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     This rally is to raise funds for Rainbow House which is a special school for physically and mentally handicapped
children situated close to the rally field. It is always well supported by exhibitors and public and this time the field was fuller than ever before. Once again we were blessed with good weather and local roads were blocked as cars queued to get in.
     Our static display was in a prominent place close to the ring so we could see all that was going on. Julie and Dave brought along their 'hook a duck' game which proved
popular with the children, with Hudson presiding over
everything. Unfortunately, it meant that Dave had to make numerous trips to the tap with a suitable receptacle to fill the paddling pool. It was worth it in the end to see 25 ducklings bobbing about. 
     Our ring parades had the crowds round as Woody,
Dennis, Mylo, Dyce and Hudson pulled their carts. We are always joined here by Lorraine with her 9 year old Bernese Abby who doesn't cart but still loves all the attention. Chris the commentator always comes to us with his radio mike and everyone seems interested and listens to the
information we give about the dogs. Many couldn't believe that Dyce, the puppy that was carried round last year is now 15 months old and pulling his own cart.
     We were joined for our BBQ by family and friends, one of whom made a delicious strawberry meringue which went down a treat after the steaks we had devoured. The collection came to £119.

It doesn't seem like 12 months have passed and here we are again supporting Derian House children's hospice at their annual gala weekend. Always a favourite with exhibitors and public, this time was no exception and the crowds poured through the gates.
Once again, Julie brought along her 'hook-a-duck' game, this time getting the pool filled by the local firemen which took 20 seconds, unlike the previous week when it took Dave over half an hour and about 10 trips to the tap.
With 8 Bernese and 6 carts and 25 bobbing ducklings, we always had a crowd around. People very generously support this charity and our collection boxes certainly showed it. 
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley aka John Stape was there and in between signing autographs he came over to see the dogs and listened with interest as we told him what we do. He spent quite awhile with us before he was whisked away to drive a horse and carriage in the ring.
On Sunday, our ring parade was scheduled for 1-45pm,
however due to things not always running to time it was put back an hour. During that time large black clouds gathered
overhead and just as we were lining up to go in the ring the
heavens opened. Not just a few spits and spots but torrential rain. The field cleared in seconds as people ran for shelter. We too dashed back to the tent and squashed together to fit everyone in. Julie and Hudson had their own little shelter which not long before had been used for shade. It didn't stop raining after that so everything was packed away sodden. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise great weekend.
£268 was collected for the Hospice.

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