One of the highlights of the social year, particularly for our pet owners, is the Christmas Rally held at the end of November or the beginning of December.

This is held in the tiny fenland village of Reach, which is about six miles from Newmarket. The first part of the rally is held in the village hall and is made up of a variety of events and party games, in which the Borders take part and which change from year to year.

After a sandwich lunch, there is a talk related to Border Terriers or dogs in general. A competition is held for the best dressed Border. After the talk, we all troop outside for terrier racing on the village green. This is organised by Jayne and Jack Alpe and their daughter Gemma.

The village green is surrounded by houses. Until only a few years ago most were occupied by local people but recently the ‘yuppies’ have moved in with their Mercedes and Audis. Remember Cambridge is less than fifteen miles away and the notorious A14 even nearer.

The present villagers appear rather puzzled by the terrier racing.

What happens varies from the deadly serious to the hilarious. The rally ends back in the village hall with tea and Christmas cake.