The highlight of the weekend was the Midland Collie Championship Show. Well done to the Officers and Committee for making the decision, not just to move venues but also for putting on a good show for all concerned
The judges for this Centenary Event, were Dogs, Alan Jones, who now has the Van Glenalan affix in Italy although his Glenalan collies, in the UK, were very well known some time back. He last judged in the UK at ACC in 2012 and prior to this also at MCC back in 2006. Karen Colman-Smith was invited for the ladies and she last judged LCC males last year.
The new venue of the West Hall at the KC Building, Stoneleigh Park proved a good choice as the floor is dog friendly and facilities are there for good catering, although I understand the previous day Hannah was kept very busy cooking for all concerned. I am sure this was appreciated by many
Headed by Secretary, Hannah Walder and supported by husband Simon, Show Secretary, Sophie Wray-Ramsden and other committee members who were not showing,  this event has been publicised for some time. As this year MCC celebrated 100 years and we were all were continually “kept up to date” with all the extra special prizes available on the day. One very interesting suggestion from Co-Opted Committee Member, Jake Walsh was the invitation to all exhibitors to provide a hamper (of their own choice) which would be raffled later on, with contribution from those same exhibitors to boost club funds. In all, I understand that there were 32 hampers made up and what a display they provided, and, no doubt a boost to  club funds.
There were rosettes in abundance to celebrate the day, raffle tickets attached to prize cards, numerous dog food specials and it would appear this was appreciated by all the winners.
As reported previously MCC had been granted approval to change their Puppy Walk into actual Baby Puppy Classes and on the day, 4 entries had been received and just 1 Absent. All entrants were judged by Karen Colman-Smith (Karlaina) and ending up Best Baby Puppy in Show was Tiganlea Gulliver’s Travels, owned and bred by John & Caroline Tipper who was born 10th September last year. I think all entrants received a rosette and a toy along with other specials.
The actual entry on paper was good, 61 males, 69 females, 4 Baby Pups and 5 NFC, although in one class of 8, 5 were absent. No doubt the recent severe weather warnings of snow, rain and wind plus the usual coat loss accounted for those missing.
Taking the DCC, his 2nd, having won previously at ACC last year was No More Heroes du Clos de Sea-Wind (Imp Fra) shown by Rob Shipp and owned jointly with wife Margaret and he won from Open. His was born in October 2017, sired by Desperado du Clos de Sea-Wind out of  I'm A Barbie Girl du Bois des Amazones
Although 2nd in Open, Very Special Angel Silvestre at Gataj (Imp Bel) was called in; the RDCC went to Eddie and Caz Waterhouse, Lynmead Royal Lover who won from Junior at his very first show!   Sired by Born To Be Your Quite Famous Lynmead (Imp Hun), his dam is Timeless Twilights Send With Love to Lynmead and born November 2022.  Best Puppy Dog was the MP winner, Paulara perfect Addition with Gerian, owned by Gee McEntee but I think, handled by Doreen Clarke. Reserve BPD was the winner of Puppy, Prince of Sunlight Thrilled By The Difference at Gataj (Imp Hungary). Best Veteran Dog and enjoying his day out was Ch/Fr Ch Jugband Blues du Clos de Sea-Wind via Aaronwell and John Congdon. Taking Reserve Veteran was Jo White and Ch Mejola Fate and Fortune ShCx
Now to the ladies and topping these was the Open Winner, Artzaiak Strawberry Rose for Salsina (Imp Spain), known at home as Lizzie, this is her 1st CC and is owned by Jayne & Carl Llewellyn. Sired by Juicy Couture of Lowlands Green Valley out of Artzaiak Secondhand Rose, who already has 2 CC’s. Bred by Jose Maria Arumbru Duran and celebrates her birthday in June. Winning the RBCC, from Mid Limit, was the blue Ingledene Crystal Vision of Phreelancer, handled by her breeder, Valerie but owned by committee member, Lene Newman. This little lady is sired by Ingledene Well Sooted out of Ingledene Sno Wanda and was born in January 2022.
Best Puppy bitch went to Aaronwell Able Mabel for John Congdon, RBPB to the MPB winner, Avonfair A Million Dreams for Michelle Mitchell and family. Sue Beare won Veteran with her Jemspark Maid In Secret whilst RBVB went to Telforth Sweet Dreams to Corisian who stood 2nd in the same class.
Brian Hawkins, Club President was listed for BIS but I do not think his services were required
BIS, and many,many goodies, far too numerous to mention were loaded back into Jayne’s van, leaving little room for Lizzie (Artziak Strawberry Rose) and passengers!  RBIS went to Valerie handling Ingledene Crystal Vision of Phreelancer for Lene Newman. Best Opposite Sex In Show to No More Heroes and Rob Shipp;  Best Puppy In Show to John Congdon and Aaronwell Able Mabel whilst RBPIS went to Avonfair A Million Dreams for Michelle Mitchell and family. BVIS was a lovely win for Jive (Ch/Fr Ch Jugband Blues du Clos de Sea-Wind via Aaronwell and John Congdon and Sue Beare took Reserve BVIS with Jemspark Maid in Secret. Whilst not actually listed under the catalogue awards  but donated by overseas clubs there were awards of rosettes for BMPIS and Best Junior In Show which kept Gwen Beadon and Shelley Skinner on their toes to call in appropriate exhibits. Finally, Best Junior In Show went to the dog, Lynmead Royal Lover and Caz, and BMPIS to Michelle and Avonfair A Million Dreams.
So ended the first of many events that MCC are promoting during this their Centenary Year.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com