News from Sark

All Creatures Great, Small & Feathered

On an island without cars, horses are something of a local obsession. Most are working animals, earning their keep pulling the carriages which tour Sark. Others are pets, mainly family ponies which many local children learn to ride almost as soon as they can walk. It's not surprising then that the annual Horse, Dog and Pet Show is so well supported. Dogs (and owners) train for months for the agility course, fancy dress costumes for two legs and four are stitched and concocted and horses are groomed until they shine. This year's Show got off to a damp start as drizzly rain welcomed the first competitors and spectators and visiting vet Mr Bishop, due to judge the dog and pet classes, was called away to an emergency in Little Sark. Ever resourceful, the organisers re-shuffled the schedule and the dog agility competition ran first. Mutley, owned by Angie Deadman won the large to medium class for the second year running and Sally Hutchins' dog Ashley took first prize in the small dog class. With the official judge still away, visiting vet Charlie Knight and dog expert Sue Curswell stepped in to judge the other canine classes. Gozo was deemed dog most like its handlers, Fiona Nightingale and her niece Katrina, while Pip the Jack Russel cross was judged best mongrel. Joshua the black Labrador took first prize in the pure bred category. Later on the prizes were given in the small animal competition with Chilli the Chinchilla judged to be the most bored looking pet and Father Christmas the turkey best feathered friend.

Caption: Judging the crossbreeds

Caption: Fiona & Katrina Nightingale with Gozo

Caption: Dave Terry & best pure bred Joshua

Caption: Father Christmas, the award-winning
     turkey

Sports News

As the animals and owners were arriving for the Show, Sark's hockey team was warming up for its annual fixture against Guernsey team Court Row on the sports ground by the Hall. The opposition fielded a strong team and although Sark put up a good game they lost to the younger team by three goals to nil. For local player and carriage driver Toby it was his first time in goal but the day didn't bring all bad news for him. After a quick change he made it to the Horse Show where his horse Megan won the best light horse and pony in best condition categories.

Caption: Club captain Andy Cook makes a pass

Caption: Toby & Megan

Grand Autumn Show

There are certain events here which celebrate the changing of the seasons in true Sark style, none more so than the Grand Autumn Show, a fabulous display of the island's best flowers, vegetables and home-made produce. With 134 classes, there's a section for anyone who grows, bakes, pickles or preserves. Final preparations for the show began a week ago with the booking of entries, a serious occasion when competitors wait in turn to list their entries and receive their registration cards in brown envelopes. Excitement builds the evening before the show as the first exhibits arrive but many of the competitors wait until early the next morning to set up their wares. The judges, all experts from Guernsey, arrive at 9 o'clock sharp, the doors close behind them and judging begins. For the next five hours the exhibits are compared, prodded, measured and weighed. Eggs are cracked and cakes are tasted until all of the prizes are awarded. The largest category is for vegetables with the tomato and onion classes attracting particularly good numbers of entries this year. Quality is paramount but size also matters with Aoife Kelly taking first prize for the longest runner bean at an amazing 17 inches and the team at Clos Bourel grew the heaviest onions. Fruit also features in the show with 8 entries in the grape class, a reflection of the mild climate here in Sark.

Caption: Prize-winning roses

Caption: Grapes galore

Caption: Checking out the preserves

Caption: William Raymond & his Challenge Cup

Caption: Dave Curtis receives his Certificates
     of Merit

Caption: Winning vegetable creations

Coming Soon

Caption: Celebrating the sea

On Saturday September 11th Sark lets its hair down at the annual Celebration of the Sea, a great mixture of fun, live music and excellent local sea food from 12 noon until midnight. (Go to www.simplysark.com for more information) The same days sees international rugby come to Sark under the banner of the Guernsey Wooden Spoon when London Wasps International Legends are sending a squad with over 350 caps to play in Sark. As a curtain raiser, Guernsey Ladies will play Wasps Ladies. There'll be a rolling BBQ and naturally a beer tent, plus plenty of opportunities to mix with the stars for photographs, autographs or just a chat. Later on at 6pm there's a presentation from the International Dark Skies Association at 6pm at the Island Hall as part of Sark's application to become the world's first official Dark Skies Island. There are two more chances to join Karen Adams on her guided walk revealing the life and work of Sark artist William Toplis on the 10th and 17th September and Mrs Beaumont's guided tours of La Seigneurie Gardens continue throughout the month every Wednesday morning at 11.30. On 20thSeptember a new exhibition opens at the Visitor Centre called 'Sark the Movie' showing behind the scenes views from the many film and television programmes made in our island. On Friday 1st October grab your partner for a barn dance at the Island Hall featuring Jim Bainbridge and Steve Roud. No previous experience is needed as the caller will teach you all you need to know to dosey doe the night away. Check the Diary page of this web site for more information on all of these events including times and how to book.