Annual Family Fun Day

Every year since 1989 the Society has held a Fun Day, usually on the first Sunday in July. In conjunction we also have a family barbecue, and since 1999 a Junior Challenge to keep the youngsters amused.

Run on the same day are Bronze tests for the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Scheme (the Silver and Gold tests being held generally in April).

The Fun Day was originally known as the Ollie Day, when dogs and handlers competed for the Ollie Day Shield. This was presented for the last time in 2000, and from 2001 a new Fun Day Trophy was substituted.

Over the years the tests have taken a number of different forms. They are always intended to be challenging but fun for the dogs and handlers to take part in, and fun for the spectators  to watch. The event provides an opportunity for handlers to meet informally and do things with their dogs that are not normally part of formal training, and for their families to meet and socialise. 

For the last few years there have been three rings, each judged by a different person. The rings may be classed loosely as obedience exercises, agility scurry and 'fun' ring. The first two are self explanatory, and the third is limited solely by the judge's imagination. It has been said that we don't mind how much the handler is humiliated, as long as the dogs' dignity remains intact and nothing dangerous or contrary to basic training principles is attempted or expected. Over the years a wide range of tests have been devised, including retrieving balls from bowls of water or under upturned buckets, retrieving cooked sausages or hard boiled eggs intact, heelwork under distracting conditions (for example the handler pushing a shopping trolley or wearing scuba diving fins), dressing up against the clock, and balancing or carrying various articles. The unpredictability and lack of opportunity to practice are all part of the fun!

Winners of the Fun Day Trophy 

Winners of the Junior Challenge 

Winners of the Ollie Day Shield