8th December 2023

British Collie held an Open Show at Overseal Village Hall last Saturday but the full Committee, headed by Acting Secretary, Duna Jones were depleted, as was the overall entry
Duna  very sensibly decided to stay home to care for husband Alan who is still in hospital with some rather worrying problems, so obviously felt, quite rightly, family first, I am sure we all wish Alan a speedy recovery and we hope to see Duna out and about in the future. Treasurer, Jo Hodges, now based in Scotland faced a 5-hour journey in poor weather conditions along with a newly born litter of Australian Shepherds and Brenda Cooney was unable to attend. Thanks to committee members Gwen Beadon and Mike Wensley, I can give you all the results.
Those Committee Members not engaged with the actual judging pulled together to produce, under difficult circumstances and to hold quite a memorable show. Ably helped by others who either came along to enjoy a Day out and then offered their services to help out. Stella Clarke offered help and could be found serving teas and coffees and bacon rolls. Mention of these, BIS Judge, Geoff Duffield could be found in the kitchen, dressed in a very becoming Union Jack pinny, donated by Anne & Nick Smith,  organising bacon and sausage rolls. Wife Gwen also did her bit sorting out judges’ lunches. Joanna Lake and mum, Tracey Wilkinson called in too and ended up judging the special BCC adult handling classes, where entries could be made on the day. Judge for the smooths, Kiera Martin, Sturtmoor (of which there were 8 entered and 5 present) brought along her family for a day out, including son Lucas who was celebrating his 5th birthday and was presented with a cake.
The entry for Hazel Allsopp, Sandmel (wife of Derek, who did a sterling job along with daughter Isobel selling Raffles) amounted, on paper to just 40 including 1 NFC but actually present, on the day were just, 10 dogs and 12 bitches with a mixed Veteran class to start off the day won by Marianne Benton and Ch Brooklynson Jane Russell of Oakestelle VW with Di Collino and Wicani Altitude at Imaginist 2nd and Shelley Skinner and Mia, Samhaven Time Is Money at Nikal taking the final place.
Best dog , went to Marianne and Ch Brooklynson El Dorado ShEx, with 2nd in the mixed Veteran class (only beaten by a bitch) Wicani Altitude at Imaginist taking RBD and Sue Randall who won Junior with Ladnar Makemeawinner was declared BPD
In bitches, BB went to Takhisis Lady of Mystery for Sophie, RBB to Ladnar Izadorable from the same class. BPB to Kiss Me Kate di Cambiano at Fivejays (Imp Italy) for owners Marion Radford House and Mrs F Durrant.
BOB went to Sophie and her sable bitch, BPIB to Ladnar Makemeawinner and BVIB to Ch Pedro. The services of the Referee, Geoff Duffield were only required for BIS which was won by Sophie and by 3.30pm everyone was homeward bound.
Some  recently sad news in from Jackie Stockden, Willowgarth, who has sadly let me know that Nicola Page, Tycharm, recently died. Nicola shared the Tycharm affix with close friend Margaret Ashmore, who herself is not in the best of health. Their claim to fame was winning the CC with their home-bred boy blue merle boy, Tycharm Starlight at Southern Counties Ch show. He was owned by Nicola but jointly bred and won when the late Albert Turner judged in 1994. Sired by Ch Pelido Blue Bolero out of Tycharm Black Gem who was a Ch Pelido Guilty daughter.
Finally, please send your thoughts to our own Julie Growcott who has had, and is still having, a traumatic time with 2 of her collies, a mother and daughter. Sadly, one has passed to play on Rainbow Bridge , Tula, known officially as Jopium Fascinator was a real live wire at home and in charge, she did well in the show ring, winning many awards including a CC back in 2015, and a couple of RCC's, and will be sadly missed by all. Her daughter is now on strict cage rest for quite a few weeks and is responding quite well. Both were under intensive Veterinary care, at the same time with completely un-related issues.  I am sure we can all sympathise with Julie at this difficult time and give her time.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com