Verwood Rustic Fayre — a hot family favourite

Report by Janine Pulford

Despite being a scorching hot day, crowds flocked to Potterne Park to enjoy a family-favourite day out on August Bank Holiday Monday.

In its 31^st year, the fundraising Verwood Rotary Rustic Fayre and its successful traditional formula proved to be a popular alternative to a day on the beach.

This year was particularly dog friendly. A dog show, dog agility display, ‘Come Bye’ dog and duck arena event and terrier racing meant there were dogs of all shapes and sizes around the showground.

The terrier racing, organised by John Edgar for the last 22 years, was more frantic than usual because some of the terriers forgot which way to run, creating mayhem. In the main, the dogs were extremely competitive, and one called Rocket lived right up to its name.  

Dumbledore Vets dog show drew a variety of pooches including Ted, a Welsh Terrier rescued from Ireland who won the Golden Oldie class. Owned by Jo and Dave from Colehill, he enjoyed a little celebrity status when he toured the show in his own pram.

Due to the heat, Cedar Vets were forward thinking and provided a small paddling pool especially for dogs which went down well, especially with two French Bulldogs who seemed intent on trying to drink the pool dry.