7th May

One has to have sympathy for many of our breed clubs during these extraordinary times with shows being cancelled, re-arranged etc. The WECS is amongst one of the many as it was on rotation last year, therefore did not hold a Ch show then had both its Open Show and Ch show cancelled this year and on top of all this, I received a phone call from Phil Amos, Chairman of West of England Collie Society informing me of the death of one of its very valued and most popular committee members, Jim Torbet
Jim died on 25th April after a long illness which he kept to himself. He never really got over the loss of his beloved wife, Joan who died just over a year ago.

Jim could always be relied on to help produce the well know Round Up magazine and was a mainstay of the Committee, being Treasurer and Vic-Chairman of WECS and devoted much of his time to the club

Jim and Joan had the small kennel of Bowminster with their collies coming mainly from the late Gill Bowne in the form of the only CC winner I can recall, in Atendus Quest For Liberty at Bowminster. Born in 1998 and sired by Ch Lingwell Lancer, Libby was out of Atendus Search For Love and was a shaded sable who won the CC at Border Union in 2003 from Anne Hutchison (Dalrannoch)

Joan and Jim did breed a few litters and with some success and just enjoyed their collies and all the friends who came with them.
His daughter has notified that his funeral will be held and any condolences may be made via her, Mrs. L Byford, Abonnemam, High Street, Lower Brailes, Nr Banbury, Warwickshire. OX15 5AS

On other matters, how many of you have read in the May Issue of the KC Journal that details of all dogs seeking permission to show following various operations will no longer be published in either the BRS or the Journal  but an “anonymous annual report” will be collated for each breed and supplied to the Breed Health co-Ordinator. This is to encourage exhibitors to submit permission to show with the knowledge that this anonymous information will be incorporated into an evidence base for their breed and will be invaluable in identifying common surgical procedures and areas in breed health that the Kennel Club can support, for the betterment of the breed. Should you have any queries regarding this, please contact the Health Team at health@thekennelclub.org.uk

Finally, more sad news, this time from Sue Randall. Who sadly informed me that her beloved Phenix, Ch Ladnar Kingfisher was given sleep recently. A blue merle, the only one in a litter tricolours soon made his way into Sue & Dave’s heart. Born in April 2008 he was sired by Country’s Dream King For Day out of a blue bitch, Ch Ladnar Maid Sweet.

He soon made his mark at shows and aged 10 months went to Crufts and made a memory for Sue and Dave, as along with his mother, Ch Ladnar Maid Sweet, he annexed not only BP but the Dog CC and BOB from Jack Bispham (Bridgedale) and co-judge Angela Hodgson agreed to him being BOB.

His 2nd CC came at WELKS from Marian Penwarne and his title from Lyn Maxwell (Aintshe) at Midland Counties the same year. In 2010 he collected 2 more CC’s from the late Peter Bailey and Robin Newhouse. In 2011 he took the CC, BOB and BIS and the wonderful British BIS trophy home with him. 2012 saw him return again to win 2 more CC’s, these from Malcolm Patterson and Geoff Duffield. 2013 saw him attend 2 club shows and win well again from Chris Casling and Angela Hodgson (who had awarded his dam the CC 3 years previously). 2015 saw the last of his 11 CC’s being won at WECS from Mac Shutt. During his show career he also won 16 Rcc’s including at Crufts.

A happy friendly boy he gained many admirers and was used at stud and produced 2 Champions, in Ch Samhaven Crest and Ch Cariadhaf Candy Kisses, both blue merles. His other offspring included the late Ladnar Skylark who won CC’s before her untimely death, Samhaven Temptation Ladnar (who went to Italy but then produced Fata Turchina Ladnar di Cambiano who returned the Uk for Sue and Dave); Jotars Enchanted Moon and J. Spirited Moon, Birkmyre Blue Diamond and Birkmyre Blue For You Salsina; Bloo Taboo and Two Tone at Tiganlea to name but a few.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)