ANNUAL FUN DAY

What could be a better way to spend a sunny day in the country than to visit the idyllic rural paradise that is Steve Pick’s home at East Hoathly and spend some time with one of the most affable breeds of dog you could ever wish to meet? Normally, the scene would be one of tranquillity and peace – but not so today.

On Sunday 7^th June over 80 people popped in for the day for the annual Fun Day, organised by the Club. Smiles and laughter were the order of the day, with some very well behaved youngsters trying out their skills at handling. They clearly loved their dogs and made me very optimistic about the future for the breed.

As always, the kitchen was the most important aspect of the day with Pam and Janice in masterful overall charge. With just a couple of volunteer helpers, they almost single-handedly produced a huge selection of yummy delights and a king-sized Thank You must go to them for their sterling efforts. Bill was roped in to do the BBQ, even if he was a touch alarmed to find himself cooking for such a large number. 100 sausages and burgers later, he decided that he never wanted to see another banger for quite some while. Apart from one lady who thought lunch started at 10.45 rather than 1pm, all went very well. Some waistlines must have suffered after the main meal with free ice creams and tasty iced cupcakes, supplied by a talented Committee member, on offer.

Throughout the day we were treated to a grooming demonstration, scurry, instruction on Good Citizen tests, and general fun competitions and activities. At one stage, I noticed a regular trail of people disappearing into the rhododendrons at the rear of the property, and began to wonder quite what was going on in there? Could this have been a Steve Pick ‘special attraction?’ As it turned out, there was eye testing taking place behind the bushes. Well of course, there would be wouldn’t there?

A trendy selection of ‘our generation’ background music was playing during the intervals, only disturbed when Steve ‘the Jonah’ Pick took over as the DJ, at which point the music machine gave up the ghost. Steve protested that he only walked towards the player and never actually touched it, but that was obviously sufficient to frighten the poor thing to death.

I managed to talk to a good many pet owners during the day about their dogs and without exception they all praised the venue for the day. In fact one lady asked how much it cost to hire the place as she wanted to organise a similar event for the Guides. (Another opportunity for a sideline Steve?)

All in all, a very happy event and it was so good to see our President, Doreen Bowen, had been able to make the trip from Essex due to the good offices of her son Colin.

I would like to say a big Thank You to Steve for his patience, preparation beforehand and use of his home on the day, and to those Committee members who worked so hard to make the day such a success. I am sure the genuine supporters of our lovely breed appreciated every bit of it.

MAGGIE BUNCE

Vice President