They went over in Billy-Bob so that they could stay the night, but in the end, as Baggy had not had a drink, she drove home - in the dark! Billy-Bob's lights are very good, but it was raining and the windscreen was a tad mucky on the inside, so Freda Fretter was worrying Baggy quite a lot, until Calum suggested that she focussed on the kerb ahead, rather than the road ahead. That worked, but by the time they got home Baggy needed a cup of tea. And, not one, but two of the cupcakes that had not been eaten, so they'd brought home with them. Ah well, she'll just have to walk them off later in the week.
Today was also to be a horsey day. There was a Suffolk Punch event on at Kentwell Hall which Calum really wanted to go to. Dogs are not allowed at Kentwell, as they know from previous visits, but as it was a horsey show, Clever Bird was convinced that they would be today, but otherwise they'd decided to leave the mutt at home with the television on. Calum phoned first thing to ask, "Yes, dogs are welcome, just not in the house". Okay, marvellous, Minty Mutt could come. They all headed off in Billy-Bob. As they parked they drove past five dogs and watched a lovely black setter getting out of the car opposite. They headed off to the show. As they left the car park, they past two large signs: "No dogs beyond this point". Hmmmmmm! "It must be the signs that are normally up", said Freda Fretter doubtfully as Minty Mutt showed his feelings by doing a massive poo right next to the sign. But as they were following three other dogs, Furry Mama picked up the poo and carried on. At the next gates into the show area there were more signs, "No dogs beyond this point". Very odd. But as Baggy could see at least a dozen dogs in the area, she thought no more about it. The Punches were magnificent.
They stood watching as Minty settled down and lay at their feet. An officious-looking man then walked round in front of them, "You must have walked past at least four signs telling you not to bring your dog in here". "Well, yes we did, but as we phoned to check this morning and were told that he's welcome, we assumed that they were the "normal" signs that they had left up". "Oh, urrrm, I see, well perhaps he can stay then". The chap went back to his Stewards' tent. "Now I'm p****d off", said Hormonal Hannah, as all kinds of people were muttering, "Well it clearly says no dogs". Baggy got cross. "I'm just going to go and say something at the Kentwell reception, I'll be back". Baggy explained the situation, "Well I don't know who would have said you could bring a dog. No dogs are allowed at Kentwell because of the rare animal life here". "We know that, which is why we called to check. But just so you know, there are dozens of dogs here today". "Oh dear. Well as long as you stay outside the main house-grounds it will be fine. There's a tea tent and trade village round to the right, if you go that way you can get a cup of tea". "Thank you". Baggy returned to watch the horses. Five minutes later, another officious person appeared, a woman this time. "I'm sorry but no dogs are allowed". Baggy found her inner Grrrr! and calmly explained, to try to stop Calum from losing his temper. "Well okay then", she walked off.
"Let's move from here. We could go and get a cup of tea", said Clever Bird, as Freda Fretter was getting in a state. Cup of tea acquired, they had a quick look around the stands. Calum bought Baggy a fold-away hat - genius! It works like a fan. Okay it looks a bit daft, but Baggy likes it. Another aid to slowing down her cataract growth.
Then Clever Bird noticed that the programme said there was a parade on, so they headed back to watch it. As they walked, the officious-woman appeared. "I'm really sorry but we're going to have to enforce the rule of 'no dogs'". Hormonal Hannah swore! "Obviously we'll reimburse your entry fee". Calum was really disappointed as he'd been looking forward to the day. "You stay, I'll take Minty home and come back for you later, but I'm not staying because I'm too annoyed". They got their money and left. Furry Mama put Minty in Billy-Bob (setting off all the alarms about five times, as Calum hadn't set it, so Baggy armed it, thinking she was switching it off), then went to find a mate of Cal's who had his horses there.
They were gorgeous. As was the mother and foal in the next lorry.
Clever Bird had no idea that the Suffolk Punch is more endangered than the Giant Panda! This show was to raise money to help with their preservation. Magnificent horses. But sadly the day had been spoilt, so with their refunded £20, they headed home - as did dozens of other disappointed dog owners. It makes you wonder how much money they lost.......
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