Rain can’t stop play at the Lochranza Extravaganza

The annual Lochranza Extravaganza took place in the Lochranza and Catacol village hall last Wednesday and, even though the weather was inclement, it still managed to draw a healthy crowd of visitors to its many attractions.

Foremost among them was the dog show, which had a large number of entries and provided the competitors with an opportunity to parade their family pets in the arena where they were judged by Marion Gentleman and Wilma Stark. Very popular, too, were the children’s races, which included the perennial favourite, but with a modern twist, the golf ball and spoon race. There were various age categories and numerous races for the children to take part in, two of which involved the parents and children races which had healthy entries, thanks to the cajoling of Archie Cum ming, who was the voice behind the megaphone.

Also popular were the zorbs by Arran Zorbs which saw children bouncing into each other and running on top of a pool filled with water amid peals of laughter.

Other events to keep the family entertained were the putting games, bouncy castle and the beanbag and ladder toss, as well as a large selection of children’s toys on sale in the various bric-a-brac stalls that were out in the garden. Joining them in the grounds before the rain started was a book store and various raffles and competitions.

Richard and Anne Hill ran the incredibly

popular raffle, which featured prizes of wine, whisky, children’s games and food and golf vouchers, among others.

Indoors, a home baking and food stall was available as well as the tearoom, where many took shelter when the heavier rains arrived at the end of the day. With so many fun events having taken place and with such a party atmosphere, even the rain could not dampen the spirits of those who were seen returning home at the end of the day, many with burgers and prizes in their hands.

01_B32loch06 Above: Dog competition entrants parade in the arena with the picturesque castle and bay as a backdrop.

01_B32loch14 Left: Winners of the raffle prizes are announced by Archie Cumming.

01_B32loch02 Richard and Anne Hill selling the raffle tickets.

01_B32loch05 The zorbs provided much laughter and entertainment for adults and children.

01_B32loch12 Bric-a-brac aplenty as visitors browse the goods and books on sale.

Mums and children compete in the race which drew cheers and laughter from the fathers on the sidelines.

01_B32loch13 Sophia Bentley, aged four, of Dumfries crosses the line in the ball and spoon race in the under-fives category.

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01_B32loch15 Seven- and eight-year-olds concentrate on their ball and spoon race.

01_B32loch08 Max and Marek Danhel from Winslow, who won first place in the small dog category with Milo.

.01_B32loch10 Eddie, the springer spaniel, won a prize for looking most like his owner, Peter Allen of Catacol

01_B32loch07 Annabel Gold from Glasgow took first prize in the big dog category with Bindi, the golden retriever.

01_B32loch09 Cockerpoo Poppy won a prize for her waggy tail, which Irene Mculloch from Glasgow found amusing.

01_B32loch11 Getting a special mention for sheer cuteness was Molly, a cross spaniel joined by Penny Morris, who was visiting from Suffolk.