5th MEET UP in Somerset
This year with the lack of shows going ahead we took the opportunity of holding our Somerset meet up a little earlier in the year than normal. This was the 5th year at the same venue. The Café is very very dog friendly, the owner having two dogs of her own that just roam around. Each year when I visit the café to book, they are very pleased to do so. I usually ring a couple of days beforehand to confirm numbers and it is with trepidation each time that I give the numbers as each year they go up and I feel that maybe one year they will say no way too many. Having said that, they are always really nice and say, oh yes, no problem. This year we were 18 humans and 15 dogs.
This year, unfortunately, due to covid and other problems the Café was on a limited menu, but I think everyone found something that suited. On the morning before leaving home the sky was very dark, overcast and the weather did not look very promising at all. However, we all met outside, had a chat and most people got acquainted with others and we went into the restaurant. Everyone found themselves a seat and the dogs got comfortable under the tables and were extremely well behaved. We had a free raffle which went down really well with the guests, every member winning something. By the time we emerged from the Café the sun had come out and the weather suddenly changed from autumn back to summer.
We gathered outside the café and had five fun competitions. The Café owner was again our judge. She said she was getting used to doing the honours. I handed my dogs over to my Grandson who is always happy to handle, and he won best puppy with Kali. We had a good entry of puppies and I was very pleased as the litter I bred in January of 3 little girls all came together. Prettiest Bitch was the next category and this was won by Amica Kali’s Sister owned by Maria DeAbru. Most handsome dog was Alfie owned by Karen Thompson from Bridgwater. Waggiest tail was Monty one of my own dogs and Best Veteran was Chico who is now 15 he was bred by myself and was from my second ever litter and he came down from Oxfordshire with his owners Michelle and Michael Morley who also own a Kali sister, Luna.
List of members who attended were as follows: – Vikki, Sean and Adam Marshall from Wiltshire, Vikki as most people know is our Health & Welfare Officer. Jude Pearson and her partner Matt who owns Rupert and rescue dog daisy from Burnham-on-Sea. Karen Thompson and her partner Dave with their dog called Alfie, Caroline Cockwell with Luca from Burnham-on-Sea. Diane and Mark Whatley with their five Bolognese from Birmingham, Maria DeAbru from Cardiff with Amica Michelle and Michael Morley together with their Son Lewis who I had not seen since he was 11 and he brought along his partner and Bolognese Chico now 15 and Luna, Kali’s sister, and finally we had a non-member the husband of Rika, who was a member but sadly passed away Geoffrey Lane, with his dog Wiggle. I must of course mention Brian, my husband who helps me to organise it all. It was unfortunate this year that six of our regulars could not come but we hope to welcome them back again next year if possible.
After all the frivolity, we went for an amble along the path which, if you walk all the way eventually ends up in Brean Down. The views are spectacular when you reach the top of the incline as the walk is in a conservation area. The sun shone and it was quite hot so on the descent back to the Cafe most of us indulged in ice cream and cold drinks. It was lovely to see you all and of course your beloved Bolognese. I look forward, hopefully, to seeing you all again next year and of course, maybe a few more.
