22nd March 2024

Back to Crufts, before a few other show reports. As anyone who experienced the mayhem of trying to get dogs to rings, meeting people or even trying to enjoy the day, this was marred by the excess of the general public around our rings. As one of the judges, I did notice some exhibits were not at their best, probably due to the stress of trying to get into and out of rings.
May I suggest, that apart from the obvious, looking at comments on social media, the Crufts committee will NOT be reading all your comments, so, if your complaint needs recognition, please write direct to Crufts. If you have a catalogue, names of those involved (Crufts Show Committee) along with the Chief Canine Operations Officer and Show Manager are all listed on the inside front cover.
I am aware of at least 3 complaints have already been submitted so, if you feel you need to write, please do, as soon as possible.
Now, one of those to suffer, due to the crowds and timing of events, held in other halls, was Joanne Leese and son Henry, who were entered in the breed classes but firstly were involved in the YKC classes for those aged 6-11 years, with their sable, Essenjay Fields of Gold for Firesaga, shown by Henry. Although not placed, Henry piloted his charge well and was suitably dressed to complimented his boy. Having qualified at WKC, he is now full of enthusiasm for attending another Crufts and other shows. Well done to Henry and his long-suffering mum, Joanne we wish you luck!
Sunday, saw Jake Walsh, now doing very well with his Australian Shepherds, judging at Oswestry, where a nice entry waited for him. BP and PG1 went to Julie Edwards and her Elshajo Perfect Valentine and BOB to Stefani Flower and Serenlas Pumpkin Spice who also took PG2. Reserve BOB went to Denis and Mary Beardsworth with Maysinder Sapphire Reign.
Not only did Stefani have a good day at Oswestry, stock bred either by her or her daughter also managed some good wins. Namely  GIB Ch Serenlas Angel of Casatentola annexed BOB and G1 at North Staffs Open show for handler Anne Smith, as her owner, Georgina had other commitments and then took G1 from Lorraine Ratter and Serenlas Black Magic, now back with owner Susan Hawkins took BOB at Exeter.
The Annual St Patricks Day Show weekend over in Ireland saw Andersen Per Kristian (Norway) judging and awarded BOB Rough to Sharon Drewery and Ch Evalane Memory of Monty with Mary McNally’s Fridens Touch Time With Copamage in Reserve and with this win, gives her GSB, Celtic Winner 24 and her 4th CAICB qualifying her for her international title and will be known in the future as: CIB, Ch Fridens Touch Time with Copamage CW24 subject to IKC/FCI confirmation.  The following day was Paul Lawless judging and a repeat win for Sharon but Suzy Nealon took BB with Ezzmare Cradle With Love. At both shows, Tom Wall took RBD with Daliyhaa Master Craftsman.
Finally, if you would like to meet up with both Jess and Vivien (Crufts bitch winners) and other collies, make a note in your diary as MCC, as part of their 100-year celebrations,  have organised a Collie Walk, which will take place on Saturday April 21st at Brixworth Country Park. Meeting in the Car Park, Northampton Road, Brixworth, Northampton, NN6 9DG, bring a flask as MCC will supply cake! All enquiries direct to Lene Newman on lenenewman@hotmaiol.com

Peter Vernon organises Collie and Sheltie walks/meets throughout the year via his Facebook page, which you can find HERE. Details of walks organised to date are as follows. Everyone welcome

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com