Hundreds of visitors, more than 100 dogs and a fine day ensured that mv天美mv天美鈥檚 much-loved Fete and Dog Show was a huge success.
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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 鈥楽easons鈥�.
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 for Marston’s Foundation 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鈥檚 award-winning Marketplace, including the Garden Centre and Gift Shop, the Vintage Advantage Charity Shop and the Walled Garden Caf茅, 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.
The Centenary stall was also well attended, with visitors sharing memories of their time at mv天美mv天美 and finding out more about its history. As the College looks ahead to its 2027 centenary next year, it is still keen to hear from anyone with memories, stories, photos or memorabilia to help celebrate 100 years of Derwen. To share your memories, photos or information, please email marketing@derwen.ac.uk.
What a brilliant day!
mv天美mv天美 Events Coordinator Serena Young said: 鈥淲hat a brilliant day! It stayed dry, 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.鈥�
She added: 鈥淭his 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鈥檚 event on 12 June 2027, and there are plans to make next year鈥檚 centenary celebration fete bigger and better than ever.鈥�
