John Charlton, our "bewhiskered" Mr Dandie Dinmont, reports from the BHDB marquee at Weston Park:

"The Midland Game Fair 2009 was at Weston Park near Telford run by Countryman Fairs. Toni from Countryman Fairs went to a lot of effort to give the British Heritage Dog Breeds a nice marquee with big pens and banners over each entrance saying “British Heritage Dog Breeds”.

Toni was there early to meet everyone as they arrived and came round at regular intervals to keep us informed, bring us a packed lunch and check that the men had been round regularly to supply fresh water for all the dogs. I personally think we were very well looked after and will definitely go again.

There were 12 breeds there: Clumber Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, Irish Terriers, Skye Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Otterhounds and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. On the first day we had two parades, following the gun dogs into the main ring. Each of the breeds was called to the centre of the ring and a commentary was given on each one and encouragement given to the public to come and see them. ...then a final lap round the ring. A tremendous amount of people came in to see the breeds and, because of the amount of room we were given, it was very comfortable for all.

I personally believe that game fairs like this one are probably one of the best ways to show our British Heritage Dog Breeds to the general public It would be nice to see more people from the breeds take as much interest as the ones that already do it - most breeds only have one set of reps and dogs to cover all day for 2 or 3 days. It is hard work for the dogs who do it brilliantly and all credit to the dogs there as they have a lot to put up with. I think everyone had a good weekend and will agree we were very well looked after by Toni who also took the trouble to come round at the end to thank everyone and ask for feedback as to how it could be made better."

Ed: BHDB would like to thank Toni Woodfield of Countryman Fairs who made everyone feel welcome and wanted! Great to work with you Toni and we look forward to future projects together. A special note should also be given to our Gundogs who not only provided a presence in the Gundog Marquee but also the British Heritage Dog Breeds Marquee - thank you. ...and of course our special thanks to John who took the opportunity of a rare quiet time to take these photographs for you all.