After a traumatic week of weather playing havoc with our preparation plans the Spring Garden Party went ahead, following the previous day’s successful Open. show, with a day of similar weather, blue sunny skies with a dash of cloud, facilitating yet another memorable day out with our dogs. We really do struggle for new superlatives for this event as the verbal and written feed back is just so positive every time. Again people referred to the lovely relaxed atmosphere and to just having a great day out with their family and dog(s), thank you for all your lovely comments and support for our event.

We cannot even begin to produce the summary of the day without recording a MASSIVE thank you to EVERYONE who helped us prepare and deliver this event and this gratitude especially applies to EVERYONE who helped us pack away at the end of a tiring day (week!) and especially those who helped take down the marquees and remove all the components back to their storage. This task is an excellent demonstration of the old adage that ‘many hands make light work’ and it just took a couple of hours to take down and remove what took many less of us all day to construct earlier in the week. This help really does mean alot to us and we cannot say a big enough THANK YOU to ALL of you.

Meanwhile you can view all of the photos taken, edited and unedited, on our smug mug page via this link As always, once you have selected your gallery, in this case “Spring Garden Party 2024”, you can use the ‘play arrow’ near the top right corner to initiate a slide show which will scroll around itself or you can click on the arrows to forward or reverse the photo in view much faster. We are indebted to new committee member Julie Ann Wright for almost all of the photos of the day.

The highlights for most people include the Rescue, Golden Oldies and Puppy parades as well as the Themed Fancy Dress Decorated Cart class which this year was ‘Wacky Races’ themed and did not disappoint.

Just like the previous day’s show we started the day in glorious early sunshine with a…..

.. Swiss Carting Parade

Rescue Parade

Another highlight for many people as they get to hear some of the stories of the Rescued and Rehomed dogs and their new ‘parents’ and see them parade around the ring. Rescue CoOrdinator Fiona Hallam gave a short explanation of Rescue and how it works and thanked all the people who help with collecting and delivering dogs, assessing homes, assessing dogs, transporting dogs and especially the people who give great new homes to Bernese in need. She was joined in the ring by newly designated Assistant Rescue Coordinator Jeanette Green and both they and all the Rescue dogs and their keepers, received a great round of applause.

A little while after this parade a generously donated full size Bernese with no behavioural issues at all and an incredibly efficient ‘down stay’ was auctioned off to raise funds for Rescue and Health combined and we thank our generous buyer for his donation and for his family rehoming another Bernese in need of a home!

Golden Oldies Parade

Owners of our Senior Citizens are invited to bring the dogs into the ring and have a little walk around it for people to see them whilst some details of their dog’s life and history are read out to the audience. This is another very popular event as most people in the breed are readily appreciative of any older Bernese.

Puppy Parade

The final (although usually first of the three chronologically) very popular parades, is known as the puppy walk when owners show off their newest recruits.

Decorated Carts ‘Wacky Races’ theme

The theme for the Fancy Dress Decorated carts this event was Wacky Races and the incredible imaginative carters produced a great entertaining display for us as they always do. The racers chased the pigeon around the ring although I’m not sure this particular pigeon, splendid as he was, would get off the ground and I don’t remember the Ant Hill mob looking quite so frightening when they were on TV in what used to be called Children’s Hour. Most of the characters we all remember were there, Penelope Pitstop, Prof Pat Pending et al all chasing a magnificent, if slightly demented, pigeon around the ring. Anyway, great fun was had by all and we thank all those concerned for another great effort and a highlight of the day.

Amazon really do get into every part of life nowadays! Even Prof Pat Pending in the carting at the GP

Several years ago, in recognition of the effort put in by the exhibitors in this ever popular class, it was agreed not to award places but award all exhibitors a celebratory rosette so there are no results for this class, apart from the fact they are all winners!

Fun and Games

As if all the events detailed above and below weren’t enough we also have some games in the Main Ring, today these consisted of the following with the winners given.

Many, many more photos and reporting and results to come, watch this space.

The Main Ring is the core of the Garden Party with the parades and all the fun events. This year’s appointed judge for the Novelty events was unable to attend, hope you are felling better Jean, so we were extremely grateful to late stand in Annie New who took on the challenge with a smile and positive outlook, until she saw all the ladies that came in for just her second class, the Prettiest Bitch when she had a brief OMG moment!!! It is well known these classes are very incredibly difficult to judge with so much close competition and you end up making decisions on very tiny criteria. Annie did a great job through the day keeping her ‘trademark’ smile going all day and here is her report. (Photos to accompany this will be added in due course)

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Main Ring Fun Events

Judges Report by Annie New

Thank you so much for inviting me to judge this fun dog show. It was really difficult to make final decisions with so many fabulous entries. I hope everyone took it all as it was meant to be … fun and spontaneous and a judge who just loves all dogs! How I was meant to choose between all those beautiful smiles, waggy tails and appealing eyes was so challenging. Thank you to everyone who entered and I hope you enjoyed your time in the ring.

Class 1 Most Handsome Dog

Tresor with David Foster – a really impressive boy who stood so proud and happy.
Bollo with Rosie and Kieran – loved this boy with his gorgeous Berner head.
Joe with Karen Hayward – flying the flag for Border Collies, this chap was superbly presented and had such a kind expression.
Yogi with Sarah McTighe – this bundle of fluff and gorgeousness just couldn’t be ignored!
Bunsen with Helen Weir – a super happy boy

Class 2 Prettiest Bitch

Bramble with Jess Love – such a sweet and pretty face, I couldn’t resist her!
Poppy with Jayne Adam – pretty as a peach, she was so happy to be in the ring she was smiling broadly
Tilda with Jess Rolfe – those cute freckles just added to her prettiness
Anya with Sarah McTighe – she had kindness written all over her. Lovely

Class 4 Most Appealing Eyes

Esther with Harry King – ooooh, she could get away with anything in my house with those gorgeous eyes!
Rosa with Linda Dadd – just begging to be loved, this girl is gorgeous.
Arfur with Della Davis – bright and sparkly and fabulous.
Dudley with Andrea and Nigel Watts – lovely shape and sparkle
Baloo with Zuza – lovely expression and twinkle in his eyes

Class 5 Best Smile

Lyra with Colin Buck – she had a fabulous toothy grin!
Cora with Andrew Swindlehurst – my notes say ‘a bursting smile’ and she really did catch the eye
Cleo with Cheryl Sokel – it was the kindness of her smile that really attracted me here
PeggySue with Judy Harris – she was just so eager to please and that smile was just gorgeous
Zeta with Janice Philpott – a huge smile that simply filled her face!

Class 6 Waggiest Tail

Juno with Shandy Bridges – this wasn’t just a tail wag… it was the full bum wag that went with it which made Juno the winner!
Dudley with Lauren Watts – this tail twirled so much I thought he’d take off 
Bunsen with Helen Weir – this chap had the most fantastic rhythmical swing to his tail
Lakota with Terry Draper – better watch out for things on your coffee table with this one!
Dennis with Jayne Adam – happiness exuding from this happy chappie’s tail

Class 7 Cutest Dog

Albert with Jayne Adam – what can I say? I wanted to take him home he’s so adorable!
Yogi with Sarah McTighe – cuteness overload with this fabulous bundle
Joe with Karen Hayward – so delicate and sweet
Rosina with Ethel and Magson Gao – a real cutie pie
Chomp with Milly Archer – cuteness personified, he was so adorable

Class 8 Dog Most Like Its Owner

Bear with Tabby Hall
Lakota with Lesley Draper
Chomp with Miles Archer
Diva with Diana Vysniauskaite

Class 10 Junior Handling 6-10 years

1st Eva with Lukas Vysniauskaite – these two had a lovely bond and worked really well together

2nd Nelson with Jenson Summers – so happy and confident together, they did really well

Class 11 Junior Handling 11-16 years

Lily with Katie Jones – Confident with handler and dog very ‘together’, standing beautifully at the end
Dilu with Diana Vysniauskaite – these two kept a great straight line and I’m sure will enjoy being in the ring together again in the future
Bear with Jack Mobley – clear commands and good relationship between the two was clear
Anya with Lauryn Miller – super handling even though it was their first time together
Wren with Ollie Terrell – they looked so happy to be together with a lovely bond

Class 12 Best Bad Hair Day (dog or human)

Nelson with Matt Lee – the absence of Matt’s hair made this a clear winner!
Cleo with Simon Sokel – so close to number 1, this was a very very close second
Yogi with Sarah McTighe – Yogi’s fluff is way to cute to be described as bad hair!

Class 13 Best Condition

PeggySue with Judy Harris – this super girl was flying the flag high for veteran dogs as she was beautifully presented
Izzy with Jack Mobley – her super coat stood out here
Joe with Karen Hayward – all over beautifully presented
Elsa with Yvonne Clough – from her ears to her feet she looked super
Arfur with Della Davis – a really smart looking boy

Class 16 Best Brace or Trio

Bertie, Denzil and Tilly with Geoff Stelmach – simply gorgeous trio, all waggy and smiley!
PeggySue and Joe – lovely to see these two breeds, little and large, looking so comfortable together

Class 17 Best Trick

Bear with Sam Hall – these two delighted us with a range of fabulous tricks including waves, jumps, paw shakes and bows. Very impressive.
PeggySue with Judy Harris – again, a range of tricks with a twist, paw shake and weave
Joe with Karen Hayward – so impressive to get this lovely boy moving backwards as well as twists and turning round.

Class 18 Best Hello – paw shake or cuddle

Peggy Sue with Judy Harris – a super class to end with when I received two paw shakes and a cuddle!
Heidi with Bob Freeborn – two super paw shakes from this lovely girl
Bramble with Jess Love – she loved to receive her treat when she shook with her paw.

Part way through the Main Ring’s day there was a demonstration of How To Train A Carting Dog. The dogs we all see carting are not special Bernese because just about any Bernese could pull a cart, including YOURS. So if you haven’t tried before why not connect with the carters at one of these events and let your dog have a go under the guidance of experienced Bernese carters. You will be very welcome and if you become a ‘Bernese Carter’ a whole new element to owning a Bernese will open up to you with a huge sense of fun, achievement and pride with your Bernese. Maybe not every dog can be a good show dog but any Bernese can become a good carting dog.

Di Crawshaw took the microphone for the demonstration and was aided by a number of carting regulars so thank you to everyone who took part – now over to those who watched, to be inspired to give it a go themselves next time.

At the end of a long day in the Main ring there were thank you presentations to our Main Ring Judges, Annie New who judged the Fun events and Elaine Worrall who had the equally difficult, but a little shorter, job of judging the decorated carts. They both helped out in the ring throughout the day so a big thank you to both ladies, we hope you both enjoyed your day ‘on the other side of the fence’.

Decorated Carting

As well as the high profile specific theme, this year Wacky Races, there are two other Decorated Cart classes namely the Swiss Theme and the Best Carting Turnout. The Swiss theme is self explanatory and the Carting Turnout is not about decoration but the condition of the cart and harness, how clean and tidy things are. Our Judge here today for these classes was Elaine Worrall and this is her report.

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Swiss Theme

1st…Martyn Bullock & Olaf.
Caught my eye as soon as I saw them entering the ring, very smart combination, Martyn looked very smart in this Swiss suit and matching hat, a good selection of Swiss items, displaying the Swiss flag and lovely array of red and white flowers. Olaf looked very calm and relaxed in his cart.

2nd…Carol Dunhill & Jana.
Carol looked lovely in her Swiss costume, the cart displayed a gorgeous polished copper churn and vibrant yellow flowers with Bernese puppies.
Jenna standing very calm and proud.

3rd… Belle Owen & Mia.
Belle again looking smart in her Swiss costume, loved the red Swiss wheels and plate full of Swiss goodies.
Mia looked very much at home, mature and relaxed.

4th… Tim Williams & Carrick
Tim looking smart in his nice vibrant red Swiss shirt. Nice neat decorative cart covered in lovely white flowers.
Carrick looking very confident and happy.

5th…. Chris Handley & Riley.
Chris looking very Swiss in her beautiful dress, loved the painted milk churn and pretty flowers.
Riley taking it all in his stride.

Best Carting Turnout

1st… Cliff & Barney
Super looking cart all painted in blue and gold with matching double large milk churns, in brilliant condition.

2nd…Belle & Mia.
Lovely smart looking cart, well kept and in good clean condition.

Fun and Games

As if all the events detailed above and below weren’t enough we also have some ‘competitive’ games in the Main Ring, this year these consisted of the following with the winners given.

Biscuit Catching

Lakota with Lesley Draper

Markie and Spoon Race

Clara with Linden Greatwood

Musical Sits

Cleo with Cheryl Sokel

Many, many more photos to come, watch this space.

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Character Assessment and Good Citizens

Whilst we usually provide the opportunity for our members, breeders and owners, to have their dogs Character Assessed or complete the KC Good Citizens awards, sadly there was such a low take up for this event that we had to cancel, (I think only three dogs were booked in total for both activities).

If you wish to take up this opportunity at the next event, (probably the Autumn Garden Prrty?) then please remember to book well in advance, don’t just rely on their being available slots on the day to enter casually.

The club’s Code of Ethics recommends Character Assessment for all breeding dogs as do many guidance codes across the dog world. The Kennel Club Good Citizens scheme is a recognised behavioural standard open to all pets, show dogs and all types of working dog, in fact any dog at all. It has a beginner level, Bronze, just covering basics of good manners and minimal behavioural standards. This links to the Kennel Club guide to the Bronze level. Why not give your dog a go when we next offer it?

Working Events

Alongside all the fun and relaxing around the ground and the Main Ring particularly, as always there were working competitions taking place in the adjacent rings. The Working events are an important part of the Garden Party as ours is a Working Breed and there are precious few chances to compete as a Bernese. Demonstrating our dogs are fit for purpose and how much satisfaction and enjoyment there can be in training your dog to the point where he or she can compete against others is a great thing to showcase our breed. The great thing about our working status is that it is entirely possible to have a good time and achieve against others without having to be too serious. Any dog could be a part of these events and with a bit of training and application be competing for the 1st place rosettes.

Working Cart Course

Judged by Diane Crawshaw & Chris Handley

Unfortunately due to their efforts in the Main Ring events taking up lots of the carters’ day, the Working Cart Course was very late in finishing and some of the winners had left the venue by the time the awards were given out, so there are a few winners missing from the photos.

Beginners

Judges Comment: “An excellent high scoring class with all entrants doing lovely rounds”

1st Denzil with Geoff Davies

2nd Olaf with Martyn Bullock

3rd Ciara with Elaine Spalding

4th Bet with Geoff Davies

5th Freya with Danielle Andrews

Intermediate

Judges Comment: ” Excellent high scoring class from all dogs, everyone achieved a pass too“

1st Bramble with Andy Smith

2nd Ryley with Chris Handley

3rd Arthur with Richard Hallam

4th Tilly with Geoff Davies

5th Rodney with Chris Handley

Advanced

1st Carrick with Diane Crawshaw

Medals Advanced

Judges Comment: ” A superb round with very few points dropped, a joy to judge“

1st Mia with Belle Owen

Veterans

Judges Comment: ” As always, absolutely wonderful to see our carting dogs enjoying working on the course doing their favourite obstacles! Well done Veterans“

1st Torin (8 years) with Diane Crawshaw

2nd Lexi (9.5 years) with Andy Smith

3rd Rosie ( 8 years) with Elaine Spalding

First Draft

The first stage of becoming a draft dog and confirming you and your dog are safe and able to continue. Most dogs achieve this at the first attempt with very minimal training so why not get your dog underway as a carting dog next time out? Some dogs are real naturals and even go from first time in a cart to First Draft and then competing on the course in Beginners in a single week-end, is yours a natural?

Ciara with Elaine Spalding

Moshi with Annie New

Agility

Judged by Sarah Tabernor

Novice

1st Elsa with Yvonne Clough

2nd Anya with Sarah McTigue

Beginners

1st Penny with Danielle Andrews

2nd Teddy with Chloe Munnerley

3rd Arthur with Richard Hallam

4th Ruby with Liz Waterman

5th Freya with Danielle Andrews

All Breeds

1st Nix with Emma Finch

2nd Zeta with Janice Philpott

3rd Benjamin with Hilary Lambert and Stanley

4th Jive with Sue Brown

5th Ozzie with Doug Smith

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Obedience

Judged by Sharon Perry

As most exhibitors were aware at the end of the day there were some uncertainties in the Obedience results so we were unable to confirm them at the event.

SUBSEQUENT UPDATE: We were unable to obtain any further update or information so at a committee meeting in July the committee decided that the best, (only?), option was to go allow the only results we had to stand. So here are the results

Triers

1st Arfur with Della Davis

2nd Arthur with Richard Hallam

3rd Mia with Belle Owen

4th Ruby with Liz Waterman

Have A Go

1st Arthur with Richard Hallam

2nd Arfur with Della Davis

3rd Jodie with Keith Brown

4th Ruby with Liz Waterman

5th Ciara with Elaine Spalding

Open

1st Delta with Sue Brown

2nd Jive with Sue Brown

3rd Zorro with Janice Philpott

Future Stars

1st Elsa with Yvonne Clough

2nd Mia with Belle Owen

Don’t forget you can view all of the photos taken, edited and unedited, on our smug mug page via this link As always, once you have selected your gallery, in this case “Spring Garden Party 2024”, you can use the ‘play arrow’ near the top right corner to initiate a slide show which will scroll around itself or you can click on the arrows to forward or reverse the photo in view much faster.