The demise of village fetes across the county, and indeed the country, is on the increase as volunteers for community events and organisations become more and more difficult to recruit. However, this isn’t the case in Shadoxhurst where everything bursts into life on the last weekend of June when the Village Fete and Fun Dog show takes place in the fields to the south of the village.
For six years the Village Fete and FUN Dog Show has drawn in residents from Shadoxhurst and visitors from further afield (we estimate 1,800 visitors throughout the day) and every year has seen an increase in numbers: stalls, exhibitors, visitors, entertainment, dog show entries and praise. You would not believe how many positive comments have been passed on in previous years:
“I thought it was going to be rubbish but it was a great day out”
“The best organised dog show in the area”
“It was a great day out! Lots of good causes locally benefitted and a lot of people seemed to be having a great time!”
“A good day out and the timing of the classes was spot on – well organised, well done, congratulations”
“Looking back at last year’s photos reminds me of all the fun that everyone had on the day.”
“We had a stunner of a day.”
This year’s show is on Saturday June 24th. The field is open to dog owners wishing to register their dogs for the various classes from 9am but the fun starts at 10.30am when the stalls and activities begin and the food tents start serving. The first of the twenty dog show classes also start at this time and run regularly throughout the day until 4pm when Best in Show will be judged and announced. This year’s fancy dress theme is Dog and Owner (for example, famous duos) and will take place at 12.50pm in Ring B.
The day is organised by 1st Shadoxhurst B.P. Scout Group and funds raised will be used by the Group to help purchase a minibus for group outings. 1st Shadoxhurst B.P. Scouts are unique in Europe in that they meet on Saturdays for four hour sessions which more than doubles the meeting time of other scout groups. The longer sessions mean that the Scouts have more time for longer traditional scouting activities and they often venture further afield for more adventurous pursuits that are not practicable locally such as sailing, orienteering and volunteering. For further information, please contact the Group Scout Master on 01233 611745.
The Village Fete and FUN Dog Show will take place on Green Farm Fields in Church Lane, Shadoxhurst on Saturday June 24th from 10.30am. The entry costs for visitors is £1 and dog show entries are £2.50 per class.
There may still be opportunities if you wish to have a stall at the Village Fete and there are also sponsorship opportunities for local businesses who may wish to be part of this great event. Please send your enquiries to scoutsdogshow@gmail.com or contact MaryAnn Richmond-Coggan on 01233 733 997.
You can find out more about the fete and see this year’s classes on Facebook/fundogshow
