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For quite a few years many of the Beardie folk have caravanned at shows and made it a social event as well as a holiday to share with like-minded people. The Beardie Break was first thought of in 1997 as a progression of this. The idea was for Beardie folk to get together in an holiday atmosphere without the pressure and distraction of a dog show. The Break usually coincides with Richmond Championship Show which is within easy reach for those with withdrawal symptoms.

To date the Beardie Break as been held in the beautiful setting of The Forest of Dean. Each B.B.as been a great success thanks to the organizational skills of our good friends John Beaumont and Sheila Burditt.

Unfortunately we were unable to attend the first Beardie Break back in 1997, but after hearing what a resounding success it was we weren't going to miss the next one!

So, we attended our first Beardie Break in 1998. It was probably the best holiday we had ever had and so, quite naturally, when the time came for the 1999 B.B. we didn't really expect it to live up to the memories of our first attendance as usually repeats of such events generally don't. We couldn't have been more wrong! It was even better if anything. The 50 or so Beardie folk attending get on so well, there is no animosity and egos don't even come in to it. It is truly a magical affair with everyone enjoying each other's company.

We were so smitten by the atmosphere at the '99 Beardie Break that when it was suggested we should get married at the next one we decided this was an excellent idea. We thought that if we were wed at home, most of our friends would have to leave the same day to attend to their dog's left at home, so what better than to take the wedding to our friends while on a holiday. So that is what we did.

On the 11th September 2000 we were married at Cinderford registry office, accompanied by all our Beardie friends and most of our families. The reception was held in a marquee at Bracelands in the Forest of Dean. The whole occasion, and indeed the whole 10 days holiday, was made totally magical by the kindness, generosity and love shown by all our friends. Words cannot express our gratitude to them. Pictures from the wedding can be seen on The Wedding page.

Below are some pictures from The Beardie Break, some of the faces may be familiar to some of you!!

Tai-Chi morning !                                                                                                                                                                                Some of the group enjoying an evening of stimulating conversation and culture.                                                           Sheila Burditt explains the intricacies of the quiz to a puzzled Jackie Tidmarsh                                                                                    Jan Wood enjoying the Beardie Break                                                                              Wasn't me who dropped Maddy's camera, honest.......                                                                                         John Bates ready for canoeing action................                                                                       .......But it's not as easy as John Tidmarsh makes it look !                                                                          Maddy Beaumont shows the marks of a typical Beardie welcome                                                         Canoeing action featuring John Betts, John Beaumont, Jackie & John Tidmarsh,                    Martin Jeffries, Phil Sharkey, Paul Biggs and John Bates.                                   The weary canoeists gather for lunch at The Boat Inn, joined by the less                    adventurous of the Beardie Breakers                                                                                                                The Archery was good fun !                                                                                                    Forest Walks                                                                                                                                                                                      General Beardie Break site views