With the weather in mind, holding any outdoor event during this dreadful summer was a brave endeavour.

But, when does the prospect of inclement conditions ever deter the Branch? We know that we are lucky in having very hardy members.

As it turned out, we were lucky, rain held off and the games and classes could take place outside on the Crowhurst Village Hall playing field.

Chris Cooper took enthusiastic charge of the games, ably assisted by Sue Sampson. New games appeared this year - and were greatly enjoyed.

One game required the hounds to catch tit-bits pitched at them by Chris. This was an absolute doddle for some. For others it was a wholly pointless activity and one could almost see them think, ‘Why catch it when it lands at my feet anyway?’

Still, it was fun to watch.

There was fierce competition for honour of winning the ever popular Sausage Race.

All the hounds appeared to enter into the spirit of the afternoon with some relish. But there again, every time they meet up for any of the Branch events they enjoy themselves. Their camaraderie is always such a joy to witness.

In true form, many Bassets simply ignored the rules of the game - well, it was a Basset Hound Fun Day!

Here are the results of the Fun Classes (kindly collated by Jean):

Best Veteran: Pablo handled by Erin.

Best Puppy: Gwen handled by Angela.

Most Handsome Dog: Harry handled by Rose.

Prettiest Bitch: Regina handled by Lainey.

Hound in Best Condition: Amelia handled by John.

Hound with Waggiest Tail: Buddy handled by Damon.

Best Rescue Hound: Alfred handled by Lin.

Best in Match
Regina handled by Lainey - overburdened with prize goodies.
Basset Hound Fancy Dress
Elsie - ‘Horse & Hound’ handled by Jo. Our guest judge for the Fun Classes was Mrs Julie Honeyball (above left, with Brian & Jean).

Julie greatly enjoyed her day judging the Branch hounds. She has previously owned and shown Basset Hounds and brought her lovely Bloodhound, who attracted an enormous amount of attention from members and a few mystified Bassets. Jean Miller stewarded with her usual efficiency. After the judging Brian presented Julie with an engraved glass goblet which featured a portrait of a Basset Hound.

Among members visiting from Essex were Sally Money (left), Geof Alderton (babysitting Jean’s Cassius) &. Sue.

Sally King (above right) with daughter Thea, plus Rolf, held court while seated in a kind of howdah (but minus the elephant). It resembled a grounded hang glider - is this how the party arrived from Essex?

Although Essex is quite distant from the Fun Day venue, our most travelled visitor turned up after journeying all the way from the Philippines. Trudy Allen took in our event while visiting from her new home on the island of Boracay. Looking very tanned and fit, it was really good to see her again.

Everyone seemed to greatly enjoy this lovely summer event.

FUN DAY ☞