August Summer Fun Day

After a very quick drive from the Cambridgeshire Fens, we arrived sometime after ten in the morning, to be greeted with a welcoming beverage and biscuits – although one particular furry friend, (mentioning no names of course), thought she’d try a chocolate treat too! The kitchen was a hive of activity with Gwyn and fellow chef Belinda, (not forgetting at least 4 Maremmas too), assembling all the lovely food, and many trips by Jim and Rob between kitchen and marquee tables, loaded up with all the goodies.

The lawn was laid out with tables, chairs and the marquee, (in case of rain), and for the energetic – an Agility course, (organized by Janet Atkins, along with the photo competition too) - but more on that later! Once all visitors had arrived, at least 25 I believe, with at least as many dogs, including new members - especially welcome to the Chekowski family and Ella and some we had not seen for some time, welcome again to Janet Finlay and Lynn Trueman – we got down to the very enjoyable ‘Treasure Hunt’ in the woods, which incidentally was won by the Chekowskis. This involved finding the questions (posted to various trees), guessing the answers, (I think Jim was nearly as bad as us!!) and strolling through the trees, back to the garden. A nice country walk with the dogs, with an appetite for the BBQ.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Jim’s BBQ, with a huge selection of salads, dishes and condiments to accompany the hamburgers and sausages, and had just about enough energy to compete in the Agility Races (if they hadn’t overdone their wine consumption that is!). The Agility competitions began with a potato race, (photos also on the MSCGB Web page, for those with internet access) – I’ve never seen Gwyn run so fast! There were races over the hurdles, between the poles and through the tunnel – I think the dogs really enjoyed it, with Maremmas, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Hungarian Pulis and even a lovely 3 legged dog (who wasn’t affected by her disability at all) taking part. I think the left-over BBQ sausages may have contributed to their enthusiasm just a little bit!

Almost forgot, we also had a raffle, with some really lovely and useful prizes, with nearly every table winning a least one prize. I think some dogs were quite happy too!! The day was a great success and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, even Gwyn’s dear mother’s very mature Border Collie, Meg, came out for a stroll in the garden and veteran Maremma Holly lay in the shade, within sniffing distance of the BBQ.