THE CAIRN TERRIER FUN DAY
21st June 2003
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First, I pay tribute to those who combined assistance went towards turning a Fun Day into a marvellous day. Be it assisting by bringing a stall or running one; serving the food or eating it; or simply by making a donation towards the food; hall or raffle; or by being there on the day - it is the little things which build up into a lot and these occasions do bring the best out of people.
The pictures themselves tell the story of a very successful Fun Day, so I'll write around them.
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There's never an absolutely good day but today's Fun Day certainly had everyone present bearing happy smiles upon their faces. Mrs Lewis, the caretaker, spoke of never seeing that number of cars in the car park in the thirty years, she has held the position
The person of the day could well be the one with the humblest of jobs. First there at 7.30 in the morning and the last one away at the end of the day. From planning out the car park; greeting arrivals with a smile and a pleasant greeting; to taking all the day's rubbish away in sacks; he was a show manager's dream. Yet, each person present played an important part in making this a most successful day.
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Some may claim the beautiful and glorious weather with at least seven red kites circling the sky, made the day but it did not, it was the atmosphere created. The mixture was correct, people and dogs gathered together in a relaxed mood brought about simply because they knew it was a Fun Day. The main approach to the day was to get pet owners involved with regular breeders/exhibitors/club members. This meant for once, the ones involved in showing could meet pet owners and to see the ones they had sold as a puppy, without the hindrance of having to prepare and show dogs. Though it did help by having a large rabbit with a large watch to keep things to time and a pirate to rob them of their money to give to a good cause - the Cairn Terrier Health Watch.
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The programme for the day had been planned to be balanced overall to provide good food and refreshments; a varied selection of stalls, a raffle and tombola; activities to watch or to participate in; an artist doing dog portraits in pastels to provide a long term memento, both of their day and their pet. The formula worked on the day but experienced gained for the necessity for a little improvement in the coordination between events, will be very useful should a similar day be arranged in the future.
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The feature of the day was the Cairn Races and it attracted much attention. Julie and Chris who brought equipment and prizes from quite a distance, completely for free and without any Cairn connections, provide a lot of excitement to many. Small different coloured jackets to fit the entrants (dogs); a starting flag and bright orange lure which made an animal call noise as it was dragged over the ground when chased by four Cairns in full flow. It was so good I was approached (unofficially but sadly, no bribes) by Committee Members of the Midland CTC who were present as to whether Julie would travel north in the Autumn (Fall) when they hold their Cairn Day. Happy and flattered to say the Julie and the Races are willing if they have no prior engagement. It is very pleasing to report of the winner of the Races to be Jack and he is of Tweedisle breeding - very understandable, considering the practice they have had running from debt collectors (G)
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The Fancy Dress Competition was brilliant as the variety of costumes was beyond belief; the judges, Ruth Wadman-Taylor and Brenda Birch of the Health Watch, faced with a very difficult task pondered for quite a while before being able to pull out their placing. The "Owner whose Dog resembled them the most" class was won by Monica Ball - both had the same bottom teeth missing; both wore glasses and both had hair which was spiky.
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Total raised will not be known for a few days more but it should have tripled the existing monies of the Health Watch and this news confirms the Day was both enjoyable to all who attended and successful in achieving its aim.
Graham Peers
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Photographs by Renier Goud & Graham Peers.
Footnote.
Julia, who organised the Cairn Races, has telephoned to say she wishes to do the same next year but also add to the menu "Wacky Races" using the track but with chidren (fancy dress?) copying the dogs chasing the lure. With many others of a like mind, I will be booking the venue for next year - fingers crossed for the Health Watch to be willing to accept the proceeds. Last Saturday's proceeds will be in the region of £800 to £900 but, as yet, figures have not been finalised.
Graham