Breed Notes
16th April 2020

With many show venues being taken over for the NHS in these troubled times, one does begin to wonder if and when we could start showing again.   The NEC has been taken over as another NHS Nightingale unit but for those with concerns; I can assure you that the Secretary and Committee of the LKA have received assurances direct from the NEC that the whole site will be “DEEP CLEANED” to NHS standards as and when the site is evacuated.

Also many clubs may well be facing financial issues due to show/seminar cancellations but there my be light at the end of this as the Kennel Club have issued an Emergency Relief Initiative, and I quote: The KC have therefore now invited any such club and organization to contact the direct and they will consider loans or grants in the following circumstances.
Where the cancellation of a club show may have a further direct adverse effect on the annual provision of services to Club Members and others (e.g. support for educational events and re-homing issues) So if you feel your Club could benefit or even consider this, please contact the KC by 30th April using the form using the following link – https://thekennelclub.formstack.com/forms/emergency_relief_intiative.

It was with much sadness I read of the death of Tony Jane (Norfranton), a lovely man who despite all his health issues still kept in touch with many of today’s collie exhibitors.

I understand that Tony’s sister Valerie contacted Sandra Wigglesworth to let her know that he had a major stroke and had been admitted to hospital. Unfortunately along with his other health issues, he was not able to recover and died shortly after admission. Sadly due to our current “lockdown” Valerie was not allowed to visit or will be allowed to attend his funeral.
There will be a cremation and Tony will be interred at a later date to be with with his life long married partner Frank Pink by the sea, in Cornwall. I am sure we all send extra special condolences to all.

Tony and Frank, whom he married at a lovely civil ceremony, lived in their home town near Chester although I understand Tony was born in Newquay. I got to know Tony when I was working in the Aircraft industry and a friendship developed from there. Apart from Tony’s love of Collies, and he did have success with many in the show ring, he also took on a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, from Aileen also with success. He was a talented artist and sent Aileen a drawing of one our Ch Cardigans, which still hangs on the wall today. Apart from his canine success, he also was a great fancier of Rabbits and bred some lovely winners and, I think also judged them.

In Collies, he was always careful and selective as to his appointments but always drew good entries, he judged amongst others at Ayrshire, Scottish Breeds, Midland Counties and his last appointment was a Darlington in 2011. Tony was never quite the same man when Frank died in November 2018 and his health deteriorated but regular telephone calls with many of his friends kept him updated with all the news. We send our condolences to all.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)