HERE’S our list of things to do and enjoy in and around Swindon this weekend, August 1 and 2.

1/ Wiltshire Police Dog Display, Saturday and Sunday from 11am - Visit Bowood House and Gardens hosts this The main show ring, on the grassed area near Bowood’s adventure playground, will feature a variety of demonstrations such as mock chases to apprehend criminals and sniffer dogs in action plus agility and obstacle courses, a spokesman said.

“There will be the chance to meet the dogs and their handlers from Wiltshire Police’s specialist dog handling unit who will be happy to chat and answer questions,” he said.

“There will be the opportunity too for a close-up look at police vehicles. A crash vehicle manned by roads policing team, a marked response vehicle, a police communications vehicle and a firearms vehicle will all be exhibited.”

Doors open at 11am and admission is free as part of the entrance cost for Bowood House and Gardens.

For full details and admission prices, log on to bowood.org/events

2/ Summer Fete on Saturday from noon to 4pm, at Goddard Park Primary School, Park North, will raise awareness and funds for local families whose lives are touched by autism and/or ADHD.

The playing field will feature bouncy castles, Jacko the children’s entertainer, stalls, a hog roast and food truck and the top raffle prize of a Dyson Rollerball vacuum cleaner.

Access is from the school’s Lyndhurst entrance, with very limited parking. No dogs are allowed and no under 16s without an accompanying adult.

3/ Coate Water on Saturday, between 10am and 11.30am, hosts a fun event for Teddy bears.

“Bring along your favourite Teddy to this great event where we will be playing games to help our Teddies get the most out of being outside whilst learning what it is that Teddies need to survive,” said a spokesman.

The event is suitable for children aged between five and seven, with younger siblings welcome. 

Anyone wishing to take part should meet at the Coate Water Ranger Centre and is advised to wear old clothes and sturdy shoes, to bring a small rucksack and a favourite Teddy.

Book on 01793 490150 or by email to swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk

4/ Swindon Stamp and Postcard Fair is on Saturday, between 9.30am and 3.30pm, at the Western Community Centre, in Somerset Road, Rodbourne Cheney.

Admission is 20p and all are welcome - parking is free at the venue.

5/ The Dig for Victory weekend at Whitehall Garden Centre at Corsham Road, Lacock, SN15 2LZ, features authentic military vehicles and home front as well as a VE Day High street.

Enjoy the Just Jive dancers, 1940s fashion shows and singers, stalls, sing-a-long and a variety show.

Entry is free with further details on 01249 730204.

6/ The Big Latch On, Saturday at 10am - Swindon mums will show the benefits of breastfeeding as part of a worldwide celebration at Lydiard Park on, which marks the start of World Breastfeeding Week.

Coun Brian Mattock, Swindon Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “The Big Latch On is an opportunity to raise awareness of the huge benefits of breastfeeding as well as promote the wealth of free support on offer which all mums are very welcome to call on.”

See www.nhs.uk/breastfeeding and www.swindonbreastmates.co.uk for more information.

7/ Horseless Steeplechase - Barbury is globally famous for its annual horse trials event but on Sunday racegoers will have to contend without the faithful steeds in this year's Horseless Steeplechase.

Last year the fundraising event organised by the The Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix and the Rotary Club of Marlborough welcomed around 100 runners who helped to raise more than £2,000 for Rotary charities with racers tackling the Barbury International Horse Trials Course, with its array of obstacles, on foot.

This year will see the fourth instalment of the unusual day in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance and other charities, which is organised by the Rotary clubs of Swindon Phoenix and Marlborough.

There are three races ranging from a 2.5-mile course for novices, to a five-mile course for the chasers and the ultimate 10-mile Cross Country Challenge for thoroughbreds.

"All proceeds from the day will go to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and charities supported by Rotary. Last year we raised £2,817, and we want to beat this figure this year," said a spokesman.

For more information or to sign up visit www.horseless-steeplechase.org.uk