Welsh Championship Show

By Gwynn Hague

It is always a pleasure to go to the Welsh show as it is held in such beautiful surroundings, set in the midst of the Welsh hills. The journey in itself is very picturesque and just when you are beginning to think that there could not possibly be a town of any size perched on the valley sides you come around a corner and there it is, set in a huge arena, flags flying on top of flint turrets announcing your arrival at the National Showground of Wales.

As you travel on the outskirts of the ground, on the way to the car parks, you pass a brightly coloured circus of tents flying flags of many nationalities. These are the overnight campsites of exhibitors. Each little plot having its own identity, some with spotty dog balloons flying, others festooned with coloured lights. There are barbeques sizzling and people eating breakfast around tables decorated with parasols. There is a general buzz to the place and every variety of dog out for a morning walk before the serious business of the showing begins.

We were directed to the appropriate car park which was nearest to our ring and benching. This seems to be on the far side of the ground behind the cattle sheds. The weather was dull and overcast but we hoped that the judging would still take place outside.

On reaching our benching in the Welsh Black Cattle Society shed, and having settled in, there was the usual need for bacon butties and a coffee. We were early, [having followed haycarts and ancient farmers for winding miles on previous visits], and first to the benching. We were later joined by other exhibitors that appeared to be a little wet and regretfully it had started to rain. This meant that all the judging was moved undercover to the sheep pens. These are huge Atcost buildings with corrugated roofs that echo and reverberate the sound of barking dogs and drumming rain, not ideal - but dry.

Our judge for the day was Janet Atkins, an experienced Maremma specialist. Considering the distance for most entries there was a reasonable turnout, [there is always ,these days, a need for more entries].

After the showing always comes shopping! Everyone felt though that it would be nice to have a coffee and cake first, away from the sheds, and we headed for the refreshment tent. By now it had been raining for several hours and we emerged into a sea of mud and wet stall holders! The cafe was full but we all managed to squeeze under the balcony. Jacqui Downes braved the rain and brought everyone hot donuts – scrummy! – and a couple of us went to get trays of tea and coffee. We sat, with our muddy dogs, eating ,drinking and having a really good laugh while the rain sheeted down outside.

Everyone had a really good day despite the weather and we all said that only dog people would be mad enough to travel this far to get wet!