Hundreds of people, including families, students, staff, and the local community, along with nearly 100 dogs, visited our Fete and Dog Show for a day filled with fun, excitement, and community spirit.
Despite a mixed weather forecast, our Gobowen campus bustling with fun activities and entertainment for all ages. The jam-packed schedule included a dog show, duck race, stalls, games, craft competitions and a visit from children’s television favourites Skye and Chase from Paw Patrol.
The dog show featured 99 dogs registered for fun categories such as Cleverest Dog, Waggiest Tail, and Most Appealing Eyes. Congratulations to the cute and clever Olive and owner Kelly Smith (above) for winning Best in Show. Sponsored by Oswestry-based raw animal food suppliers Duffy’s Diner, each category winner was awarded a goody bag packed with fantastic prizes.
Amazing competitions
This year, we combined the dog show and fete into a one-day extravaganza, resulting in one of our most successful fetes yet. New this year, were popular village-fete style competitions in crafts, baking, photography, and children’s categories. Judged by experts from West Felton WI, the judges’ job was made very difficult by the level of skill and creativity on display. Well done to everyone for sharing their talents and imagination!
Duck Race makes a splash
The popular Duck Race made a splash yet again. With two races, one for corporate sponsors and one for the public, crowds gathered to cheer on the hundreds of yellow ducks as they bobbed down the College stream. The winning business was Bridge Coffee while the public race was won by the owner of Duck 120. A huge thank you to all our kind duck race sponsors – your generous donations alone raised an amazing £4,000.
Thanks to the generous businesses that donated prizes for the grand raffle, including a two-night retreat courtesy of Woodland Park Lodges in Ellesmere, and also to BidFood for providing the popular barbecue.
Visitors enjoyed shopping and eating at our Marketplace Garden Centre and Gift Shop, Vintage Advantage Charity Shop, Walled Garden Café, and The Orangery Restaurant. The College’s delicious homemade ice cream was also a bit hit.
Thank you sponsors
Megan Charman, Community Fundraiser and Events Coordinator at Derwen College, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who helped make the Fete and Dog Show such a success. We were delighted that the mixed weather forecast didn’t put visitors off. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces and wagging tails.
“A massive thank you to all our sponsors who supported our Duck Race and Grand Raffle, and to Duffy’s Diner for providing such lovely prizes for the Dog Show winners. Thanks to the WI for providing two excellent competition judges and for supporting Derwen Charity with their own stall, and to BidFood for donating their food and time to serve hungry customers at the barbecue.
“The Fete and Dog Show is our biggest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds from the event going to Derwen Charity. The money raised helps improve the lives and experiences of students and clients with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).”
Derwen College’s next big event is Charity Concert ‘Remember When …’ at The Holroyd Community Theatre on Friday, 20 June, featuring singer Mark Lord and Performing Arts students. There are still tickets available.
Check out our photos from the day in our dedicated Facebook album
Thank you to all our sponsors.
