Kinloch Farm Blog

June 14, 2008: Welsh Game Fair
We went to the Welsh Game Fair on the weekend. This is a showcase of everything hunting related: guns; gun dogs; beagles; rifle, cross bow and archery ranges; clay shoots; a gundog scurry (never did figure out what that was); and various hunting paraphenalia (clothing, equipment and dog stuff). Of course there were the other 'trimmings' that all good country fairs have - ice-creams, exhorbitantly priced food, a craft fair, bouncy castles, and terrier/lurcher races (!). In addition, there were some 'unique' things like vintage engines, noisy motorcyle displays, ferrets, parachute displays, and helicopter rides. All were quite interesting, even if it was an eclectic mix. But the real reason we went was not for the ice-creams (although one has to partake in that too) but to see Kenny make his debut performance with the Quack Pack. What a little star he was. He has only been with his new owners for about 10 days and already he is shaping up nicely. What a handsome little devil he is too with his coiffered new look. He was not to be outdone by little Prince (a future Quack Packer) who made an unscheduled appearance on the centrestage and defied capture for an entertaining minute.

The Quackers.

Kenny in action in the big ring.Drive, Kenny, Drive.

A 10-point pen.

Glen showing his style.

An unscheduled appearance by the young Prince. Thankfully he was more
interested in chasing Glen and not the ducks.

A few other highlights from the Welsh Game Fair
Wellies in any colour.

As we were driving to the Welsh Game Fair we were discussing the things we like about Wales. Here's our top 10 picks (in no particular order).

1. Milk in glass bottles (!!!) delivered to our door 3 times a week.

2. The people. They know what rugby is. They love sheepdogs. And they are forever saying "We've been friends for 40 years" - WOW! Friendship means something here.

3. Homemade Elderflower wine. Be warned: you don't want the walk home to be very long.

4. Welsh cakes. Nora's are the best but if anyone wants to challenge Nora on this, we are happy to be the volunteer tasters.

5. Home-delivered organic fruit and veges. Every week we get a huge basket delivered to our door from a local organic producer and supplier. Service par excellence.

6. The weather.

7. Sheep without horns. Fewer bruises!

8. Meals at shearing time. See previous blog!

9. Trees. Oh, it is nice to be in an environment with trees every which way you turn. It reminds us of New Zealand.

10. Did we mention the people?

(11. No midges! (thanks Gwen for reminding us).)

On the topic of Elderflower wine, we're trying our hand at being vintners. We went on an Elder flower picking excursion yesterday, dogs in tow. Elder flowers are the white or cream coloured flowers of the Elder tree. They are best picked in the late spring before the red berries of the Elder tree appear. Elderflower wine is made from the white flowers (yes, we had to dislodge tiny petals from the stalks), water, raisins, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, sugar and yeast. Making Elderflower wine is a tradition in this part of Wales so who are we to defy tradition? We'll let you know how the wine turns out after the World Trial - that's when it will be ready.

We had a World Trial organizing committee meeting this week. That was fun. Lots of enthusiastic people, and the meeting was well organized and jovial! The trial is well in hand with everything going along very smoothly. We launched the World Trial calendars this week and amazingly, we already have about 100 sold. If you haven't got your grandstand ticket yet, do it now! They will sell out well ahead of the event. There seems to be huge interest in this year's World Trial.

All quiet on the trial front. Blade managed to get a thorn in his foot and it is still swollen and sore. He has been on 3 legs for a few days. Meg hurt a toe a week ago and it is stubbornly refusing to heal. She is on rest too. Hopefully we'll go trialling this week with Roy, and maybe Sioux and Tina. Blade, Roy and Meg all made the Welsh National. Yippee!