The Beagle Club of Nsw, Inc

For beagles, a weekend of offlead running and sniffing around fenced paddocks, plus the opportunity to socialise with other beagles. For humans, the chance to have a short break and some leisurely exercise in friendly company.

When: From 12 noon, Saturday 3 July - To 12 noon, Sunday 4 July (this is the first weekend of the NSW state school holidays).

Where: Meet at Brian and Lesley Childs' home, "Hollyhock Cottage", Matthews St, Cootamundra, 02 69424697. Plenty of parking.

Cost: $10 per person (covers the cost of Saturday night dinner and property entry fees, excludes all other costs).

Payment: Please pay Brian or Lesley Childs $10 on arrival.

Enquiries: Ross Reid 9481 8359 or Janet New 9674 2273.

RSVP: Participants must be members of The Beagle Club of NSW. If you intend to participate, you must RSVP to Ross Reid by Friday 25 June (for catering purposes). You must call Ross Reid the day before the weekend to confirm that the weekend is going ahead and that you will be coming. Please come and join the fun if you can. If there are insufficient numbers, the weekend may be cancelled.

Travel Time (from Campbelltown to Cootamundra): about 3 hours.

Directions (from Campbelltown to Cootamundra): Drive along F2 (Hume Highway) towards Yass. Approx 5kms after Yass MacDonalds, turn right into the Burley Griffin Way (to Harden, Temora, Cootamundra). Drive approx 50 mins to roundabout at Wallendbeen. Turn left and drive approx 18kms along the Olympic Highway to Cootamundra. Watch out for 50km sign and Welcome to Cootamundra sign. Travel approx 200m. At saleyards, turn left into Rinkin St. Drive to Matthews St. See map:

Food and Drink: For beagles, bring all their food, bowls, etc. Bring some water bottles. For humans, Saturday dinner and dessert is provided (this is included in $10 cost). BYO drinks. Please make your own arrangements if you have special dietary requirements and for all other meals (afternoon tea, breakfast, morning tea, lunch, snacks, etc). There are plenty of food shops in main Cootamundra shopping area only a few minutes drive away.

Accommodation (Saturday night only): For beagles, Brian and Lesley Childs are offering the use of their kennels free. For humans, make your own arrangements and bookings. Here are some possibilities:

Bradman Motor Inn - Phone: (02) 69422288. Email: . Web:

Cootamundra Gardens Motel - Phone: (02) 69421833. Email: . Web:

The White Ibis B&B - Phone: 02 69421850. Email: . Web:

Wattle Tree Motel - Phone: (02) 69422688. Web:

AEF Bimbadeen Conference Centre - Phone: (02) 69421129. Note that Bimbadeen will permit well-trained, crated beagles to sleep with you inside but you must ensure accommodation and grounds are clean before vacating. There are 2 bunkhouses, each with 10 bunks and kitchenette, $10 per bunk.

Program and Activities:

Saturday 12 noon: Meet at Brian and Lesley Childs' home.

Saturday afternoon: Travel short distance to first offlead area and scent trail. Let beagles off lead. Beagles run around madly for a couple of hours while humans have a leisurely walk. Bring your own afternoon tea.

Saturday 6pm: Dinner hosted by Brian and Lesley Childs.

Sunday 9am: Meet at Brian and Lesley Childs' home.

Sunday morning: Travel short distance to second offlead area and scent trail. Let beagles off lead to track. Beagles run around madly for a couple of hours while humans have a leisurely walk. Bring your own morning tea.

Sunday 12 noon: Leave Cootamundra. Bring your own lunch.

Weather: Temperature will be cold during day and very cold at night. If Cootamundra weather is bad prior to the weekend (ie pouring with rain), the weekend will be cancelled. You must call Ross Reid the day before the weekend to confirm that the weekend is going ahead and that you will be coming

Suggestions: BYO chairs, good walking shoes, rain gear, hat, beanie, crate.