Ever seen a canine Christmas? Well what more Christmassy a dog can you find than a Scottie right? They’re on biscuit tins and even on a wee dram of Whisky too.
So being strict traditionalists, the London Scottie Club hosted a meeting rolled into a Christmas Party on December 9.
We had munchies for the owners, which included mince pies delivered in person by Mr William Curley of the famous bakers – he’s a Scot too – and a hamper as a first prize for the best-dressed Christmas Scottie.
Most of the guests and all of the dogs! Photo: Lupt Utama
The three-hour bash in Richmond, south-west London, was a fun event, judging by the hundreds of photos taken. Loads of photos were sent via our Whatsapp group, while Lupt Utama, a Thai-born costume designer for Hollywood smash movies like Beauty & The Beast and Alladin, took more than 400 photos as well as judged the winner of the dress competition.
Safe Bubbly for Scotties
As guests began arriving, with club stalwart Sonya first to visit, we received some lovely gifts from members. These included Christmas crackers filled with Pooch treats, balls, toys, bandanas, and my favourite of all dog-friendly Prosecco called “Pawsecco” wine which describes itself as a “healthy herbal infusion of elderflower, nettle, ginseng, limeflower and carrot.”
So it was nice to be able to present guests with bamboo Scottie Christmas Tree decorations (like the one in the theme photo for this report) with their dog names carved into the wood. Lasting souvenirs we hope! And so no one left empty-handed.
Most Scotties arrived in Christmas attire, among them a lot of bow-ties. We wonder whether owners who arrived a bit later did so after seeing our pre-party photos on Twitter with Pikush and Pudding sporting welcoming crushed velvet bow-ties?
Anyway, it was super to see Pip & Bertie, Hector and (westie) Molly, Hamish, (working cocker and our neighbour Glossie), Ben, and Jimmy.
And the winner is…Jimmy. Well done! Photo: Sharon Hendry
It was not an easy decision to choose a winner, but Hector (and his owner Lisa!) were in the running for the Christmas gear, as well as a sneaky attempt by Molly the Westie sister of Hector. But in the end Lupt declared the winner to be Jimmy, for sporting a wonderful Royal Stewart tartan kilt, with bespoke knitted bagpipes and a jingle bell scarf. Tasteful I’m sure you will agree. A runner-up prize for best personality went to Molly. But no one objected to it being a Scottie’s cousin breed!
That said, all the dogs were in fact very well behaved and Scotties won over anyone who thought they are always up to mischief!
To those of you who attended, a big thank you to you and your dogs for making it special.
The event was low on announcements but high on the party spirit. In 2018 we hope to come up with fresh initiatives for making the meetings, walks and visits fun and also educational as we begin to invite experts to talks with the members too.
Pikush singing “I’m Dreaming of…” Photo: Lupt Utama
But at least we didn’t all burst into song with “I’m Dreaming of a White Bone, Just like the Ones We used to Buy”.
Whether or not you were able to attend our gathering we would like to wish every one of you and your lovely Scotties a magical Christmas and a brighter 2018.
George
Gallery (click on pictures to see in more detail)
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About five Scotties in this picture! Photo: Sharon Hendry
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Christmas Pudding? Photo: George
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Pikush waits for guests. Photo: George
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Pudding Photo: Heather Martingell
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Pikush Chats to Sonya Photo: George
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Lupt cradles Molly Photo: Heather Martingell
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Clockwise from top: Jimmy, Ben, Hamish Photo: Sharon Hendry
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Winner Jimmy Photo: Sharon Hendry
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When the Westies Go Marching In! Photo: Sharon Hendry
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Pop goes the party
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Hamish Photo: Sharon Hendry
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Keep Your Faberge...Photo: George
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Lisa and daughter with Molly. Photo: George
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Molly Singing "I'm Dreaming of..." Photo: George
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Well-behaved Bertie Photo: George
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Jimmy surveys his hamper prize with Susanne. Anchalee presents. Photo: George
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Posh baker William Curley freshly made, very fruity mince pies arrived
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And so did William Curley himself! Photo: Anchalee Matlock
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Jimmy the dedicated follower of fashion Photo: Lupt Utama
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Pudding: I'm getting bored of fun Photo: Lupt Utama
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Pudding: If anyone says I look like Mutley in the Whacky Races... Photo: Lupt Utama
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Pikush: Who you staring at? Photo: Lupt Utama
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William Curley Mince pies Photo: Lupt Utama
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party nibbles Photo: Lupt Utama
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Everything's coming up Roses Photo: Lupt Utama
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Hector Photo: Lupt Utama
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More Hector Photo: Lupt Utama
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Let's meet under the Christmas Tree Photo: Lupt Utama
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Molly and Pudding in background Photo: Lupt Utama
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Ok, where's the Mistletoe? Photo: Lupt Utama
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Getting frisky just like an office Christmas party... Photo: Lupt Utama
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Hector with Molly Photo: Lupt Utama
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Bertie Photo: Lupt Utama
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Hector Photo: Lupt Utama
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Pip Photo: Lupt Utama
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Pip: This is Pawsome Photo: Lupt Utama
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Lupt holds Molly
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Photo: Lupt Utama
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Ben with Jann Photo: Lupt Utama
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And finally...time to clear up the mess! Photo: Lupt Utama
Thank you to George and Anchalee for all their organisation and hospitality. It was a lovely time and a great atmosphere. I didn’t think I would enjoy this event as i had just lost my best friend /flat mate Captain but this is a very friendly group and the scotties are all such characters that i found myself having a great time!
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The London Scottie Club is a hub of wonderfully warm & welcoming Scottie lovers & their unforgettable dogs.
The Christmas party was undoubtedly the highlight of Hamish’s year. We’re quite sure he’s still dreaming about it.
We simply can’t wait to chauffeur him to the next event.
Sharon Hendry & John Hill (parents of Hamish Hendry-Hill)
A fantastic afternoon and a BIG thank you to George and Anch as always for their exceptional organising and hosting skills. Our Jimmy had a lovely time and it was his first opportunity to parade his newly acquired kilt, bagpipes and ruffles! On a human-note, the invited mince pies were divine; I have never tasted such gorgeous mince meat and will definitely be looking up William Curley next year…as far as I’m concerned he is now the taste of Christmas YUM! Jimmy would not forgive me if I did not mention his newly acquired friend, George’s mother. The two had quite a rapport going on in the kitchen which seemed to involve a lot of opening of La Barrita Ham and Chicken sticks; he was very fortunate to win the Fancy Dress Competition, which made his mama very proud – and also happy that she could float around with a basket that made her look like she had just wafted in from a Jane Austin novel – but more in Young Jame’s favour part of his hamper included these delicious little sticks that he has very quickly become partial to! A final mention to the lovely Lupt and his partner, what a charming couple! If you are reading this Lupt…Bill does remember you and no memory prompting needed…although I did show him a picture of you surrounded by Scotties and Westie afterwards just to show we all keep the very best of company !!!
How wonderful to be able to view all these photos of such splendid dogs. Clearly your club is thriving and its members are friendly and outgoing
All the dogs at the party behaved so well and I was very impressed with the way they interacted with each other. Many owners had gone to a lot of trouble with costumes and the dogs seem to enjoy it …….🐾🐾🐾🎄
A huge thank you to George and his wife for organising the event and providing something for everyone, scrumptious food for dogs and owners and a lovely welcoming atmosphere
I wish all Christmas parties with this enjoyable and filled with such convivial company ……⭐️
The website is easily navigable and very user-friendly. Congratulations all round 👋👋👋