2006 News

Mepal – 2006

The usual tribe congregated at Mepal; Kev and Ange, Keith and Georgia, Mark and Keri, Robin and Sue plus Paul and Hannah – it made a nice change to have some different faces. All relevant children accompanied their parents and I must comment on what little angels they all were.

Kev and Ange arrived with their new posh caravan and awning – does this mean we have to take our shoes off before entering? Shame about the curtains though!

Although allocated space had been arranged, Horsham Newfs managed to mess things up by parking where it suited so we could all access the gazebo.

Friday was spent setting up and a lovely chilli meal was cooked by Sue, albeit a little late! At least it gave everyone a chance to have a few more beers! Thanks Sue.

Everyone met in the marquee on Saturday morning to receive their allocated slots for the weekend, together with a time table – very well planned as usual. Robin was in his element with the usual novelties for sale!

First up was Monty - Sue was extremely impressed with him, he thoroughly enjoyed himself and performed every task asked of him (another excuse for Sue to celebrate)!

Aoife jumped out of the boat for the first time, seriously impressing her owners. Loxley had a good look at the lake first with his dad before proceeding to execute every task. He even held the oar in his mouth and took it to shore. Ben gave Owain a run for his money and eventually calmed down enough to carry out some exercises. Ebony, bless her, caused a stir by refusing to get out of the boat - the EAWN group lost the bet! Leo had a little dip, the first since his elbow op and Alfie, as usual, was the group clown.

Tallie had a swim with her mum which was lovely to see after such a long break, well done Georgia and Keith, not wanting to feel left out, supervised from shore. Poor Millie was unable to swim but is recovering well after her knee op. Our poor dogs have really been in the wars lately.

Full praise, however, must go to Alfie when he eventually agreed to be harnessed to a cart and paraded around, wagging his tail - what an achievement. Many thanks to the EAWN lady for her patience in helping him. Mark was so chuffed, he was almost in tears and Kev was speechless after all his previous efforts in trying!

We enjoyed a wonderful hog roast and salad that evening, with all members taking their chairs and alcohol to the marquee. Certificates were presented followed by a lengthy raffle – Dean, who was fortunate enough to win a box of choccies obviously thought he would be able to open them and consume the lot by himself! Wrong – everyone had a chocolate and he was left with an empty box – serves him right for trying to be greedy!

Certain mothers had to take certain children to bed which left certain fathers sitting up drinking until 4.00 am!! Say no more!

After the events of Saturday night and before retiring to bed, Horsham Newfs decided it would “funny” to move the next door campers boots and gloves around, which were drying on their wind breakers, so the pairs didn’t match up when they awoke in the morning. Some of the subsequent comments that followed the next morning were “this isn’t my boot”, “where’s my other glove”, “how did my boot get over here”. The lads never did confess – just pray that group doesn’t take a look at our website and read this!

Sunday was spent more or less repeating the events of Saturday with every dog enjoying another swim and more top tips passed on by the EAWN group. Alfie, again, enjoyed his cart pull!

Angie demonstrated her grooming skills for all those needing “one ear and one foot” trimmed.

The EAWN group organised a water display involving all their dogs with the males competing against the females. Do I really need to report who won?

Owain ran his obedience class on each day and after a little hilarity, most dogs complied. Mark enjoyed his first attempt with Alfie, Robin and Ebony stayed the course, Sue and Monty decided they didn’t want to continue half way through and Keith was thrown out, when Owain realised that Jinny was a child, not a dog!!

A typical Horsham Newfs BBQ was enjoyed that evening, discussing the events of the previous day followed by a reasonably early night.
Monday morning is always such a miserable time when we all pack up and trundle home. At least the weather was kind to us!

Our only disappointment for the weekend was that the French were unable to attend but hopefully we will see them at Mepal next year. Paul Mildner – you WILL have to do that drive again!

Keri Kingsley