Ham Hill Country Park boasts some of the most spectacular views in Somerset, and this weekend it will host a spectacular dog show – an absolute must for all dog enthusiasts.
The Ham Hill Fun Dog Show, organised by Friends of Ham Hill Country Park Donna McNeill and Sarah Cutler, is being held on Sunday 12 July with gates opening from 10am. Classes will start from 11am.
There’s plenty for members of the family with a Children’s art competition for children up to 14 years of age. Bring your picture of your pet, someone else’s pet or even an imaginary pet! Entries must be handed in by 11:30am and the competition will be judged at 12noon by local artist Kaye Parmenter.
But it’s not just dog stuff! There will also be plenty of stalls, face painting, refreshments, ice-cream, a children’s bouncy castle and a raffle. For those wanting free micro-chipping, just come and ask for a voucher from the information stand – courtesy of the Dogs Trust.
There will also be information stands from Guide Dogs for the Blind, National Animal Welfare Trust, Dogs for Adoption, Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Newton Clarke Vets, Poetic Paws and South Somerset District Council’s Enforcement Officer.
Speaking about the event, the organisers Donna McNeill and Sarah Cutler, said, “Organising this event has been hard work, but so much fun. The idea of bringing the local community together to raise funds for two well deserving charities really appealed to us, and as dog-lovers ourselves, holding a dog show in such a beautiful and popular dog-walking location seemed natural. We were immensely pleased when HRH Price Charles gave us his kind permission to use Ham Hill. Local businesses from the surrounding area have been incredibly generous in their support and enthusiasm for the event, which in turn has boosted our determination to do our best to make it not only a brilliant day this Sunday, but an event in the local calendar which people will want to attend for years to come.”
Katy Menday, Countryside Manager at South Somerset District Council added, “We are so grateful to Donna and Sarah for organising an event that looks set to be really busy and great fun. Ham Hill is a really important spot for local dog owners and walkers and it is a great idea to develop an event that can celebrate their love of the site. Having the event developed and organised by volunteers from the local community makes it all the more special, and we are all looking forward to a great day!”
Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture at South Somerset District Council said, “We are delighted that Donna and Sarah have organised such a fabulous event for Ham Hill. The Country Park is obviously tremendously important to dog owners locally, and we are really pleased that this event will give them the opportunity to come together and celebrate their pets. We must also thank the event sponsors James Wellbeloved and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales”.