Setting out early from the south coast with Frankie, Jean and Michael plus hounds, the consensus was that we were in for a lovely. sunny day. The sun was out and this was unusual as the previous few days had been wet and overcast. However, as we travelled north along the A22 rain clouds threatened.

Other members of the committee were already at the venue when we arrived.

The car was unpacked and we joined the others in preparing the hall for lunch and the outside ring and seating for the games and fun classes.

In unpredictable weather such as this it is difficult to judge if setting out the outside tables and chairs is worthwhile, as we need to move quickly indoors if it rains. I can remember one previous occasion when this happened and our activities had to be held inside the hall. Wet hounds and members gamer carried on, but it was somewhat cramped and uncomfortable and steamy.

Anyhow, this time we committed to setting-up outside, ignoring the approaching dark clouds, and ever optimistic that the afternoon would remain dry.

It was reassuring when members’ cars began to appear in some numbers and we knew the possible rain hadn’t deterred too many. Members arrived from distant Essex and Kent, and very good it was to see them.

At the planned time, Brian addressed the gathering, welcoming all and encouraging participation in the games, raffles, and various competitions — the ever popular Guess the Weight of the Hounds and Guess the Number of Biscuits. This year Hope and Dill Harris were the weighed hounds in question. Our regular contributing artist, Sheila Tyson (formally Williams) once again kindly donated one of her framed watercolours as prize. Everyone seemed very eager to try winning this lovely artwork. Jayne efficiently promoted the Guess the Number of Biscuits game.

The games began on time with Chris and Sue ably directing events. Hounds reactions to being encouraged to take part varied from eagerness to insouciance.

Typical Basset Hounds!

Our Guest Judge this year was Mrs Kim Culyer-Dawson (Culdaws), who is highly experienced breeding Bassets and other hounds. It was a great relief to see her arrive safely, as she travelled from North London and had experienced some major traffic disruption on her journey.

Here are a few pages of memories from this enjoyable afternoon.

Following the games, we hurried into the hall to partake of an excellent buffet.

Afterwards, Chairman Brian formally introduced Kim, and the Fun Classes began.

Jean assisted by being steward - a role she has made her own over the years.

Kim showed considerable diligence in choosing her class winners - carefully going over all the entries and showing great tolerance to those hounds and handlers who had little, or no, experience in the show ring.

Later, several members told of us how kind and considerate she had been. Here is a list of our Fun Class winners (rosettes were awarded):

Best Veteran (hounds over 7 years): Chevy Malin.*
Best Puppy (hounds up to 12 months): Frank Katz.
Most Handsome Dog: Monty Lower.
Prettiest Bitch: Hope Harris.*
Hound in Best Condition: Monty Lower.
Hound with the Most Waggy Tail: Dill Harris. *
Best Rescue Hound: Lionel Owen.

Best in Match: Monty Lower. (Ed. Well done, Monty!).
Reserve Best in Match: Dill Harris. ( Well handled, Miranda)
Best Puppy in Match: Frank Katz. (Frankly, very nice!)
Best Fancy Dress: Police Officers Peach and Buddy Cooper. (Sally, the short arm of the law?)

* Committee members hounds were entered to improve class numbers for Kim to judge and not for any vainglory. Anyway, it’s all just for fun!

The winners of the Guess the Weight competition were Emma & Tim Powell (Ed. I hope I have names correct) who were handed their prize by artist, Sheila Tyson.

As a gift for being our Guest Judge, Brian presented Kim, on behalf of the BHOC, a glass goblet featuring the head of a Basset Hound, hand- engraved by Kara Prior (formerly Slater).

Tea and cakes were enjoyed before we all made our disparate ways home, very grateful that, though somewhat chilly, the rain, all but for a little drizzle, had mercifully held off.

This was a super Fun Day that had lived up to its name!

Words by Tony Roberts;
Photos by Tony Roberts & Derek Harris.