A dog show with fun events -- and all comers are welcome -- is to be one of the highlights of a revived Arkley village fayre to be held on the village field at Brickfield Lane, Arkley, on Saturday 18 May.
This will be the first village fayre since the covid shutdown, and the organisers are planning a fun day out for all the family (from 12noon to 5pm).
Entry is free and a host of events are being arranged, including face painting, bouncy castle, children’s games, Punch and Judy, and plenty of stalls.
A wide array of refreshments will be available ranging from traditional cream teas to a selection of West Indian and Asian food.
The organisers hope the dog show will prove a real attraction with lots of different categories including rescue dogs; the best-looking canines, Miss Arkley and Mr Arkley; a prize for the best doggy trick; and a junior section on dog handling for anyone under 16.
Hosting the show will be Rachel Burke of dog groomers Beauty Barks of Borehamwood, who says events like are such fun, especially for families.
“We are hoping for 100 plus dogs – all shapes and sizes are welcome, any age. There will be lots of rosettes and prizes to be won.”
Ms Burke (far left) with her border collie cross Connie, is seen above with other organisers of the event (from left to right) Anjim Iqbal with chow chow Azlam; Mel Garfield with English bull terrier Arnie; and Iris Auburn with her toy poodle Amber.
Ms Garfield said Arkley village residents had been determined to revive the annual fair and bring the community together.
Three charitable groups have combined resources to organise the event – the Hearts of Arkley, founded by residents of Rockways and Wylo Drive; the Scarecrow Fetes committee at St Peter’s Church, Arkley which has organised fetes in previous years; and the Arkley Association which maintains the village hall and field.
“What we are trying to create is an old-fashioned family day out with the sort of events that you would expect at a village fete.
“The dog show will be on the green and all around will be stalls and attractions like a fire engine, perhaps a vintage police car and music from the Barnet U3A Ukulele band.
“We are getting lots of interest from potential stall holders and traders – the latest to sign up are traders from Barnet Market.”
There will be no parking on the site. Strictly blue badge holders old. Buses that pass the entrance to Brickfield Lane (opposite The Gate public houses) are the 107, 384 and 614.
All proceeds will be split between Hearts of Arkley, Scarecrows, and Arkley Association and their various community and charitable projects.
