21st June 2024

The sad news came through on the morning of Border Union, that Terry McGowan, who was surrounded by family, lost his life. It was just last year that Terry stood in the same ring here at Kelso and had the pleasure of making up 2 new champions. To wife Pat and family, we send our thoughts and an obituary can be found here.

Before reporting on Border Union, a few Open Show results to confirm to you all. Very many thanks to those who ACTUALLY contacted me to let me know not only of their wins but kindly let me know of others who also had good wins but, as yet, have not contacted me!
At Maidstone where Whitstable and District held their Open show, Monica Wells and her new baby, Gataj Little Miss Sassy at Terelimon went for an outing and came home with not only BPIB but also PP2, so making a grand start to her career, thanks for letting me know, I understand the judge for both was Sue Bird.

Now to those who called in at Northwich open show where there were quite a few seasoned exhibitors entered. Thanks to Sophie Wray-Ramsden who has let me know that Monty, fresh from his 2nd RCC win and officially known as Takhisis Daggers at Dawn won under a change of judge to Kyrstan Greenland, and took his final points for a JW. I understand that Vanessa Cronk also gained her JW with Erica, Skabona If I Saw You In Heaven for Chelborn won not only BOB but took Pastoral G1. Also, I heard that Alex Mills who owns Hanvale Edina Monsoon also had a great day, but as yet I have not heard from either of them, and Alex also  annexed BP, RBOB, PPG1 and finally took Reserve Best Puppy In Show from Group Judge John Purnell.
A few days later, Royal Cheshire County Show was held, I think at the same ground and Stefani Flower took her dual CC winning Serenlas Pumpkin Spice and annexed BOB from judge Ray Wilkinson and followed that up with a shortlist in the group from Geoff Corish and 2nd in the Open Stakes from Kris Kingsley. Not to be out done, Janine Hanson took BPIB and PG4 from Doreen Smillie-Gray with her Mejola The Special One with Jards.
On another aspect of show news, a lovely mail from Zoe Alexander who owns Ingledene Aramis (Ingledene Well Sooted ex Ingledene The Devil Wears It) has been taking part, not only in general shows and he already holds a KCSB No but also competes in Agility (Grade 3) has recently notched up 400 warrant points thus gaining him a Silver Agility Warrant. Good to know there are roughs gaining AW awards, as if memory serves, Cambrogan Blowin’A Hoolie (Brooke to her friends) regularly competed before her maternal duties. Any other Agility winners would be very much appreciated.
A few raised eyebrows have been noted concerning the latest RKC statement on the New Health Guidance for All Breeders. This is a long document and appears to favour the Health Tests in conjunction with the RKC Preferred Labs. Maybe, as a breed we do need to read and understand the implications for all concerned. More next week. If you do have any queries do not hesitate to contact our own, very knowledgeable BHC – Gwen Beadon.
Border Union held their Ch show at the usual venue with Jeff Luscott (Jalus) centre stage. The entry was 31 males (5 absent) and 27 females also with 5 marked absent. Jeff has awarded CC’s to our breed a few times, the last being at WECS where he judged males in 2016 and at Richmond for both sexes in 2014.
With no MP males, PD went to Jo White and Mejola Top Gun; Sophie won Junior with Monty (Takhisis Daggers at Dawn); Yearling had no entries, and the only entry for Novice, Starlenga All About Majic for Corisian, who was celebrating his birthday on the day as I understand was transferred to the Open class, as maybe he was over qualified for Novice. Kelly Crawford won Graduate with Stregato Foolish Guy and PG went to Gemheid Troubleshooter for Andrea Hainie. Beldones Toucher du Bois won Limit for Odile and Brian followed by an Open win for Vanessa and Chelborn That’ll Do and finally, Jo White won Veteran with Ch Mejola Fate and Fortune.
The DCC, his 2nd went to Beldones Toucher du Bois (HonkyTonk Man of River Tweed ex Beldones Enable) with the reserve being awarded to Sophie and Monty, his 2nd such award following on from his win at Southern Counties where his details were given and BPD to Mejola Top Gun
Now to the ladies, and heading these was John & Val Geddes with their blue, Ingledene Sno Wanda winning her 2nd CC. Sired by Ch/Int Ch One Extraordinary Blu di Cambiano ex Ch Ingledene Spirit of Ecstasy and she was born in September 2018. Winning yet another RCC, I think maybe Erica now has 5 to her name, was Skabona If I Saw You In Heaven for Chelborn and Vanessa Cronk. Other class winners were: Gataj Exotic Girl who won MP for Melissa Lockyer; Avonfair A Million Dreams for Michelle Mitchell and family and both of these stood alone in their classes. Vanessa and Erica won Junior and then Yearling with her Chelborn Tell Me Your Wish; Post Grad went to Jim McCarte handling Morag and his Roughrigg One of A Kind; Lillyway Lemon Sparkle at Nithview won Limit for Mae Melvin & Joan Jopson and Ch Brooklynson Jane Russell of Oakestelle won Veteran for Marianne. Best Puppy bitch was between the single entrants in each of the puppy classes but Michelle Mitchell handed over the lead to close friend, John Ritchie (Dykebar) to handle but this award went to Melissa and Gataj Exotic Girl.
Best of Breed went to Odile and Brian, BP to Jo White and Best Veteran to Marianne and her bitch. Although all attended their appropriate groups, only Marianne was short-listed in the Veteran Group under Tan Nagreecha. Finally, but she would also like us to know that recently, following on from Pedro’s (Ch Brooklynson El Dorado) recent BIS all breeds, he also took BOB, PG4 and BVIS at Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District from Group & Breed Judge Marion Withers so keeping the breed flag flying.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com