Charity Dog Agility show held in memory of John Holmes

Sue Fryer recently organised a Charity Dog Show in memory of John Holmes, here she shares her story in her own words about this very special day...

Anyone who has ever organised an event will be familiar with the stress and worry prior to the event taking place. The idea to run a small friendly agility competition for beginners was born after my trainer Rachel lost her lovely Dad John to cancer at the beginning of 2019 in Lindsey Lodge Hospice. John loved the dogs and was always there at shows and training.

The weather was abysmal grey and wet. The first course was set, the photographer was ready, the volunteers were ready. The kettle was hot. The cakes had been baked. Surely nobody will turn up on such an awful day. But people came. What a bunch of lovely friendly folk and their gorgeous dogs.

The entry table was bustling and the spirits weren't dampened and my stress was being drained away (once I had nipped home to get the rosettes and raffle tickets that I had forgotten).

The practice round proved popular and we also had a little warm up ring. Our lovely Judge Kirsty arrived. Let the competition begin. I was very impressed with the handler and dog teams running around the courses. Even when things didn't run smoothly the handlers took it well and were still bright and bubbly with their dogs. Definately some stars of the future out their.

A huge THANK YOU to our volunteers. Kirsty our judge. Keith's car parking duties. Wendy looked after the bookings, entries and made a cuppa or two. Christine looked after the raffle tickets and shared the time keeping duties. Rachel concentrated on the important scribing job and provided the pop up tent to keep the paperwork dry. Our professional photographer Dave recorded the day and took some fabulous photos. Nicky & Paul looked after the ring. Patsy & Sue made sure everyone was fed and watered.

Thank you to those who couldn't make it but donated cash and raffle prizes.

Thank you to me for the Victoria cake and Rachel's mum for the chocolate cake. Yum!

Most importantly..Thank you very much to the hardened competitors who turned up on the day despite the rain with smiles on their faces.

Before the event I said that I wouldn't do it again. However having such wonderful support and great feedback I discarded that thought and felt empowered to maybe organise another.... Not yet though. We shall order a dry day next time.

So far we have raised an amazing £477.06 for Lindsey Lodge Hospice.
Well done everybody and thanks again.
Sue Fryer

Further donations can be made directly to the hospice here

TITLE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE MIDGLEY