27th October 2023

Firstly, some sad news as I heard that Pat Latham, who had the small but influential Eilroy kennel died recently having suffered ill health for a few years.
Although there was a Champion bred by Pat but owned and campaigned by Glenys Plank, this was Ch Eilroy Silver Thistle for Rayvel (Ch Sundorne Spiritualist ex Eilroy Amaranth) there were others who have left their mark for many kennels, including Wicani and Imaginist to name just two. Some of these were, E. Blue Blitz, E. Witch Doctor. The kennel was originally based on the Rickwood kennel of the late Jean & Colin Lawson and were very popular in the South-East and Pat was another member of the “Maidstone Group” who frequented many of the shows in that area.
After all the horrendous weather, especially in Scotland and parts of England and Wales,  I do hope you are all safe and sound.
The Officers and Committee of London Collie Club had contingency plans should the weather be inclement to judge indoors, but, as usual, probably due to the late Frank Mitchell looking down, the day dawned dry and sunny . A bit damp underfoot but it did allow all judging to take place outside. I have to say, it was a pleasure to attend this event, just over an hour away and to be met by many enjoying the day with a calm and welcoming atmosphere. (the refreshments and raffle were excellent and I brought home a few raffle prizes too) and came away wishing all shows could be as enjoyable as LCC.
There was a good entry for judge Lynda Nicholas (Nickarlyn) who had 44  roughs for her perusal with a few absentees. Best Dog was Gwen Beadon and Hektor, Marvalan Spirit of Rock (Imp pol) and he won from Limit. RBD was Triburle Bluebolero for Noel and Christine and he won Graduate. BPD was a son of the BD, Ladnar Makemeawinner for Dave & Sue Randal, whilst another brother, Shelley Skinner and her Ladnar Makeithappen for Nikal took MPD. Ann Page was BVD with Lynmead Amalie Let Me Go, although he had only been beaten by a bitch in the mixed Veteran class. Kelekona Hearts of Gold and Cathy Cooper won Junior and Gataj Out of The Woods won Open for Melissa. Great to see Graham ringside, keeping Melissa on her toes. He did let me know that a second operation is still required and it is hoped this can be completed before Christmas.
Now to the ladies, BB went to Melissa and Gataj Good Time Girl, winning Open, RBB was interesting, as although Paul Ross and now his expert handler, grand-daughter Paige,  and his Most Majestic Timeless Touch at Samshernik had won Limit, the others in the challenge were  Tremaro Kind of Magic who had won Graduate and her sister, Tremaro Cast A Spell took PG. both owned by Rob Shipp, so a change of handlers was required. Sadly, perhaps being new to showing, Paige still had her Limit winner’s ring number displayed on her charge, Tremaro Cast A Spell, who was then declared RBB.  Maybe a quick check by both owners and handlers to ensure that the correct number is displayed on the right exhibit.   BPB went to Morag & Jim McCartes Roughrigg Red Lagertha who also won Junior but was beaten in Graduate and therefore was not in challenge, piloted, as usual by Hannah but beat Christine Collins with Stonehaven Pride Pure Passion for Triburle for BPB.  BVB was Doris McDade and Beldones Sweet Illusion with Lyndale.

BOB Rough was Melissa and Gataj Good Time Girl, BPIB to Roughrigg Red Lagertha, BVIB to Doris and her sable lady whilst Gwen took RBOB with Hektor.
Smooths were also scheduled here with Toni Jackson judging and her BOB and BPIB went to Julie Sewell, but handled by mum, Penny and moved by Dave Randall.
Both judges agreed for BIS which went to the tricolour smooth who was also BPIS and celebrated his birthday the following day, what a way to end his super puppy career!
Lynda also judged the AV Rough & AV Smooth classes, based on colour with Best Tri going to Erjon Elegant Annie at Samshernik for Paul Ross; Ladnar Makeithappen for Nikal took Blue merle for Shelley and Best Sable another win for Paige and Paul and Most Majestic Timeless Touch at Samshernik.
Ed Forsey (Muzoku) had been allocated the SAC classes, with a good entry of 14 over 3 classes and his winners were: Gataj All That Sparkles; Corydon Agatha Cristal now in the ownership of Cathy Cooper and finally Gataj Good Time Girl who won Open.

News in from Scotland, where Lorraine Quince and her Oakley Ice Queen for Karafaye attended Kirkintilloch & Lenzie Open show on the same day and annexed not only BOB, BPIB, Pastoral Puppy G1 and Adult Pastoral G1 from judge Lorraine Bolton (Rikarlo). Lorraine felt that perhaps all the attention and noise got to her youngster as she went no further in the BIS selection.
News of the funeral details for Bob Crozier (Lasheen) this will be held 6th November at Northumberland Crematorium, Bockenfiled, Felton NE65 9QJ at 11.15 with a gathering afterwards at nearby Cook and Barker.
Lastly, for any of you who missed it, (available on BBC I Player) was the opening item on the Antiques Road Show with the late Joe & Nan Kirk’s son Geoffrey showing a painting by the very well-known artist, the late Basil Blackshaw, of a collie, known at home as Oscar. We are under the impression that this was Ir Ch Cregagh Pattingham Paymaster. According to our KCSB, he was bred by Geoff Mildon but held the Pattingham registration for the late Margaret Franklin, before leaving for his new owners, Joe and Nan. In those days, it was allowed to attach your kennel name to the start of a name. Born in February 1969, he was sired by Ch Pattingham Pacemaker out of Geoffdon New Romance. He also held his UK KCSB number along with his Irish title. This painting was the result of a “Bet” between Joe and Basil on the understanding that if Oscar gained his title, Basil would paint him! There was also a lovely photograph of Joe Kirk, with another of his collies, this was Ir/Uk Ch Cregagh Henry Higgins, another top winner, who had multi Irish & UK wins including a BIS, owned by Joe and Nan. How nice to see the Rough featured on the TV and having received news of the value of the painting, his son let it be known that as a family heirloom, even though it is now quite valuable, the painting stays in the family.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com