Wednesday, 28 May 2014

COLNE VALLEY BEAGLES and HOLME VALLEY BEAGLES PUPPY SHOW. – Part 1


Last Sunday there was the Colne Valley Beagles and Holme Valley Beagles Puppy Show when last year’s litters were judged by two visiting Huntsmen from beagle packs far afield.  It was also the opportunity for a congenial social occasion and a meeting of old friends as well as visitors from other areas.  The Holme Valley Beagles did not have any puppies but many from the Holme Valley came to the kennels, some for the first time.

As there are quite a lot of photos I have split them into two groups – Part 1 being the actual event and Part 2 the general atmosphere.  I had to do these photos on my laptop and last time I did some on here I later discovered they were too dark on the web so I am not sure how good these are going to be.

So this Part 1 is all about judging year old beagles and here are some images taken on a gloomy day with rain threatening.  The rain held off until it was all over and then it was only a shower but the general attire shows most were prepared for the worst, not least because the previous few days had been particularly inclement. 


 The two Judges, both huntsman themselves, with a CVB Master behind




One I fancied but it came second.




A serious looking CVB Master who was the MC on this occasion - unless there is a more appropriate term.





In the CVB it has been known, as means to raise a few bob for the funds, to play a 'game' called Spot the Biscuit' in the way one used to play Spot the Ball.  In the picture below, and there are no  prizes for this as it is a very easy one, can you spot the biscuit that the huntsman has just flipped?


Being 'shown' is not to everyone's liking!



 Generally speaking puppies, when weaned and old enough to leave home for a while, are given to 'Puppy Walkers' to look after to maturity.  This time maybe no one volunteered or were asked, as I heard that all the puppies were raised in the kennels, so the huntsman took possession of the cup for the Champion hound.




Inquisitive dog hounds.



































































COLNE VALLEY BEAGLES and HOLME VALLEY BEAGLES PUPPY SHOW. – Part 2



Last Sunday a large gathering attended the Colne Valley Beagles and Holme Valley Beagles Puppy Show, by invitation of the Masters of the two packs, when last year’s litters were judged.  Part 2 shows some of those who came for this popular event, some from other packs and many who maintained the tradition that ‘Sunday Best wear’ is most appropriate, or the hunting equivalent of sartorial elegance, for these events.  As previously mentioned, although this was a joint event, there were no HVB puppies on this occasion.   There was an excellent free buffet provided by volunteers, which due the the numbers being above expectations, ran a bit thin on stock by the end. 

As there are quite a lot of photos I have split them into two groups – Page 1 being more hound related and Page 2 the of the general atmosphere, which means mostly people..  As I wrote in Part 1,  I have had to do these photos on my laptop and last time I did some on here I subsequently discovered they were too dark on the web so I am not sure how good these are going to be.  If later I find the same problem I will correct them. 











































































Sunday, 11 May 2014

HOLMFIRTH FESTIVAL OF FOLK 2014 - 1



Holmfirth Folk Festival Part 1

This weekend was the Holmfirth Folk Festival.  The place was alive with musical events in the pubs and clubs but also in the streets where I lingered yesterday and enjoyed the spectacle, despite the extension of wet wintery weather we have been granted.  It was heavy skies and occasional gusty rain but it didn’t dampen the pleasure of the event.

I took a few pics so decided to stick some of them on here in three groups so that they download reasonably quickly.  The first group being some of the performances, the second some of the personalities, and the third of the procession and finale in the park.  They illustrate what a lively place Holmfirth is and to those abroad who look on here, (thank you and I don't know how you find this site), a touch of our eccentricity and culture.






 














A lot of effort went into the success of the Folk Festival, not least the colourful crocheted bunting along the riverside railings!


End of Part 1