OPEN SHOW SUNDAY 4th MAY 2025
Another great show is over, and my last job is to thank everyone involved in making Chesvale’s show so successful.
Anyone that organises a show knows how much work goes into preparing the venue ready for the day. However, there is a huge amount of work that goes on beforehand, and that work starts before this year’s show finishes. It was fabulous that I managed to invite all our judges for May 2026 and filled all the positions but one. For anyone that wavered, I simply showed them the lunch and afternoon cakes and cream teas, and they agreed! Just proves the better the titbit the better the response.
I cannot thank all our members (over 30 of them!) individually, but the rings were set up in record time and they did a great job lead by Jim Nokes. However, I must mention Clare Williams, our Show Secretary, without whom the show could not operate. The rest of our members know how grateful I am for their help and support. Also, thanks to Jo Dyas who kindly let me use her mobility scooter to try to stop me from walking about, as apparently, I am no spring chicken!!!! (her words not mine!)
The team turned up early on Sunday morning to assist with ‘tent erection’ and generally working like little beavers all day to make such a wonderful day for everyone. I know the judges are very grateful for the help in putting up their tents. Not only our members but also husbands mucked in with whatever needed doing and then staying to clear away at the end of the day.
We had two training rings, one manned by Laura Wiley and the second a self-help or ‘bring a friend’ ring. Sheila Rodger was in control of the list of people waiting to have a go as well as taking the money. They worked so hard all-day helping people practice and raised a fabulous £170.00. I know everyone appreciates the opportunity to train in a show environment under an experienced handler, so many thanks go to the team for their time and support. The tombola made £136.10 making a total of £306.10. Chesvale will make this combined total up to £350.00 to be donated to The Brain Cancer Charity.
Chesvale’s catering is well known for being fantastic, Gail Nokes, Pauline Finn, Lynne Weston, Julie Green and Julia Yerrell put on an amazing buffet lunch, and the desserts were superb. Jo Dyas, Sally Partridge and assorted helpers took over for the afternoon tea and beautiful home-made cakes and cream teas, with some of the judges taking cake for their journey home!
It was a great relief that Julie Green took over being photographer at the show as my bones by the end of the two days have normally given up by the time the presentations start! Thank you, Julie! She took some fabulous photos which are already up on ObedienceUK facebook page for you to enjoy.
Thank you to all the judges and stewards who gave up their time, some travelling quite a distance to support us and some those who have already volunteered to do it all again! Finally, to all the competitors who attended – we hope you had an enjoyable day and thank you for all the lovely comments and expressions of thanks for putting on a show. A little thanks goes a long way.
Our next show is on Sunday 24th August, pre-beginner, beginner and novice only, so look out for the schedule which will be available shortly. Also put next year’s May show date in your diary, Sunday 3rd May 2026.
CAROL SPENCER
Show Manager