I fell in love with rabbits at the age of nine, my first pet being a crossbred Dutch before discovering the wonderful world of exhibition rabbits, where more than five hundred varieties are recognised by the British Rabbit Council.

What's your favourite? Follow our photos to the link to see monthly downloads of popular fancy, lop, fur and rex breeds.

What's mine?  I have to admit, I love them all. Here I'm cuddling three fairly recent newcomers, the Miniature Rex in Orange, Ermine and Otter. At a top weight of 2.041kg they're easy to house, feed and handle, a great favourite with the ladies.

Please pay us a regular visit, as each month I'll be bringing you up to date with bunny topics...

Judging by the show reports that have been arriving during the past few weeks, the recession is hitting the Fancy pretty hard, and with fewer exhibits and visitors many clubs are having to dig deep into their savings. There's a well known saying "Use It or Lose It" so it is vital that these local clubs, the backbone of The Fancy, continue to be supported by their members. (If you have any thoughts on this topic, email me, pat@furandfeather.co.uk for inclusion on our letters page.)

The good news is that some local clubs are thriving - it is really pleasing to see that the reformed Hastings & St Leonards club is enjoying bumper turnouts this summer, encouraged by an enthusiastic committee and, I'm told, "brilliant barbecue cooking" by the Secretary's dad. (We've some photos of their latest show in our August issue.)

St Austell is another club that locals love to support. The club has just celebrated its 60th birthday with a bumper show, offering a delicious birthday tea to all its supporters. Again, we've been sent some photos. If you'd like to praise your local club why not email me their story and also send us some photos for our next issue.

On a personal note, thank you for your kind messages following the sudden death on June 7 of my husband Eric. I was especially touched by the Fur & Feather team's tributes to Eric in the July issue, and also by those from his friends that are included in our August issue. They have been of great comfort.

My loss has meant  many lifestyle changes. On the livestock front a friend promptly adopted our numerous chickens, while several of Eric's Lops were found good homes as house pets. But although I intend to keep and show my beloved Rex, there was a major calamity this week when the rabbitry roof and back wall finally succumbed to my next door neighbour's clematis hedge and the now-sagging structure blew out the electrics.

However, this may prove to be a blessing in disguise as I now have no choice but to save up for a new rabbitry. It will be placed nearer the house where there is access to lighting and water, especially if we have another bad winter.

Enjoy the August shows - Jason and I will be visiting one or two events this summer and hopefully we'll have a chance to chat to you at the West Midlands Championship Show (Walsall) on Sunday August 29 - the full advertisement for this major four star event is included in our August issue.

 More from my notepad next month.