Community comes together at Bedales Dog Show

People, dogs and even a Shetland pony were among the visitors to Bedales on 11 May, when the school’s Dog Show and Fête returned for another year.

The event brought together the local community on the sports pitches at Bedales Prep School, Dunhurst, for an afternoon of family fun.

Seven dog classes – including ‘Loveliest Labrador’, ‘Shortest Legs’, ‘Magnificent Mongrel’ and ‘Punks and Rockers’ fancy dress – kept visitors and their four-legged friends entertained, with competitors in all categories vying for the top prize of an Emma Bridgewater ‘Bedales Dog Show Winner’ dog bowl. An agility course, 11-legged races and a ‘Retrieve the Sausage’ competition were also among the day’s highlights.

Old Bedalian and Chairman of Governors Matthew Rice provided commentary and was joined by guest judges Jonathan Harwood of St Peter’s Vets and Clare Cannon of Canine Partners.

Head Magnus Bashaarat commented: “The Dog Show was a wonderful occasion bringing together the school and local community for an afternoon of fun. The atmosphere was brilliant - everywhere you looked there were people smiling and laughing. Thank you to all the visitors and volunteers who made it such a success.”

The event raised funds for the John Badley Foundation, which provides financial support through full bursaries, giving more young people a chance to benefit from the transformational opportunity of a Bedales education.

The full list of winners is as follows: