Autumn Garden Party 2025
Decorated Carting Themed Class 70s Adverts – Can you work them out?
Day 2 of our 3 day weekend did not disappoint & neither did you, our members. The morning dawned sunny & bright and remained so until sunset. Our stunning field was full of people and their beautiful Bernese all having a wonderful chill day together.
The day always starts early for the catering team and although the early start for food prep is a killer after the Saturday night Dinner, the laughter, banter and micky taking amongst the crew is always epic! Before we knew it, the bacon butties were on the BBQ and the smell wafting around was divine. People started to arrive, the judges were ready to go and off we went.
With our one and only RingMaster, Mark, ready for the off, the Carting Group opened the day with a parade and every single dog as well as their owner’s were beaming – proud as punch of doing what they were bred to do – the carting group’s moto is ‘a working dog is a happy dog’ and this was very certainly the case.
First class of the day is the Decorated carts, Swiss Theme class which was judged by stand in judge Sarah McTighe.
A very difficult task indeed and the eventual winner was Rebecca King.
Then it was on with the fun classes of Handsome Dog & Prettiest Bitch – all dogs are handsome or pretty, no matter what breed they are but I’m sure you’ll agree that a Bernese is much more, these classes they are in fact terribly difficult to judge but our judge, Gloria Wort, did a sterling job. Lots of gorgeous dogs went without placings but all knew they were beautiful and loved.
Puppy Parade
The first Parade of the day was The Puppy Parade – and what a gorgeous lot of puppies came for the day. From young fluffy puppies to gangly youngsters, all truly gorgeous and it’s easy to see why we all fell so in love with this breed. Each puppy was duly cuddled by our judge and rewarded with a rosette – it’s a hard job but someone has to do it!
More fun classes like Best Smile & Cutest Dog followed by the hotly contested Waggiest Tail then we had our next parade – The Rescue Parade. This always makes you cry because these dogs are clearly so loved and the owners are so proud of them.
Rescue Parade – tissue time as the dog’s stories are read out but also a time to say thank you to Fiona and Jeanette
We ask each owner to write a brief description of the their dog, their likes & dislikes, quirks and all. RingMaster Mark reads out what each owner has written and sometimes it really does bring a tear to the eye.
Next up was the Carting Demo by Di, Chris & their team – showing us the basics of carting – the harness, the cart, the rules and the law behind carting – yes there are laws relating to carting with a dog – who knew!
The afternoon continued with the games – Fastest Musical Sits & Champion Biscuit Catcher – every dog had a blast and lots of biscuits!
Musical Sitz – a big cheer was raised for Dannii with Penny, always a cause for extra celebration when the Bernese wins over the Collie!
Best Biscuit Catcher …… with his dog Lilly!
The Golden Oldie Parade followed, this is for any Bernese over the age of 7 – we love to celebrate our veterans in the Club Magazine as well as the Garden Party – we are so very proud of them all. Like with the Rescues, owners are asked to describe their dogs and each dogs story is read out which again makes you cry – you can see how proud the owners are of their dogs which in turn makes us all proud.
Golden Oldie Parade – with more heartwarming stories read out
Next up was THE CLASS OF THE DAY – The Decorated Carts – Fancy Dress. If you have never seen this honestly you are missing a treat! There is a set theme and each dog, handler and cart are dressed/decorated accordingly – it’s AMAZING – the amount of work that goes into the decoration is unreal. The theme this time was 1970’s TV Adverts – we had Turkish Delight, Captain Birdseye, Mash Makes Smash space men, Esso Petrol Pumps, Milky Bar Kids, PG Tips Chimps – honestly it was brilliant – seriously – look at the photo’s – they are all bonkers mad!
Junior Handling & more fun classes followed and the last event in the main ring was the We R Family Parade – this is where related dogs get together with their owners and sometimes their breeders – the ring was full, as it usually is for this class and what a sight to see.
We are family – Chippis
We R Family –(apologies for our ignorance, please let us know a name!)
We are family – Gorsebern
We are family – Kernow
We are family – Roesilbern
We are family – Waldershelf
We are family – Codebern
While all this is taking place we also encourage the working side of the breed – obedience, agility as well as carting & first draft.
Agility Winners
Agility Winners
Agility Winners
Claire Warden was our agility judge and she was kept busy all day, she said she had some brilliant dogs and was amazed at how agile a large Bernese can be.
Our Obedience judge was our very own Sue Small who had a good entry with some dogs doing brilliant rounds, dropping very few points.
Obedience Winners
Obedience Winners
Obedience Winners
Our carting team got 7 dogs through their First Draft over the course of the weekend, which is amazing and next year these dogs will be able to compete on the carting course.
Sadly only 1 successful First Draft achiever still available by the time of the photograph – but very well done sir!
The carting classes were once again very well supported and dogs both novice & experienced did super rounds.
Apart from the classes we were also holding a health testing session where I think 53 dogs were health tested as well as dozens being titre tested. The club subsidizes this and the uptake this year far exceeded expectation – thank you to all that booked their dogs in for testing – it shows that we are all thinking of the future of our breed – our vet Rich, who took all the bloods was exhausted!
Our Catering team were run off their feet all day serving yummy food – from early morning bacon butties to sausage sarnies & burgers, jackets and cold rolls all filled with freshly made fillings went down a treat. We got through cake galore as well as Karen’s staple Flapjacks.
Our BernerShop, run by Michelle & Owen had a great day, constantly busy with people looking for and finding lots of Bernese goodies – lots of things exclusive to our club. Our 2026 calendar was launched at the Garden Party – full of member’s dogs and this sold very well – they still have copies left if you didn’t get to the Garden Party just email Michelle – shop@bernese.co.uk
Someone enjoys their day, every time!
The day was not over yet as those staying on site were once again treated to supper from Monty The Pie Man. His fresh hot pie & mash supper is always delicious followed by lots of delicious puddings – especially Simon’s now legendary speciality- freshly made Eton Mess, using Blackberries picked that very day from the lane – not a meringue crumb was left!
2025 Autumn Garden Party was yet again a triumph – a brilliant fun and chilled day absolutely packed with Bernese and we look forward to doing it all again at our next one in Spring 2026 – see you there x
Lianne Marsden
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Main Ring novelty Classes
Judges report by Gloria Wort
Thank you to the BMDCGB for inviting me to judge the novelty classes at the Autumn Garden Party. I enjoyed the day very much. Thanks must also go to Sam Avery for stewarding so efficiently and to Mark Avery, for his witty banter and for keeping the show running to time.
Thanks must also go to all the people who entered with their wonderful dogs. It is a difficult task to place dogs in an order first to fifth and for some to not be awarded a rosette in a class is hard. Sometimes one is really splitting hairs. Your sportsmanship is very much appreciated. The saying that ‘everyone takes the best dog home’ is so true.
Class 2 Most Handsome Dog
1st Monty with Rosie Fairclough
A happy boy with a lovely head. A beautiful dark eye and good markings. He had such an intelligent expression.
2nd Moshe with Lauryn
A big lad with a lovely head. Pleasing expression and used his ears to advantage in this class.
3rd Yogi with Sarah McTighe
Lovely dark face. Good head. Very alert.
4th Gino with Jess Love
A youngster whose head is developing nicely. Has plenty of time on his side.
5th Paddy with Harry King
A big dog with a kind expression.
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Class 3 Prettiest Bitch
1st Phoebe with Barbara Peter
A lovely girl and seemed so calm. Evenly marked head with a dark eye and the sweetest expression. She really melted my heart.
2nd Rosa with Linda Dadd
A different head type to 1st but still very pretty with a lovely dark eye.
3rd Ivy with John Perry
Similar head to second. A little lighter in eye but such a pretty feminine face.
4th Anya with Lauryn
Pretty girl.
5th Lettie with Lorraine Hatton
Feminine head.
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Class 4 Dog With Most Appealing Eyes
1st Joe with Judy Harris
Such dark expressive eyes. So alert and bright.
2nd Huggy Bear with Jane Mitchell
Lovey shaped dark, expressive eyes.
3rd Izzy with Pippa Mobley
Dark eye colour. Beautiful.
4th Carrie with Sienna Carroll
5th Izzy with Jen Goff
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Class 5 Best Smile
1st Ivy with John Perry
This dog was so happy. She appeared to be enjoying her time in the class and smiled the whole time.
2nd Ringo with Lauryn
Happy expressive face and so smiley at the sight of a treat.
3rd Rumble with Rhys Christie
What more can I say, a typical happy smiley Bernese
4th Bramble with Steve Cummings
5th Charlie with Fiona Bingham
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Class 6 Waggiest Tail
1st Rosie with Tom Waterman
This spaniel didn’t stop wagging her tail from the moment she entered the ring. An obvious winner today.
2nd Lettie with Lorraine Hatton
A happy, waggy tail for her handler. Her tail was wagging every time I looked at her.
3rd Carrie with Sienna Carroll
Waggy tail when her handler had a treat
4th Biscuit with Nadine Smith
Handler had to work a little harder to get the dog’s tail wagging but got there.
5th Bramble with Steve Cummings
Seemed a little more reluctant to wag their tail today but the handler persevered and the dog responded with a happy tail.
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Class 7 Cutest Dog
1st Biscuit with Nadine Smith
A very happy young dog with a lovely expression and full of personality. Had the cute factor for me today!
2nd Izzy with Jen Goff
Another happy dog who gave the impression of a more relaxed personality. Cute expressive face.
3rd Ralph with Liam Smith
Lovely face. So cute.
4th Gino with Jess Love
5th Charlie with John Bingham
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Class 8 Dog Most Like It’s Owner
1st Joe with Judy Harris
Clear winners for me today. Made me laugh out loud upon seeing the handler wearing a ‘cone of shame’, like their dog’s.
2nd Ralph with Jo Woolley
When this pairing entered the ring, there was nothing apparent to make dog and owner look alike. Then they both turned around to reveal the handler was sporting a tail, like the dog’s. Very amusing indeed.
3rd Piranesi with Tim Bazalgette
Dog wearing a harness. Handler wearing a back pack.
4th Izzy with Riley Goff
5th Xena with Sienna Carroll
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Class 10 Junior Handling 6-10 years
1st Livvy with Harry King
A confident young handler, eager to show what he could do. Moved as one with his dog and had the dog on the correct side. So lovely to watch. Keep up the good work.
2nd Monty with Rosie Fairclough
This handler did very well with a large male dog. Got him moving well but held on to his collar, instead of his lead. Keep practicing. You’re doing well.
3rd Izzy with Holly Goff
It’s lovely to see young people having a go at handling dogs. It’s not as easy as it looks. This handler did well but a little more practice would improve the cooperation between handler and dog further. Keep up the good work.
4th Nelson with Jenson Summers
Credit must go to this young handler for his patience with his dog. It was very difficult for him to regain his dog’s attention and momentum as was most interested in the smells in the ring. Keep practicing and grow the working bond with your dog further.
5th Bramble with Fred and Edie Hawkins
I could see the bond and love you both had for your dog. The three of you seemed to have fun. Perhaps consider handling your dog one at a time and the dog may understand more clearly what each one of you expect of them.
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Class 11 Junior Handling 11-16 years
1st Xena with Sienna Carroll
This handler did well moving her dog and there was a good bond allowing them to move as one. A little tip, move the dog on your left side. Well done.
2nd Bear with Jack Mobley
Handler had their work cut out today as their dog just didn’t want to cooperate. Handler kept calm throughout and showed patience with their dog. It’s so important that the dog has a positive experience, no matter how frustrating their behaviour, if the working relationship between handler and dog is to flourish. Well done and keep practicing.
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Class 12 Best Bad Hair Day – dog or handler
1st Darcey with Julie Palmer
A lovely Newfoundland and although well groomed looked as though they had washed their fur and couldn’t do a thing with it.
2nd oMaisie with Paul Chambers
A lovely little terrier with an unruly coat.
3rd Izzy with Holly Goff
This handler informed me that it was her own hair that was to be judged. I hope this placing is taken as a compliment.
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Class 13 Best Condition
1st Monty with Rosie Fairclough
A lovely boy with clean well groomed coat, shining lovely today. Well muscled and lean condition.
2nd Yolo with Debbie Johnson
Well groomed with clean coat. Good overall condition but not quite the muscle tone of 1st.
3rd Lolly with Terry Draper
Lovely heavy coat which was well groomed.
4th Rumble with Rhys Christie
A young dog in good clean condition.
o5th Lakota with Terry Draper
Heavy coated dog in clean condition.
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Class 14 Best Brace or Trio (of dogs)
1st Denzil, Bert & Tilly with Geoff Stellmach
A lovely trio. So well behaved and at ease. Beautiful shiny coats. A credit to their handler.
2nd Huggy Bear & Noodle with Jane Mitchell
A well behaved pair, taking things in their stride. So lovely to see. Good condition.
3rd Anya, Nora & Yogi with Sarah McTighe
It was obvious that this trio adored their handler. They didn’t take their eyes of them. At ease with one another too. Beautiful coats.
4th Dakota & Lally with Lesley Draper
Again, so well behaved and attentive to handler. Good coatspppppppp 5th Peggy Sue & Phoebe with Malcolm Peter
Another well behaved pair who only had eyes for their handler.
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Class 15 Best Trick
1st Bear with Sam Hall
Multiple tricks undertaken and executed very well. Well done both.
2nd Annie with Lesley Messih
Again, a number of different tricks undertaken with success. Well done.
3rd Xena with Sienna Carroll
She took a little coaxing but the handler was able to persuade her to complete the tricks. Well done.
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Class 16 Best Hello – paw shake or cuddle
1st Xena with Sienna Carroll
Lovely positive high fives from this girl. No coaxing this time.
2nd Cleo with Cheryl Sokel
3rd Annie with Lesley Messih
2nd and 3rd places were a very close call but Cleo just had the edge.
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BMDC of GB Garden Party – Decorated Carts Swiss Theme
1st Place – Paddy – Rebecca, Harry and Isobel King
Cart beautifully decorated with authentic items, and Harry explained what each one was and why it had been included. Rebecca Harry and Isobel all wore traditional Swiss attire, and looked great. Paddy was very well turned out and very happy in his role. Well done to you all.
2nd Place – Rosie & Ciara – Elaine Spalding
Beautifully decorated cart, which a lot of thought had gone into. Both the dogs were well turned out and performed their duty admirably. Elaine was also in traditional Swiss attire, and looked the part.
3rd Place – Peggy-Sue – Malcolm Peter
This was Malcolm’s first attempt at a decorated cart and he explained the provenance of both the cart and Peggy-Sue’s harness, both having been used previously and passed down to him. Cart was well decorated with authentic items (albeit from Amazon) and I loved Malcolm’s authentic outfit.
4th Place – Jana- Carol Dunhill
5th Place – Ryley – Chris Handley
6th Place – Monty – Rosie Fairclough
As always the Breed Talk, aimed mostly at enquirers about the breed, but also novice owners of the breed, was well attended and, also as usual, morphed into a lengthy Q&A session and lasted several hours.
Kennel Club Good Citizens
The Kennel Club Good Citizens Bronze assessment was also offered as part of the day with 7 out of the 9 dogs passing the test conducted by independent assessor Liz Noble.
Well done to these seven dogs and their owners….
Jane Ellis and “Rowlf”
Jane Ellis and “Gerald”
Philip English and “Ingrid”
Ty Fairclough and “Monty”
Julie Ann Wright and “Liberté”
Julie Ann Wright and “Rosina”
Abbie Manix and “Bjorn”
We are extremely grateful to Liz for enabling us to offer this to our members as part of the day. If you want to know more about the scheme and what your dog would undertake this test and earn a certificate then use this link to find out more about the Bronze level award Kennel Club Good Citizens Bronze Award.
and this link to find out more about the overall scheme including the Silver and Bronze Awards, (which we are unable to offer at our event) Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme
You can view these and many more photos from many club events on our photo viewing platform, click here for access