Writing about the biggest gathering of Devon dog lovers seems like a good time to tell you about the 2 dogs in my life.

Digby, the ever hungry border terrier, cured my daughter of a paralysing dog phobia and made a huge contribution to family life. Despite a serious illness, he lived to nearly 18.

Rame, a crazy cavapoo (I’m going to be in trouble for saying that, he belongs to my sister), is an enthusiastic long Dartmoor walk companion and an affectionate sofa buddy.

For someone not brought up with dogs, they’ve both brought unexpected pleasures and rewards.

The very things celebrated at the Woofstock dog festival next week.

Yours in Devon,

P.S. I suspect a large number of you have dogs. Take the survey below to help me decide whether to write more about dog-friendly places.

P.P.S. Feeling creative? You could win a week-long stay in a dog friendly cottage below by providing some doggie social media content (see Win Devon Prizes below).

Not just doggie heaven, doggie owner heaven too.

If you own a dog you really should attend Woofstock. It’s 3 days of dog shows, displays, demonstrations, stalls, food, drink and live music.

It’s not all about the dogs. For owners it’s a relaxed day out where nobody minds about muddy paws, overexcited barking or poo accidents.

And it’s a place to chat about whatever’s on your dog agenda: behaviour, breeds, leads, treats or training.

The venue has free onsite parking, standard and accessible toilets, and public transport options via the No. 2 Stagecoach bus from Exeter, or by rail to Starcross station.

Powderham Castle, near Exeter. Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June. Tickets: From £17.50

Braunton is hosting what's claimed to be the world's first festival of fringe surfing — riding waves on wooden bellyboards, surf mats and handplanes.

Much of it is free and open to all, so you don't need to be expert or know the difference between a boogie board and a paipo (pipe-oh) to enjoy.

Organised by the North Devon Slide Community and the Museum of British Surfing.

Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June. Evening event tickets: £25

[Partner Promotion] North Devon Resort, where I enjoyed a relaxing stay recently, is offering up to 35% off June bookings of 2 nights or more.

That means you can grab a hot tub apartment for £65.82 per person per night. If you prefer no hot tub accommodation, it’s only £37.80 per person.

The resort is ideal for the rugged North Devon coast path or for pottering around Ilfracombe licking ice creams and watching the boats.

For a couple staying 2 nights between Sunday and Thursday, check out these options:

The resort takes dogs, has a cafe, bar, restaurant, swimming pool and sauna, and is a short walk from the town centre. More details and booking

It’s not just about walking. It’s a way of seeing Torbay with people who know what they’re talking about.

The English Riviera Walking Festival tries to offer something for everyone from “fairly easy” to “fairly strenous”. For example:

Choose from more than 20 aimed at people who like walking with a purpose, a view, wildlife, or a bit of local knowledge.

Car park details, toilets and facilities are listed on individual walk pages. Most walks have toilets at the start, finish or on the way.

They are summer evening outings first, theatrical performances second.

That’s not to downplay the amazing actors, but the experience is more than the show.

It’s the setting, the picnic, the weather, the birds and the risk that something might go wrong, all adding up to a special event.

Here’s where you can experience it Devon soon, with two leading open air Shakespeare theatre companies.

Romeo & Juliet by The Duke’s Theatre Company:

Othello by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men (all-male cast)

It sits on Ilfracombe seafront like something that landed from another planet.

Never failing to spark comment, The Landmark Theatre has been described as looking like everything from power station cooling towers to Madonna’s bra.

So why is a theatre operating inside upside down flower pots?

The Landmark was built on the site of an old Victorian theatre and, architects being architects, the replacement was always going to be a bit different.

The cones are supposed to echo the glass-blowing kilns once operating in the area and are a deliberate contrast to the town’s dominant 19th century style.

Inside is a surprisingly large 483-seat auditorium offering musicals, film screenings, theatre and community events.

Coming up this summer are screenings of Pride on Friday 12th June and the National Theatre Live’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses on Thursday 25th June.

Go for a show, but also go for the building. Theatre website

Last week’s result

How far would you travel for an unusual event?

Shirley selected 15-30 minutes and wrote: “I prefer not to travel after dark especially on the smaller roads”

Teena chose 30-60 minutes and said: “Any further could involve overnight stays, meals out etc all adding to the cost ”

FEATURED: 🐶 A 7-day stay for 8 in a dog-friendly holiday home in Appledore. Content creation required. (14th Jul)

NEW! 🌊 A 2-course meal and drink for 2 people at Heydays restaurant on Exmouth seafront (10th Jun)

NEW! 🥃 3 chances to win a Dartmoor whisky tasting experience for 2. You must have an EX or TQ postcode to enter. (30th Jun)

NEW! 🍻 A beer and pasties giveaway. A 12-pack of Devon Dumpling beer and 8 Chunk of Devon Steak or Chunki Roast Veg pasties (30th Jun)

🐑 A 2-night stay in a shepherd's hut for 2 adults and 2 children in a choice of locations, including Devon (Purchase required). (2nd July)

Did you win something? Let me know

🛳 Paddle steamer trips to Lundy Island

🌳 Fabulous food and glorious gardens

🎼 Forgotten English Music

⚓ Royal Dockyard Open Day

That’s all for this week. Thanks for being a member.

NEXT ISSUE The Katona Twins

Andy, Esme and Lara