It was with much anticipation for an enjoyable day that the committee arrived to set up for this event. The weather looked a bit mixed, but it was dry, warm, and the cloudy sky even held the promise of clearing to let in the sun.

Our guest judge, Mrs Lana Johnson, was already at the venue - the mark of a professional - and gazebos and tables were erected; and the ring (for the various races, games, and fun classes) was marked out.

Of course, this year’s Fun Day happily coincided with Chairman Brian’s 80th birthday - so we knew it would have a special celebratory atmosphere.

Members began arriving well ahead of the advertised start time and soon there was an endless line of vehicles parked under the trees which edged the venue.

At 12.30pm, and now under a hot sun, Brian formally opened the event, introducing Lana. Soon after the races began, ably organised by Chris and Sue. Sausages were chased and hounds were recalled - predictably, the former being clearly more easily accomplished than the latter.

After the races were completed, a delicious lunch was enjoyed by everyone - and this was only slightly marred by the need to take cover due to a light rain shower. This soon passed and the fun classes began, all attracting large number of entrants.

Judge Lana was stewarded by Jean, who, over the years, has made this role her own.

As the afternoon progressed, members sat around in the warm sun, watching the various classes being judged, admiring the hounds, and chatting with each other. It was a great atmosphere.

Sun shades to protect the hounds were much in evidence - well done for coming so well prepared - though I think a quite a few members were enjoying to opportunity to top-up their tans.

Following the fun classes - including some very imaginative entries in the Fancy Dress section - Brian presented Lana with an engraved glass goblet who, in turn, praised the Branch and thanked the members for making it such an enjoyable day.

Several members later told me what a nice judge she had been.

Before tea and cakes were enjoyed, Birthday Boy Brian was surprised to receive a large card signed by those members present; a bottle of bubbly; a very special Fred Basset annniversary book - including a message to Brian by Arran Keith (Alex Graham’s daughter); and a signed Major Tom calendar - which will, no doubt, brighten up Brian’s 2014 no-end.

A large, delicious, chocolate cake was waiting in the hall for Brian to slice (and try).

It was also a privilege to get the opportunity to share Brian’s special day and witness the affection with which he is held by Branch members.

Speaking to several members later, the overwhelming feeling was that this year’s Fun Day was the best yet.

What a very successful day this had been.

(Above, left to right) Chris Cooper, Lana Johnson (guest judge), Jayne Cooper (Hon Treasurer), Jean Miller, Michael Errey (President), Brian Malin (Chairman), Tony Roberts (Lowdown editor), Jill Malin, Derek Harris (webmaster), Sue Sampson (BH Welfare), & Frankie Roberts (Hon Secretary).

FUN CLASSES - WINNERS

BEST VETERAN - Barney (handled by Rose)

BEST PUPPY - Monty Lower

MOST HANDSOME DOG - Bertie

PRETTIEST BITCH - Tina (?)

HOUND IN BEST CONDITION - Hastings Vanden Webhe/Jonckheere

HOUND WITH WAGGIEST TAIL - Buddy Cooper

BEST RESCUE HOUND - Nellie Tiffin

BEST IN MATCH - Monty Lower

BEST FANCY DRESS - Elsie Monks (dressed as a spider) - see below.

The Branch committee is grateful for the generous support from the following businesses who kindly donated prizes for the various fun classes and races:

Pets at Home (Eastbourne)
A22 Pets Store (Hailsham)
Green Street Pets (Eastbourne)
ESK Pet Supplies (Eastbourne)

Huguette and John kindly sent the above photograph of a rightfully very proud Hastings with his trophy and rosettes won on Fun Day.

A few more photos ☞