Calf Show at Castle Combe

A week or so ago my friend Catherine asked me if Chris and I could help her at a Calf Show she was organising at Castle Combe Steam and Vintage Rally. We didn't have anything planned and it sounded like a really nice day out so we agreed we would go along and help.

We set the teasmade for 7am this morning thankful that the weather looked bright and dry. With supplies of tea, coffee, bacon, bread rolls and dog biscuits, we then trundled off in Harvey J to arrive in plenty of time for the show. This was Harvey J's first trip out this year and it was lovely to be driving along seeing gorgeous countryside views over the hedges that you wouldn't be able to see in the car. 

Catherine had been pleased to tell me that Spencer could come along too as long as he was kept on a lead. This would be his first experience travelling in Harvey J so we took his special quilt so he felt at home:) He was so excited and he loved it! He fitted in straight away!

We arrived about 9.30am and luckily Catherine had arranged for us to park close by.

It was lovely to see Catherine and her partner Pete. The last time I saw Pete I remember something about a bouncy castle and red wine.........don't ask! .....At least he told me his leg was ok now....

Catherine informed me that I would be 'stewarding' which involved passing the rosettes, prize money and certificates to the judge, Mr Rob Musson, to hand out to the winning exhibitors. Chris would be in charge of taking lots of photos.

The show began and I took my position in the corner of the ring armed with clip board, rosettes etc..

There were two types of classes - Handler Classes (ranging from under 10s to 'over aged' 26+!!) and Dairy Calf Classes.

You just have to admire these little ones and their calf handling skills...

 

What better way to take a well earned rest after you've shown your calf?......

Spencer was also feeling rather worn out by all the activity ;) ....

 We mustn't forget the 'over aged' class.....

And Catherine looking proud of her calf for winning a First Prize :)

Whilst Catherine was taking centre stage, Pete was happy to attend to the calves in their pens or just take some time out to do some thinking....

And I just had to do it didn't I?

I just had to borrow that hat.....

As Sunday wouldn't be complete without Spencer's Sunday Hat!!

I hope you've enjoyed hearing about our day...

Have a lovely week.

Maggie xx

Valentine's Day Canal Walk

Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day on Tuesday.

Chris has had a few days off work this week so when we woke up on Tuesday and the sun was shining, he suggested we go for a walk to see what had been happening down at the canal where there has been lots of restoration going on.

We started by walking down the lane where we said hello to the sweet little pony that lives in the corner field. I always worry about this pony as it always looks a little lonely in the field on its own and doesn't have a pal.

In the field behind, we spotted two deer...

We then took the path down to the canal and enjoyed walking along the old tow path where there are signs that clearance work has been taking place but there is still much work to be done.

Look at this lovely old lock...

These ducks were enjoying the tranquility..

In the other direction, you can see how much nature has taken over....

Further along, the water was still frozen....

There was another lovely old bridge....

And this little moorhen having to peck through the ice to find food.....

The next lock was very overgrown.....

Closer to the town, this area is being carefully cleared as the old canal has been covered by landfill....

We then reached the restored lock that Princess Anne opened last week..

We decided to have lunch nearby at the Lockkeeper's Cafe.

After a delicious panini and a cup of tea, we went to the Visitor Centre where we spent an hour chatting to Jill who gave us loads of fantastic information about the canal history and restoration. We also joined the Cotswold Canals Trust and I had visions of us volunteering, wearing wellies and waterproofs, spades in hand, helping to clear the vegetation we had seen earlier :)

We then climbed the hill back home, passing these cows and calves on the way...

Home for a cup of tea, to browse the booklets we had been given and reflect on our lovely Valentine's Day walk :)

Maggie xx