Hundreds of visitors, more than 100 dogs and some summer sunshine ensured that Derwen College’s much-loved Fete and Dog Show was a standout success at the college’s Gobowen campus on Saturday, 13 June.
Dogs took centre stage in the ever-popular dog show, with fun classes ranging from Most Handsome to Waggiest Tail, Cleverest Dog and Scruffiest Dog. The show was kindly sponsored by Oswestry raw animal food business Duffy’s Diner, and judged by Hilbrae Pets Hotel and Rescue Kennels. Labrador Declan, shown by his young owner Emi, took Best in Show after also winning Most Handsome Dog.
Inside the College’s Reception area, visitors entered village show-style arts and crafts competitions, with categories for both children and adults spanning recycled art, crafts, photography, cookery and flower arranging. Winners were judged by Chair of Governors Jamie Ward and his wife Janet. Among the talented entrants were Helen Case and Olive Morris, who came first and second in the flower arrangement category, themed ‘Seasons’.
And the winners were … Count Duckula and Wellard Mallard
The Duck Race added more fun and friendly rivalry, and was a quacking success, with Wellard Mallard winning the business-sponsored race and Count Duckula taking the public title. Other contenders included Duck Dastardly, Duck Norris, Jack and Vera Duckworth, Duck Turpin and Floaty McFloatface. A huge thank you to all the generous duck race sponsors and everyone who took part.
Visitors browsed the College’s award-winning Marketplace, including the Garden Centre and Gift Shop, the Vintage Advantage Charity Shop and the Walled Garden Café, while The Orangery Restaurant served jacket potatoes and hosted a prosecco bar.
Local sellers offered artisanal treats, handcrafted gifts and more, while families enjoyed Derwen-made ice creams, a barbecue and bar, games and tombolas. Entertainer Dux added to the fun with his pedal-powered play contraption and playful clowning, while mascots Waddle the Duck, Peter Rabbit and a Minion were out and about meeting visitors.
A grand raffle was held, with a host of exceptional prizes donated by generous businesses including family tickets to Just So Festival in Cheshire and Shrewsbury Folk Festival, plus a hotel stay, paintballing, paddleboarding, a spa day and plenty more.
What a brilliant day!
Derwen College Events Coordinator Serena Young said: “What a brilliant day! The sunshine brought everyone out, the dogs were absolutely gorgeous, and there were smiles, wagging tails and fun everywhere you looked. We are so grateful to our stallholders, staff, students, families, volunteers, sponsors and the whole community for making the Fete and Dog Show such a special day, and for supporting Derwen Charity. A special thank you also goes to Jo of Hilbrae Kennels for taking on the near-impossible job of judging the dog show.”
She added: “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and every penny raised goes to Derwen Charity. Support from the community helps us create more life-changing opportunities and experiences for students and clients with SEND. We are already looking forward to next year’s event on 12 June 2027, and there are plans to make next year’s centenary celebration fete bigger and better than ever.”
