21st May

Alan Clarke, Lynway, passed away peacefully on 8th May 2020.
His parents, Ena and Roland started the Lynway kennel in the early 1950’s and with Doreen whom Alan met and married in 1978 continued to enjoy many great achievements in their breeding and showing of their Rough Collies.

Doreen also campaigned the blue merle Sheltland Sheepdog Irish Champion Glenawind Lavender Lady to her English title.
Alan’s contribution to the Collie world through his love of the breed will continue via those he has helped and influenced over time.

For many years he served on The British Collie Club committee and the Breed Council and instigated a number of well supported events and seminars. “With the breed at heart, the exhibitor in mind “ was the quote at that time.

His last judging appointment for Roughs was The Irish Collie Club in 2016 with John Congdon winning both CC’s.
At Crufts 2003 he awarded the Dog CC to Anne Hassock’s Camanna The Copyist.

He was scheduled to judge Smooth Collies at Crufts in 2019 but that wasn’t to be due to his failing health.

Exhibiting his first Collie at 8 years old and taking on his first judging appointment in his late teens, he went on to judge at most of the Collie Club Championship shows and many of the all breed Ch. shows too.

His wealth of experience was regularly called upon both at home and throughout Europe. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with anyone who asked him and would always be ready to lend an ear.

He, along with the family were ringside at Crufts in 2017 when Doreen judged, awarding the 3rd and crowning CC to Pauline Sibbald’s Telforth Tony who Alan had previously awarded his 1st CC.

Alan was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at The British Collie Club Championship Show in 2019, the last show he attended. He was both surprised and humbled to receive it.

Before moving to Rochdale with Doreen and his parents in 1978 the Lynway Collies were all rehomed with other breeders due to E-Coli present in the grounds of their property.

However a few Champions were still bred there including Lynway Sundance, a son of Ch. Ramsey of Rokeby and Lynway Shabby Tiger who went on to become International Champion in Scandinavia.

More followed after the move in the form of Ch. Lynway Sandknocker, Ch. Eirrac Thundercloud at Lynway ( Top Collie 1983 ) , Ch. Emryks April Affair at Lynway ( Top Collie 1985 ), Ch. Myberns Mystery at Lynway.

Others sold on as puppies also became Champions. Among them were Ch. Can This Be Me at Camanna ( by Clorita Almost Amorous at Lynway) winning his first Res. CC at Belfast under Brian Hawkins, owned by Anne Hassock and Ch. Lynway Sign Of Love at Drenoss ( by Llangilli Eloquent Charm at Lynway ) owned by mother and daughter team Ros Cartwright and Denise Wainwright who gained her title and Best if Breed when I judged at WELKS in 1993 along with Alan’s mother Ena.

Lynway Seldom Sober was successfully campaigned by Alan winning his first Res. CC at Crufts under Jimmy Tait. Then at 4 years old was exported to Germany to the well known Rosegarden Kennel of Birgit and Claus-Peter Fricke. “Boozer” as he was affectionately known soon became German Champion, finally gaining the accolade of International Champion and became top stud dog all breeds for a number of years with another Lynway, Shadeed, running a close second. No mean feat !!
There are many more one could mention, including some very influential bitches bred on Lynway lines, some of whom are to be found in later generations of some of those in the show ring today.

Alan will be missed by so many for his wealth of knowledge, his kindness and his wit. He was a family man whose love of the good things in life was clearly evident. His colourful style, love of good food and wine and exotic holidays were obvious to all who knew him.

The Lynway name will continue to be maintained by Doreen and who knows maybe one day ???

A message from Doreen and family who would like to thank everyone both at home and abroad for the wonderful messages, cards and tributes they have received. The funeral will take place Tuesday 26th May but due to the current situation it is limited to family only. A celebration of Alan’s life will take place later but in place of flowers, Doreen and family would welcome donations. Alan’s chosen charities are, Collie Rescue, Cancer Research and Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. These will be split evenly and can be sent to Robert Holland, Funeral Directors, 14 St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, Lincs. NG31 6TS. The bank details are: Sort Code 20.43.88. Account 83450619, (Writing Alan Clarke as the reference )
Cheques to Payee: Robert Holland Donations Account. (Please write Alan Clarke on the reverse of the cheque)

Congratulations to Julie Growcott and her band of helpers, Sophie Ramsden-Wray and Marina McLaughlin who worked hard on the On Line Fun Show for both Rough and Smooth Collies. There were quite a few judges over the 30 plus classes and each chose a class winner, with overall BIS being selected by Jean and John Catliff. In all, this raised the massive amount of £736 for the NHS. Overall winner was an interesting photo from the “Best Six Legs” section depicting one of our exhibitors and his dog but, although the human was naked, the dog was not! Well done all

Now the KC have announced curtailing more shows, even some of those that have been re-arranged, it is now highly doubtful that many of the remaining planned events will take place as cancellations are coming in daily. So, we may have to say goodbye to the 2020 show scene and plan to meet up and celebrate in 2021.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)