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Blog

This cat, behaving badly, is out of the bag!

If you watched the BBC’s The One Show on Wednesday night, you would have had the pleasure of seeing Martin with the crew in Cornwall. And if you’d had keen ears tuned into the show, you also would have heard a little secret we’ve been keeping for a while - and that is that we have a very special guest attending this year’s event, and featuring in one of our Dog Show contests - it’s the one-and-only, other Man-behaving-badly, Neil Morrissey.

For many who know Neil, you would be familiar with his antics as character Tony, sharing a flat with his best mate Gary (Martin), both behaving terribly poorly, drinking way too much beer and generally just being a menace. (If you didn’t see the show, you can read more about it here.).

So we are overjoyed that Neil’s schedule has allowed him the opportunity to attend this year’s Buckham Fair and be the special guest featured in the Dog That Looks Most like Neil Morrissey class.

This class will be taking place in Ring 2 just after lunchtime, so make sure you keep an eye on your Dog Schedule for more information.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Dorset Search Dog: A Hidden gem worth knowing about!

If you’ve been to Buckham, you’ll probably be familiar with the wonderful attraction that the team from Dorset Search Dogs give! Located just on the hill below the Food Court this year, the team (inclusive of their 4-legged support network) will show us what it truly means to search and find!

Dorset Search Dogs is a non-profit voluntary organisation helping the police, Coastguard, Dorset Search and Rescue and other rescue teams to look for missing people every day of the year.

For the team of dogs that have been trained, and take part in this incredible cause, it’s a huge game of Hide and Seek. But in reality, their involvement represents so much more importance. They have been involved in hundreds of search operations and have played a vital role in saving many lives.

The running of Dorset Search Dogs has to be heavily subsidised by the handlers and the organisation is always looking for donations - which is why we’re so thankful that they continue to support Buckham Fair. We couldn’t be prouder to help spread the word about what this incredible team of 2-legged and 4-legged volunteers do!

Don’t miss them!

 

 

A new feature for Buckham this year: The Flyball Display

Photo Source: Bryning Border Collies

 

Zipping and wooshing, whirring and swishing, we’re so excited to be able to introduce yet another brand new feature to this year’s event in the shape of a Flyball Activity ring, as we give the Shetland Ponies a year off this year.

What is Flyball?

According to the British FLyball Association, “A flyball race sees two teams of four dogs each, racing side-by-side over a 51 foot long course. There are different tournament formats but each format involves racing between two teams at a time. Within a team, each dog must run over the jumps, trigger a Flyball box releasing a ball, retrieve the ball and then return over the jumps. The next dog is released, in relay fashion, to run the course but can’t cross the start line until the previous dog has returned over the finish line. The first team to have all 4 dogs finish the course without error wins. Each race comprises up to five legs, and the team that wins the most legs wins the race. Each flyball team consists of four dogs, plus up to two reserves that can be interchanged after each leg. An electronic judging system that uses lights and timing sensors is used on the start / finish line to determine accurate times, and the winner when both teams complete the course in quick succession. Tournaments are run in divisions based on the fastest speed of the team in a previous competition or a time declared by the team captain. Arranging divisions based on speed enables the racing to always be competitive.”

 

Can Any dog play Flyball?

Flyball is suitable for virtually any breed of dog, as long as he or she is fit and healthy. Different sized breeds can all take part, as all dogs compete over the same course with a concession made for smaller dogs - the jump height is lowered to the appropriate height for the smallest dog in the team. A small, fast dog can therefore be a huge asset to a team as it enables the larger dogs to run over lower jumps. The most important thing is to have fun with your dog.

So make sure you come along and take part! You’re not going to want to miss out on the action! For more details on entry, please download our Dog Schedule here.

 

Horse tack sale in support of Buckham Fair

Buckham Fair is anything but a 1-day event. In fact, it is a year-round reason to raise funds for worthy causes! Whether you’re buying merchandise from our online shop, or attending a qualifier event for the Best Rescue dog championships - we absolutely love how so many people keep the Buckham Flag flying high!

And here’s another event not to be missed - for all our equestrian friends.

If you’re looking to get your hands on some great horse tack, or whether you’re looking to sell some of your own unwanted equine items - then make sure you attend this Indoor Tack Sale being held in Beaminster on Sunday, 4th June.

When: Sunday 4 June 2017
Time: 10:00 - 14:00
Where: Chantry Hall, Chantry Lane, Fleet St, Beaminster, Dorset

All sellers will have the chance to set up from 9.30am and the cost per table is £5 - make sure you bring your own table.

For those who are looking to visit and grab a bargain - £1 entrance fee will get you in - and all proceeds from the day will be going to Buckham Fair.

Also up for grabs are some great preloved farmhouse items and an array of clothing!

For more information, or to book your space - call 07791 339303.

More details about the event or to register your interest, visit the Facebook event here.

One man and his Gundogs - back for Buckham Fair 2017

Stephen Harrison and his Gundogs is a firm favourite with many people who visit Buckham Fair - and we’re thrilled that they have chosen to return this year to join the spectacles in our main display ring!

From Stephen’s website:

“Stephen’s story is a simple one: ex-Army, now a Magistrate and an intelligence and security consultant who has a passion for training and demonstrating gundogs. Stephen works as Head Trainer at Mullenscote Gundogs at weekends helping his mentor, Howard Kirby, run 6 courses every weekend for all abilities of Gundog and handler, ranging from puppy courses to Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate. He also offers private, home-based training for dog owners living near his home.

His Shows

A typical show lasts 30-40 minutes and has 3 elements: first, a demonstration and explanation of basic reward-based dog training techniques, including how to address common problem areas such as: pulling on the lead; jumping up; running away; barking etc. This is followed by a demonstration of gundog skills, including: retrieving; hunting; steadiness to shot and flush; distance control using whistle & hand signals; and steadiness to distractions – all accompanied by an amusing and informative commentary.

The final part is the real crowd pleaser: a humorous and comprehensive display of tricks, including balancing a sausage on the dog’s nose, reverse parking, walking on toes, jumping through hoops, dancing, meerkat impressions, saluting, playing dead, marching, and many, many more. The highlight and final trick steals the show: Daisy is placed in a suspended collar while Stephen explains something to the audience. Whilst Stephen’s back is turned, Daisy slips out the collar, steals some food and puts her head back in the collar, leaving Stephen perplexed as to what has happened to the missing food!

Stephen involves members of the audience and invites everyone to come and meet the dogs afterwards and ask questions on any aspect of dog training.

Ideally, the demonstrations will take place in an enclosed grassy arena the size of about 4 tennis courts, a cordless PA system will be available and parking will be possible adjacent to the arena. But Stephen is able to adapt to whatever facilities are available.”

 

We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Stephen and his team back to Buckham Fair this year! Make sure you don’t miss this one.

Back by popular demand: Who doesn’t love a Golden Retriever?

Who doesn’t feel happy when they see a Golden Retriever? And it’s for that very reason, and due to incredibly popular demand, that we are so excited to have the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team back at Buckham Fair 2017.

And if you haven’t yet been able to see these beauties in action, this is what they did at Crufts 2016.

“The Southern Golden Retriever Society was founded in 1977 and covers the areas of Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and London, south of the River Thames. It is one of 13 breed clubs dedicated to the safeguard and perpetuation of the Breed. The Society strives always to achieve the ideal of a true dual purpose dog.

The Society exists for the benefit of its Members and the Committee provides a full range of regular functions and other activities to promote the training, showing, breeding and other activities pertaining to the Golden Retriever as well as encouraging good health management for the breed.

The natural instinct of our lovely breed is to retrieve game in the shooting field and this instinct is encouraged by participation in the society’s working tests and field trials.

The Society also encourages members to participate in other disciplines by providing ring craft, obedience and agility training, shows and educational events.” - for more information about them, visit their website.

 

The Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre and Camargue Horse Display at Buckham Fair

Giving you even more reason to visit, this year we welcome back the beautiful Camargue Horse and the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre riding team.

“Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre was started in 1989 on a waste piece of land. For over 25 years, it has developed into a renowned riding school that improves the lives of young people by providing a safe, caring environment where they can have fun and learn to ride. Sister Mary Joy and her team work tirelessly to raise funds and to give disabled children not only riding lessons, but independence, self-confidence and responsibility.

The sensory garden, a classroom with a mechanical horse and two donkeys, a beautiful, relaxed yard and well-schooled horses comes not only from Mary Joy’s hard work and dedication but also her endearing ways that encourages so many people to support her. This is a centre in West London where calm and relaxation is hard to find. Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre is an exceptional place and needs the recognition it deserves” - The British Horse Society.

With Martin Clunes being the patron of the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, it was only fitting that they join us to celebrate a wonderful family day out.

And accompanying the riding team will be the stars of the show - the beautiful Camargues.

“The Camargue horse is an ancient breed of horse indigenous to the Camargue area in southern France. Its origins remain relatively unknown, although it is generally considered one of the oldest breeds of horses in the world. For centuries, possibly thousands of years, these small horses have lived wild in the harsh environment of the Camargue marshes and wetlands of the Rhône delta. There they developed the stamina, hardiness and agility for which they are known today. Traditionally, they live in semi-feral conditions in the marshy land of the region. The Camargue horse is the traditional mount of the gardians, the Camargue “cowboys” who herd the black Camargue bulls used in bullfighting in southern France.” - Wikipedia

For Queen and Country - and a parade of corgis!

In this wonderful 91st year of Her Majesty’s life, what better way to celebrate her (and our) wonderful love of the Corgi, by welcoming our first ever Corgi Parade to Buckham Fair.

This year, you’re in for a treat as we welcome the Welsh Corgi League to be guests of Buckham Fair. With a team of over 20 Corgis, members of the league will be bringing their dogs along to take part in events at Buckham, as well as grace us with a wonderful Corgi Parade in the main display ring over lunchtime.

Here’s more about the Welsh Corgi League and what they’re up to

(Taken from their website)

“The WELSH CORGI LEAGUE was established in 1938 to promote the interests of and safeguard the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Today, through the annually elected Executive Committee, it caters for the breeder, exhibitor and all who appreciate the qualities of the breed both in the UK and throughout the World. Local organisation is vested in Section and Sub-Section Committees.

Home members, now nearing 500, are automatically members of the Section covering the area in which they live; Scotland, Northern or Southern England. Members living in East Anglia form a Sub-Section which is part of the Southern Section.

Overseas membership is in excess of 250.

Our objectives are:

  • To create and maintain worldwide interest in and to encourage the breeding, exhibiting and training of Welsh Corgis (Pembroke), in accordance with the standards adopted by the Kennel Club.
  • To assist Members to co-operate in the best interests of the Breed.
  • To form Sections and Subsections in suitable areas for the furthering of the interests of the Breed and the League.

The PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI is the more popular of the two breeds of Welsh Corgi.

After its introduction into Wales around the Twelfth Century from the Continent, possible via Ireland, it was bred as a cattle dog.

Today, although some can still be seen showing their natural herding instincts, the majority are found in family homes, including that of our own Royal Family.

The stamina of such a small dog makes it an ideal walking companion; its intelligence and alertness makes it very amenable to obedience training.”

We look forward to having you with us!

You’re in for a treat with the Quack Pack at Buckham!

Buckham Fair is all about dogs, horses, fun, food and families - but most of all it’s all about coming together to raise funds for an incredible charity. That’s why we need to keep giving you a reason to come back and visit, year after year!

So this year, we have something extra special for you in our main display ring.

You may have seen them on BBC Spring Watch, or at the Cheltenham Races, you may have seen them at the Bath & West show, or even at the CLA Game Fair - but this year, you’ll see them at Buckham.

The Quack Pack is Meirion Owen’s brain child that provides hilariously entertaining duck herding demonstrations for the general public and corporate clients. Their Quack Pack team of border collies and comical Indian Runner ducks provide entertaining, educational and interactive displays at local, regional and national shows, as well as private events and this year, they’ll be demonstrating their incredible abilities at Buckham Fair.

Meirion is a very accomplished and well-respected sheepdog handler, judge and event organiser. He started sheepdog trialling at the age of nine and has since gone on to win many trials including the Welsh National Sheepdog Championship. He also captained the Welsh team at the International Sheep Dog Trials.

So make sure you don’t miss out on this one! It’s guaranteed to drive you quackers with happiness!

For more information about the Quack Pack, visit their website.

HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band to perform at Buckham Fair 2017

Every year, we try to bring you something new, something fresh and something greater to wow you! And this year, we are over the moon to be able to have the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band take part in Buckham Fair 2017 to add some extra flair and grandeur to the day.

Here’s more about the band (Taken from their website)

“Our band is a friendly, enthusiastic and progressive wind ensemble which performs as a concert band and marching band. Its members are drawn from serving and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces and civilians from the unit and local area.

The repertoire is common to most concert bands and includes popular classics, overtures, film music, selections from West End shows, military marches and contemporary works. It is constantly refreshed with new and challenging pieces.

The band meets on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at RNAS Yeovilton, near Ilchester. It prides itself in participating in a wide variety of engagements not only to support the establishment and the local area but also around the UK and abroad.

Although a busy and hard-working band, time is always found to socialise together in addition to music-making.

The band has a full-time Bandmaster from the Royal Marines Band Service and its current incumbent, Band Sergeant Tom Griffin, has been with us since September 2016. Click the link on the left to find out more about our Bandmaster.”

For more about them, visit their website.

© 2017 Buckham Fair
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