Breed Notes 30th January Where else would you wish to be on a Saturday afternoon in Nottingham? Other than at the Annual British Collie Rough Collie of the Year Event. Sadly due to family issues, our 4 entrants, amongst a few others, stayed at home. There were a grand total of 47 collies, along with their owners competing for various titles. Sponsored by Royal Canin, the BCC also donates diplomas and named rosettes for all the qualifiers and and superb sashes for the overall winners in each category, Secretary Duna Jones was not able to be present but all ran smoothly. Let me elaborate, those able to attend had to qualify by winning either a CC or RCC during 2019, a Best Puppy In Breed Award or a Best Veteran In Breed Award so the company was excellent! Three judges officiate over the selection of Best Junior (from the Puppy awards); Best Veteran, Best Dog and Best Bitch, this year they were: Jane Margetts (Collingvale); Heather Corfield (Lashol) and Linda Pierson (Kiltondale) The junior of the year had 13 attending, and hitting the headlines was the blue merle of Miranda Blake, Corydon Pol Roger, named after a good bottle of champers, no doubt one will be opened tonight to celebrate. R/U was Roughrigg Rag’n’Bone Man, belonging to Jim & Morag McCarte, in 3 rd place Val Tame and her Oh Suzanna de Clos de Sea-Wind at Rahlissa and 4 th place went to Di Ware and her Poker Face du Clos de Sea-Wind at Wassail. Veteran had 11 entries with 4 missing, and taking the title of Veteran of the Year was Ch Heart of Gold de Cabrenysset for Hannah and Simon Walder, just back from a trip to Dubai. R/U was Julie Growcott and Jopium Fascinator, with Samhaven Momentum and Val Tame in 3 rd and taking 4 th spot was Shelley Skinner and her Nikal It’s Gud to Be Black VW and I am sure that mum Glenis was looking down and cheering them on. Now to the males with 18 listed but with 4 missing. Continuing a winning streak was Tiganlea Tone Down for Johan and Caroline Tipper. R/U was Melissa Lockyer and Think of Me Prince of Sunlight (Imp Hun). 3 rd place went to Marina McLaughlin and her blue merle, Moondance de Cabrenysset to Brihow (Imp Fr) and a lovely 4 th place for Ann Page and her Lynmead Amalie Bring Me Back, who I understand was handled on the day by his breeder, Caz Waterhouse. Now to the ladies, with 15 acceptances but only 7 present, heading these was Sue Hawkins and Ch Brilyn Molly Coddles, R/U went to Gwen & Kate with Saganan Blue Diamond. 3rd place went to Simon and Hannah with Hanvale Polly Shelby and Vikki Burrows and Ch Tiganlea Tinkerbelle with Revdvikki won 4 th , handled as usual by co-breeder John Tipper. All the points for all the winners were then collated for the final result and taking the title of RCOTY 2019 fell to Sue and Mona, Ch Brilyn Molly Coddles. R/U to Toby, Tiganlea Tone Down for John and Caroline. The blue merle, Nellie, (Saganan Blue Diamond) for Gwen and Kate took 3 rd . In 4 th place Melissa and her Think of Me Prince of Sunlight at Gataj So ended another popular competition, I think this was the 24 th year it has taken place and preparations were then made for the buffet and annual “knees up/dancing” for the remainder of the evening. On a more sombre note the day was tinged with sadness as former committee member, Jean Aikman lost her long battle and had died a few days previously. Jean was often seen around ringside and loved the shows and had a few good winners under her Welanga affix. These were based on mutual friend Gwen Beadon’s Myriehewe kennel and included her foundation bitch Myriehewe Attraction with Welanga. If possible, she always always tried to go to Crufts either as an exhibitor or spectator. She leaves a daughter Nicola and grandson Callum. The Funeral will be held on the 19th February at Stourbridge Crematorium, DY8 3RQ at 1.30pm. No flowers - donations to Collie Rescue to any other dog charity. There will be a small get together afterwards Carole Smedley |
