Its been - Its gone - That Once a Year Time
The Cairn Terrier Fun Day 2006
SPONSORED BY ROYAL CANIN
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A getting to know you day |
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Childrens Fancy Dress |
Click on links below for more photographs of the day
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A new venue at Lewknor awaited us on the morning of this years Fun Day, Saturday, 24th June, 2006, and we should have been filled with trepidation at thoughts of facing unknown hazards, but if any existed they soon vanished due to the urgency needed in erecting the gazebos, the rings and to arrange the car parking space. Usually, Pugwash is greeted with loud cheers from all those that had already arrived, well before his arrival, and working solidly together. This year found him to have been the second on the scene, beaten only by the enthusiastic Show Manager.
The venue had been chosen after only a quick, previous, inspection, so there were no site plans drawn-up, and the name of the game being played that morning was called improvising; though this appeared to be a natural vocation to all those involved. Yes, mistakes may have been made by not fully using all the additional space to the best advantage. But we do learn from mistakes and after all said, it was only a trial run for the next Fun Day which will be held at the same venue on Saturday, 23rd June, 2007.
It never ceases to amaze, the spirit in which the volunteers organise themselves for their tasks on the day. All the stalls were well-filled with wares and these were laid out to their best advantage of being sold. The food on sale was more than sufficient and priced cheap enough for visitors not to have the need to bring a picnic hamper. What more could one wish for when there was hot food; a buffet layout of cakes, tea, coffee, cold drinks and even ice-cream; later, there were cream teas and strawberries. Yet, tell me, how one can ever thank all these kind people, sufficiently; it is not at all possible.
We did the best possible by finding a lovely venue with a large, well-equipped, kitchen, and this must have been a pleasure to all those using it; for those outside, they had gazebos to shade them from the sun, whilst they plied their wares.
Under the roof of another gazebo, we had our usual two ladies cheerfully dealing with the many and varied questions that they were asked; whilst being extremely successful in gaining entries for the Fancy Dress and Novelty events.
The day, itself, rewarded us by allowing the sun to be out all of the time; more than a little warm but not too hot. It certainly made the scene even more appealing to the eye, and it played a very large part in turning a pleasant day into a very enjoyable one.
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Around the stalls |
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Wacky Races |
The Master of Ceremonies a big White Rabbit made the opening speech and instructed all to spend their money; before swiftly moving on, and with the assistance of a loud hailer, to organize the days events.
Wendy Laker started the day with an Obedience Demonstration and this was very well received and appreciated. But there was a slightly embarrassing moment for Wendy, when one of her star demonstrators left her side to say hello to a friend outside the ring!!!
The agility course gets bigger and better each year and thanks go to Jenny Fairweather for both making the effort to bring so much equipment and for her patience with some of the dogs on their trial run over the course; though to some watchers, it can be a little hilarious at times.
Its a modern trend to change partners, frequently, and Sharon Confue did this by dropping her partner of last year, to assist a new one - Jim Pollock from over the Scottish border in judging both the Fancy Dress events and the Novelty Classes. The first two classes were not the easiest to judge; a lot of thought and effort were behind some of the costumes and these provided for two very colourful events and a difficult task for the judges. Everyone enjoys the Novelty classes and even the judges must have received some pleasure from their task. We thank them both for accepting the invitation and carrying the appointment, so professionally Im led to believe of Jim Pollock obtaining a Club Ch. Show appointment for a little later this year, on the strength of his performance at our Fun Day congrats, Jim!!!
Throughout the day, dogs were enjoying trial runs on the track in anticipation of competing, later, in the Wacky Races. These races, as usual, were organised by Julia Cloke, who kindly brought all the necessary equipment for the event. The Wacky races have become a main feature of the day and are very popular with both breeders and the pet owners. All enjoy seeing their dogs race down the track, and even those dogs reluctant to leave the starting line, were rewarded with love and cuddles, after the laughter had stopped.
Many were those pleased at the result of their dog being photographed by the photographer supplied by Ryan Dix Studios of Cirencester, and happy with the quality digital prints at a reasonable price. The photographs are up on their website www.ryandixstudios.com and further prints can still be purchased.
I have tried to fully cover the Day in an attempt to allow all, who were not present at the event, to gain a good insight at that which they missed and, perhaps, encourage some to make an effort to be with us at next years Fun Day and we hope that they will be!
The support of Royal Canin, who are the main sponsor of the Fun Day, is gratefully acknowledged and we assure them that their gifts were fully appreciated by all those fortunate enough to win them. Also, we send thanks to John Toomer Agriculture Ltd, Swindon, and to Goughs of East Grinstead, for their encouragement and gifts.
In a way it is a Giving Day we try to give pleasure to many Cairn lovers and this derives from the giving by others -those donating to the various stalls, be it goods or time; those who gave the food and drinks for the refreshments, free; and to those who gave their time and talents in working to make the day the success it undoubtedly turned out to be. There are many good people around and is a nice feeling to be with them; especially, when they are all pulling in one direction
Depending on all those who sponsored Captain Pugwashs haircut paying their dues there is still much outstanding then we anticipate takings of some £1500, (less hire of venue charge; insurance cost; and a retained portion for the next Fun day) and this will be donated to the benefit of the Cairn Terrier. At present its destination has not been decided, but we do have five suggestions under consideration, with another being investigated as to it being an acceptable one for further thought.
My sincere thanks to all.
Graham Peers
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A White rabbit with a wish to be heard |
Ann Waugh preparing a young England Supporter |
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