping the day to run smoothly, without any hiccups and
that all is supervised. This year we were let down by some who had put their
names forward but didn’t turn up on the day, this did stretch us more than a
little. Yes, more helpers are wanted. These would allow others to be relieved
from their posts and allow them to participate in the Day’s events, sharing its
fun.
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Mark
our MC for words |
Taking entries fro
novelty classes |
Cairn lovers are needed to come
in a larger number; it is them who created the atmosphere for the day. If they are
happily enjoying themselves, the helpers are kept fully occupied and so don’t
feel that what they are doing is a task or a burden but a pleasure. I’m sure
newcomers are surprised to find such a well run day and an event which provides
so much for them to enjoy.
The numbers attending this year
were down on those experienced over past years and on chatting with quite a few
of those in attendance found them commenting of it being too close to the
forthcoming holiday season and they thought that to be the reason for the fall.
On the day
One new helper being Colin Brown
to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for his kindness in providing both the signs
telling of the event and the directional ones to assist others in finding the venue.
Also, to giving further of his time on the Sunday for the removal of them -
thanks, Colin; for a good job, well done. In the morning, I had just about
reached the motorway when realising of my not having loaded the heavy duty
extension cable that is required for the hot food stall - no cable – no bacon
butties! Turned around got back home, searched all the outbuildings but the
extension cable couldn’t be found. Fortunately there was a smaller one, I
loaded this and prayed that it would be long enough to get from the plug to the
stall - it did! Thank goodness, Louise had been with me on returning the keys
to the hall, last year, so she knew where the keyholder lived; she collected
them and so opened the gates and hall for the others arriving. On my arrival,
the erection of the gazebos were well under way and Anne Weaver was busy
listing the tea or coffee drinks that were needed to refresh the workers – my
timing was perfect.
There are to few hands assisting
with the erection of the gazebos, stalls, agility course and the main ring.
Mick is quick but he still needs support and if there are a few males, who
don’t mind arriving at 8.30 am to give a hand, then I’m sure Mick would be
grateful for their assistance.
Wendy found that she not only had
to supervise the Agility Course but also, as there was no one spare to help,
erect and do the layout of the course by herself. With most of the dogs going
over an agility course for the very first time, it is good to have someone as
responsible as Wendy supervising this event. A dog could easily be frightened
by a bad experience from facing the climbing frame or seesaw but Wendy is so
caring, that it is very unlikely for this to happen. I watched as she
encouraged a Cairn to enter the long tunnel, it took time but by gentle
persuasion and perseverance, Wendy achieved it.
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You can take the lure to
the dog, but you can’t make it race |
Karen with a crowd for a
grooming talk |
Julia brought her own help, by the
way of her husband, to get the Wacky Races up and running. These races must be
the most popular event of the day but due to the hot weather and Julia’s
consideration for the dogs, the
practice runs were cut right down; to allow for the races, proper, to
be run before it became too hot.
The beautiful rosettes and framed certificates for the main winners, besides
the specials awards, are provided from out of Julia’s own pocket. Julia enjoys
the day so much that she provides the equipment, covers the cost of travelling,
plus the racing jackets; all at her own expense - we are not only fortunate but
also very grateful for such a response from someone who is a whippet fancier,
not a Cairn person.
The family Saich came along with
their stall and were selling doggy items throughout the day. Karen was giving
instructive talks and advice on the grooming of a Cairn Terrier’s coat - these
were seen to be popular to the pet owners; for each talk found a small crowd
quickly assembling itself around the demonstration table. It was just as well
Karen was both capable and present for, I believe, the person who had
volunteered for these talks; didn’t arrive until well into the afternoon.
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Cairn Terrier Relief
Fund Stall |
Ann - facepainter Aghast at three wanting freebies! |
Chris Roberts, secretary to the
Cairn Terrier Relief Fund, came with their stall and was doing steady sales
throughout the day - even though being troubled by being in a tent which kept
on collapsing around her.
Ann Waugh, face painter, was
sharing the same tent and we can only hope it didn’t cause her to dab paint in
the wrong places - Pugwash was pleased to have had his moustache and beard
fully groomed without any mishap having taken place.
Anne Weaver and her daughter had
a good selection of cakes, etc., on offer but the bargain of the day was the
ice cream with topping on a plate - compared with the prices charged by Walls,
it was super value at the price charged.
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Morning cooking bacon –
Afternoon judging dogs |
Excellent prizes on the
Lucky Dip Stall |
A couple of the staff working at
the Yellow Brick Road Cafe were found to be moonlighting - Bill not only raked
in the money at the till in the morning but then he and Sharon knocked off
early and went to their second job as being judges for the Fancy Dress and the
Novelty Classes. Couldn’t find out their rate of pay for either job but they
were good at both - so we shouldn’t complain.We discovered this year that an
added attraction - at great expense - is there for those families with young
children - an Adventure Playground. Just look at the pictures and you will find
it to be a quality attraction and one worthy for your children to enjoy.
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Finally, my grateful thanks to all
those who have contributed towards making the Cairn Fun Day the success it has
become - without you, it couldn’t be done.
NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY
.
CAIRN FUN DAY 2011
is to be held on
SATURDAY, 2nd JULY at
LEWKNOR, OXON
.
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