Breed Notes
5th November

Firstly some news concerning our Collies, not in the show ring but with their owners, doing much to promote the breed.
Jane Spendelow and her Uffspring Unmistakable, when not in the show ring, Henry as he is known at home has been practicing Agility. He is not the only collie to take up this “sport” as many others have been posting re their success.

Henry has recently won his way up to Grade 3, which is good. The grades start from 1-7. 7 being the Ch status. To win a grade you should have 2+wins from classes with possibly at least 50 entrants and the dog must achieve a faultless clear round. As a Rough, he is classed in the larger grade and often competes against Border Collies. He has managed to progress by gaining 75 points which means he has had 7 clear rounds with places and is currently progressing to Grade 4 with 159 points (200 required) and then can claim is Bronze Agility Warrant. Since he started in late 2019 and like many competing had to suspend his activities due to Covid but is now becoming quite well known. Jane writes that he has given her so much pleasure competing and only wishes she had taken it up earlier as there are many younger (and fitter) people and dogs now into the sport. Well done to all and if your collie does this please do let me know for the future.

Another collie making her mark through adverts is Stefani Flower and her dual CC winning Serenlas Obsession, known as Faith. She has recently become the face of Llanerchaeron National Trust Gardens. This is, as you guessed a National Trust property in Ceredigion, which with the help of the Ops Manager, Olivia, now heads up a campaign to invite all dogs’ access to the beautiful grounds and gardens from November 6th which means many dog lovers can now take in the gardens and woodland walks with their companions.
Now to this week’s Championship Show, London & Provincial CC under the current guidance of Secretary, Kate Arrowsmith, who, I understand will be retiring following the completion of this year’s show. Once I have official details of the new Secretary, I shall let you all know.

With 2 Breed Specialists judging, the entry was unusually low. On the day there was just a total 44 Roughs present, over 22 classes and obviously some absentees. I think the breakdown was originally 25 and 39 as published by L&P but not having seen a catalogue, I cannot confirm this.  Was this due to it the onset of the Winter Solstice with clocks changing? Too many shows, this was show No 30 in a very busy calendar and even more to come before the end of the year. Was it the venue? London & Provincial do like to stay at the Ditton Community Centre, located just off the M20 in Kent which is not an easy accessible venue for many. Although they did hold a previous Ch show back in the summer at Bradfield, their usual Summer Venue or?????

Gwen found her first class winner, Veteran in Shelley Skinner and her Nikal It’s Gud to Be Black VW who also took the same award when Gwen last judged at Manchester in 2019 although he was alone in the class.

MP was won by Corydon Krug and Miranda Blake whilst Melissa Lockyer continued her wins with Gataj Out of The Woods.
Junior had the 3rd in Puppy, Prince of Sunlight Handsome Devil winning. Corydon Krug also won Novice. The graduate dog entry was absent so Gwen moved on to award Robin Blaikie PG with Kourika King Pin. Mid Limit was the start of a wonderful day for Vanessa Cronk as her Chelborn Story Teller took this class. Miranda and her blue Corydon Pol Roger, a blue won Limit and Vanessa re entered the ring to win Open and the Dog CC with Int Ch/ Ch Skabona The Gambler at Chelborn, beating Val Geddes and Ch Ingledene Mercury Risin’ who took home the RCC.

A nice message from Vanessa, as she let me know this is his 6th CC and having been handed her “lucky ring number, 13” she really had a feeling it could be a good day. BPD went to Corydon Krug.

Geoff awarded VB to Jane Margetts and Collingvale Chardonnay and I think she was also BVIB and BVIS and a message confirming this, after 18 months away from the show ring, for owner Jane, and an added bonus of £5.00

. Puppy winners included Corydon Belle Époque for Miranda and Melissa with Gataj Good Time Girl. Junior was won by the only entrant, Val Geddes and Ingledene Sno Angel. Yearling went to Ladnar Inkspot whilst Monica Wells won Graduate with Amalie Just Annie at Terelimon. PG had 2 entrants with Riverside Song Xtra Sweet at Rahlissa winning.  John Tipper won ML with 5 entries with Tiganlea Too Good To Be True whilst Melissa won Limit with Gataj Girls Best Friend. Winning Open, was the eventual CC winner, Ch Hanvale Polly Shelby for Hannah and Simon. This is her 4th CC, having been “made up” at Richmond by Josh Blackburn.  Vanessa continued her lucky day as although she was 2nd in Open, she then took home the RBCC with Chelborn Wish List
At the end of the day, Vanessa was BIS with her tricolour boy, Jane Margetts took BVIB with Collingvale Chardonnay and BPIB was Corydon Krug.

Sadly I end these notes with the news that Ferruchio Sala, from Italy died recently. A name many may not recognise but he did spend time with Maria-Teresa Garabelli at the Cambiano kennel. He also had both Border Collies and Cardigan Corgis and loved his life up in the hills and enjoyed game shooting amongst other many sports.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)