29th August 2025

Where to begin, with sad news of two people no longer with us and the results of 4 shows, 2 of which involved CC’s.
The Obituary for Jean Catliff will appear in a later issue as you cani magine, husband John is  not in any position to make any sort of contribution, so on behalf of all the Collie Community, I send our thoughts to him and family
The other loss is that of Jack Bispham, Bridgedale and I am sure that an appropriate article will be issued by Our Dogs and one from the Collie Community will also follow later, so please accept apologies for these.
So, show news, Driffield, who had to abandon their 2024 Ch show due to weather issues, took the brave step to run both the 2024 show, now known as the 49th and their 2025 Ch Show over 4 days at Wetherby Racecourse. This obviously involved an immense amount of planning and logistics, but with an early start and Pre-Judging most accepted the chance to win CC’s on the same day and coped well, although for some the day was long and chilly
Starting with the 2025 Ch show, this had Denise Rowan of the well-known Rowancrest Shetland Sheepdogs officiating for the first time over both sexes, although Denise has judged the breed before at Yorkshire CC back in 2021 where she judged the ladies.
From her entry of 71, what a day it turned out to be for Brian & Odile as they annexed the double and made up another Beldones Champion to add to their kennel and also added a RCC with another breed, their Shetland Sheepdog to make the day complete.
Ch Beldones Ivory Star added another CC to his tally, bringing it to 5 (I think) and Beldones Just For Fun at Starlenga added another to her collection along with a new Ch title. The breeding for both of these has been recorded recently.
Taking the RDCC, this time from Junior was Vince, Ladnar Call My Name for Dave & Sue Randall, he is, as you know sired by Myriehewe London Calling out of Ladnar Izadorable and homebred by Sue & Dave, this is his 5th RCC, the previous ones coming from his puppy classes.
Others to win a class in males were. Dr Lynda Boyle, alone in Spl Beginners with Barrenclough Heart of Gold JW ShCEx OSW, Melissa won PD with Gataj Time Will Tell. There were no MPD’s entered. Miranda won Novice with Corydon The Baronet and Starlenga All About Majic for Corisian JW took Graduate. Yvonne Ross and Siluto Blue Wizzard at Amberwish won PG whilst Mejola Top Gun won Limit for Jo Williams.
Taking the RBCC, handled by Josh, was the sable, Erjon Evolving Beauty who was 2nd in the Open Class to Odile & Brian’s new Champion. Other class winners here were: Lynda Boyle in Spl Beginners with Timeless Destiny Star Actis Over Barrenclough JW; Jo Brooker and Telforth Sweet Dreams to Corisian JW who won Veteran. Jane Spendelow won MPB and Novice with Uffspring Unique Espoir and Melissa took Puppy with Gataj Struck By Love. Sophie won Junior and yearling with Takhisis Extraordinary Lady Bw24 Bel Jun Ch; Lorraine Quince and Oakley Ice Queen for Karafaye won Graduate whilst another PG class went to Hanvale Patsy Stone for Hannah and Simon, who handled. Lene Newman won Limit with Phreelancer Pheel It Still. BOB went to the newly crowned sable, now Ch Beldones Just For Fun at Starlenga with BPIB going to Gataj Struck By Love, Lynda Boyle took BVIB with Barrenclough Heart of Gold. Away from the breed classes, Miranda and Ninja, Corydon The Baronet entered the very well filled Junior Stakes class and left the ring with not only the 1st place but a wonderful £75 in prize money, which she says nearly makes up for the lost entry fees for the Driffield 2024 show. The judge here was Bridgette Bodle. I understand the groups may well have been pre-judged with Margaret Wildman in charge of the adults and short-listed our BOB – congratulations to all, Paul Harding for puppies and Patsy Hollins for the Veterans but although scheduled, for some reason the Spl Beginners Group was not held. I have had communications concerning this and much has already been written so I make no apology for lack of inclusion as I am sure the Driffield Show Committee have adequate reasons for it not taking place, although the lack of information concerning this was readily forthcoming and some could have left earlier for their journey home had they had access to this.
Driffield 2024, known now as Driffield 49 had Cathy Proctor (Cathbri) also on her first appointment for both sexes and she too has judged before, at Scottish Collie over the dogs back in 2021. Her entry was similar, that being 82 but some who were unplaced, or did not win at the first show, stayed out of their classes.
If I recall correctly, if present, as part of your contract with a show, by signing the entry form one agrees to be bound by RKC rules and regulations. May I suggest a quick look at the Show Regulation F1.19 would clarify this situation as recently I have seen entrants not competing in ALL the classes they were entered in. I just hope this is not a case of bad sportsmanship rearing its ugly head again. This also applies to those competing at Open shows too!
Robin Blaikie and his blue boy, Kourika The Gigolo had the pleasure of winning not just Limit but also his 2nd CC. His first came in Scotland at Scottish Collie where Lesley Chalmers (Aintshe) judged. He is sired by Kourika King Pin out of Kourika Dressed To Thrill.  Winning Open and the RDCC was Kaspar, or as we know him, Corydon The Grandmaster. A sable, by Corydon The Ringmaster out of Corydon Moonflower.
Others to win classes in males were Lynda Boyle, repeating her Spl Beginners win with Barrenclough Heart of Gold JW ShCEx OSW. Hazel Jopson had the thrill of winning the Veteran class with Lillyway Lattimer at Nithview but subsequently had to withdraw from the veteran Group due to circumstances beyond her control – but well done. Andre and Chantal took BPD with Chantique The Witcher. Miranda also repeated her class wins with Corydon The Baronet, taking Junior and Novice. Alone in Graduate was Didek Eclipse of The Moon and the litter brother, Didek Once In a Blue Moon and also l/b to Didek Moonshine at Cathbri), won PG and these were sired by the Veteran boy, Lillyway Lattimer at Nithview.
For the ladies, Melissa brought out her Ch Gataj Good Time Girl to win Open and the BCC, her 4th, along with BOB. Sired by Perfe3ct Timing du Clos de Sea-Wind at Gataj out of Nasty Girl du Clos de Sea-Wind At Gataj. The RBCC again went to Josh and Duna with Erjon Evolving Beauty.  Other class winners were Timeless Destiny Star Actis Over Barrenclough JW who won Spl Beginners bitch, Jo Brooker and Dreamy won veteran, Jane Spendelow and Melissa were alone in both MP and PB with Uffspring Unique Espoir and Gataj Struck By Love. Grenville Francis made the trip over from N Ireland with is Roughrigg Rene Russo at Peblu, who I understand has been having an excellent time in Ireland bringing home a few Green Stars and other major wins. Stacy Steven won Yearling with her tri youngster, Cambrogan Blissful Barra. Lynda Watt took Novice with Culbrae Charmed Again whilst Lorraine Quince, another who had travelled from Scotland won Graduate with her Oakley Ice Queen for Karafaye repeating her win earlier in the day.  Simon Walder piloted Hanvale Patsy Stone to yet another PG win whilst Melissa returned to the ring to win Limit with Gataj All That Sparkles.
BOB fell to Melissa, BPIB to Chantal and Andre who let me know that after a long wait, although they stayed, they were not considered in the group
News though, and congratulations to our own Jo Hodges, who won with her Australian Shepherd, not only BPIB, but also Pastoral Puppy G1 with Rosschell Maid To Sparkle with Jopium and returned again on Monday to compete.

In these current times of show entries falling and also registration figures getting lower, perhaps it is time we, as a breed, actually worked together to promote all aspects including shows and information.
As I understand it, the breed currently has an excellent web site, dedicated to most aspects of Collies Rough, and this includes informing everyone of future shows, by publishing links to schedules, changes in dates/venues and judges,  recording of entry figures, results from these shows plus so much more including the ability to search by name, previous show results  for any judge and a strong database should one wish to research pedigrees. Also, news from Clubs and the Royal Kennel Club, advertising of stock available and all aspects for the breed along with Education via the JEP and RKC
As many including those at home,  follow shows avidly, watching results arrive, usually very quickly due to the help received from a few dedicated folk , actually in attendance at the show, who do help to keep the site as up to date as possible. All of this is a Voluntary and is gratefully received by those not in attendance.
Therefore,  I was saddened to learn that some Clubs have  decided to withdraw from the service provided (yes, it is at a cost to the club – as nothing in life is free) and venture forth alone. It appears to me, and maybe others a rather short-sighted move. Also, by advertising future shows to all interested parties, it may well help with improving entries, as plans can be made around show dates thus improving income for clubs.
One such club, and at this point I may not have up to date / correct information,  who recently decided not to renew its membership was London & Provincial Collie Club, who actually changed both venues and show dates but recently held dual Open shows in a venue, new to them, of Bearley Village Hall, near Stratford Upon Avon.  Headed by Secretary, Di Collino (Imaginist) assisted by her hard-working members of committee who include, Peter Stillwell who is Chairman and Treasurer, Wife Gina, is Cup Steward and along with Vice Chair in Marianne Benton, they are helped by the following committee, consisting of Ms E Bemelmans, Ms M Chaplin, Ms J Hopper, Mrs G Moore, Mr P Richardson, Mrs A Swain, Mrs M Wood and Mr &b Mrs Wensley.
Maybe this forward-thinking society, who appear to have a dominant “Smooth Fraternity” in its number felt that by taking advantage of the service provided by a catalogue producer (at cost) this would solve the issue. However, apart from those on committee, I understand that it was not until the morning of the show that this information was released to all and I too was informed the following day.
Leaving all comment aside, the results as accessed from the site were inputted by a member of committee and I saw a comment that should anyone have issues with the results  listing to contact the L&P direct.
To help in promoting the show, the Rough & Smooth Collie Training Association offered KC Good Citizen Bronze Testing Character Assessment and many exhibitors and some just came along for this, took advantage, so well done to all who passed and a great idea.
Now to the main event(s), so nice to see that Judges at one show were winning classes, and even BIS at the other show. The relaxation of the RKC rules was obviously used by all at L&P to advantage.
Show 1 had Stefani Flower (Serenlas) judging her entry and she found her overall BOB in Lorraine Quince and her blue, Oakley Ice Queen for Karafaye who had been at Driffield the previous day. Best Dog was Afterglow Invocation, ably handled by Angela Harvey who is now feeling so much better having had to miss previous shows to having a bad back. Reserve Best Dog was Corydon The Grandmaster and Miranda who had been at Driffield also. As there were no other male puppies the award of BPD fell to Michelle and Jake Walsh, handling for Gianpaulo Falletto with Verysuper Blak di Cambiano who will now be taking a short break from shows.. Reserve Best Bitch was a nice win for Angela with Afterhero Cheeky Angel at Wicani and Di Collino took BPB with Imaginist Frozen In Time and she also won veteran and BVB with Imaginist Willow Wren. BPIB went to Di and her bitch puppy. Best veteran was Ambartr King of the Ring for clin Bartram
Other class winners included, Corydon The Baronet, Hanvale Alexander McQueen, Jards Ring Presence and for the ladies, Wicani Belladonna for Megan Gatt, Corydon Christiana and Takhisis Lady of Mystery, Bel Ch for Sophie Wray
There was a Baby Puppy Class of 3, with 1 absent and this was headed by Mejola Endeavour for Jo Williams who also had the other 2 entrants. A Champions class was also scheduled and won by Jo Williams and Ch Mejola Main Event, although she was alone.
Best In Show was judged by the Smooth specialist, Simon Burton (Glencorrie) who awarded BIS to Jo Denton and Ch Brackenhaye Heart and Soul, RBIS, BPIS and BVIS all went the way of the Smooths.
Show 2 had Jo Denton Judging and in her first class, the winner was Stefani Flower and Serenlas The Jokerman winning over Jo Williams 3 entrants and the Ransome’s with another Serenlas, Dream Maker. Veteran Dog was a repeat for Colin Bartram and Ambartr King of the Ring and BPD, alone went to Verysuper Blak di Cambiano.
Dave & Sue Randall took Junior with Vince and a message confirmed they hope they now have his JW. Post Grad was another win for Di Collino and Imaginist A Griffin’s Mark whilst Janine Hanson repeated a Limit win with Jards Ring Presence and Jo Williams won Open and Best Dog with Mejola Top Gun and also won the Ch class with Ch Mejola Main Event.
In veteran, 1st place went to Imaginist Willow Wren for Di, and her MP also won her class. Puppy was a nice win for Omordha Sweet Tooth for Moores. Miranda brought Corydon Christiana out to win Junior and Sophie Wray Ramsden and Takhisis Extraordinary Lay Bw24 Bel Jun Ch to win PG. Limit went to Angela and Afterhero Cheeky Angel at Wicani and Open to Sophie and Takhisis Lady of Mystery.
BOB went to Maverick, Mejola Top Gun, with Vince in Reserve, Afterhero Cheeky Angel was Best Bitch. Corydon Christiana was RBB. BPB and BPIB to Imaginist Frozen In Time and Ambartr King of the Ring beat Imagist Willow Wren to take BVIB.
BIS was judged by Pauline Luxmore-Ball (Hushwings) and her choice for this went to Jo Williams and Mejola Top Gun, with all other awards going to the Smooths.
News in from the Diamonds In the Rough Obreedience Team, who were at Worcester and managed a very creditable 4th place and only a few competitions before a possible selection and we could see a team of Roughs at Crufts, so fingers crossed.

Brief news from yesterday at City of Birmingham, held at Stoneleigh where Brian Hawkins (Beldones) was centre stage for both Roughs and Smooths
With a good entry, especially for a Thursday of 75, albeit with absentees, there emerged 2 new Champion ladies and a 2nd CC winner.
To elaborate, the Dog CC winner was Camanna Cellmate, (Ch Paulara No Where Man ex Camanna Paulara Sissy Spacek) His first CC came from Tony Iley at CCW in 2004 and he has collected a few RCC wins along the way. The RDCC was another for Ladnar Call My Name, and under new KC Rules, he will need just 2 CC’s to claim his title of Champion
For the ladies, another quick CC for Lene Newman and Phreelancer Pheel It Still who claimed her 3rd today having won at EACA from Jan Milligan and the recent CCW from Louise Walker. She is sired by the late Phreelancer Phinal Salute out of Phreelancer Phifty Shades and is owned and bred by Lene Newman.
With the award of yet another RBCC, Chantal and Andre will just be waiting official RKC Confirmation that their sable lady, Chantique Déjà vu carries her title. Already the holder of 2 CC’s, the first at LCC from John Catliff in 2023, followed by a 2nd from Caz Waterhouse in 2024 at SCC, meanwhile, I think she has since collected numerous RBCC wins. Sired by Mr Burberry of Lowlands Green Valley to Chantique out of Chantique Fairy Dust
BPIB went to Gataj Strike It Lucky, BVIB to Jo Williams at Ch Mejola Fate and Fortune. Although all; stayed for their respective groups, I don’t think anyone was short-listed or placed
More details on this show next week

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com