14th February 2025

Midland Collie, with non-other than Hannah Walder as Secretary, Sophie Wray-Ramsden as Show Secretary and their many committee members and along with helpers, held their Ch Show in the West Hall at the KC Building, Stoneleigh last weekend. It was certainly a day for the youngsters and one kennel in particular had a memorable outing.
With home-made Breakfast and Lunches available no one was allowed to be hungry  and although not as popular as last year (after all it was an Anniversary show) there were some “Hamper” prizes available along with a raffle.
Being one of the first Club shows of the year it had drawn an entry of 124 for Elena Balazsovits who has the extremely well-known kennel under the Nyitramenti name. According to her Judges introduction, as published in the show schedule, Elena had her first collie when she was just 11 years old and at 21 was approved to judge. Her husband, Janos is Hungarian and actually owned the kennel name which was officially registered in 1984. Founded on lines from Claredawn, Sandiacre, Delbar and Roclynn and have produced numerous winners including a Junior World Winner and 9 European winners but probably better known for owning Koakoi Terry-Tramp who won the RDCC at Crufts. Having looked this up it was in 2008 where he won both Special Puppy and Special Junior and the RDCC. Bred in Hungary by Peter Harsanyi he was born in Feb 2007 and sired by Hun Ch Ranger von Belvedere out of Koakoi Oxana and judged by Valerie Geddes.
Back to the show, sponsored by Burns Dog Food, it was a good classification with Baby Puppy classes scheduled at a cost of £2.00 per entry but Veterans had no charge and the mixed Baby Puppy class set the day.
So, with 4 entries, one of which was absent this class was won by Aaronwell Another Love, in the ownership of John Congdon whose address is now listed as being in Nottingham. Veteran Dog followed with Jo Williams and Ch Mejola Fate and Fortune heading this class of 7, again with 1 missing. Minor Puppy was won by Ballahanna Betrayed, for Liam Kelly who made the trip over from N Ireland. Puppy (4) was won by Beldones Mojito and Julie Edwards and he is co-owned with Eleri Bluck. All 5 were present in Junior dog and this went to John & Caroline Tipper and their tri boy, Tiganlea Turned To Black. Special Yearling had 6 entries and this went to Sue Harris and her Geosamka Loves to Love at Ithilien. Maiden & Novice followed with 2 entries in each the winners being:  Tremaro Special Agent for Rob & Margaret Shipp and Essanjay Ring of Fire both of whom had been placed in their previous class. Michelle Mitchell had travelled down from Scotland with her Avonfair Aloysius JW and won the Graduate class of 6. Miranda handled Corydon The Baron to take Post Grad whilst Robin Blaikie won Mid Limit with his CC winning blue boy, Kourika The Gigolo. Limit went to Camanna Cellmate owned by Anne Hassock and moved by Luis. Tom Wall had also made the journey over with his Daliyhaa Master Craftsman and he won the Open class of 8 with 1 missing. The last dog class of the day was Special Beginners and this went to Barrenclough Heart of Gold JW.
With all those eligible, the challenge entered the ring for Elena and after deliberation, an amazed Sue Harris and her sable, Geosamka Loves to Love at Ithilien were awarded the CC. This award is his first CC but he did win a RCC at Midland Counties last year from Albert Wight. Bred by Karen Johnston, who was present to see this win and also contacted me on behalf of Sue and Nigel, she let me know that Arran, is sired by Jopium Front Runner at Geosamka out of Sea Dreamers Gracey Love at Geosamka and Karen also had another “proud breeder” moment as his sister also won well later on. Thanks for the information and on behalf of both Sue and Nigel they would like to thank all for their help and congratulations on the day
The RDCC was another youngster, also holding a CC, and this was Robin and his blue, Kourika The Gigolo. He is home bred, by Kourika King Pin out of Kourika Dressed To Thrill. Best Puppy dog was awarded to Liam and his sable Ballahanna Betrayed. BVD was Jo and her Blue boy.
I understand a rather long lunch break ensued, allowing many to relax and enjoy the excellent food and cakes on offer. This, however, had an impact as the winning puppy dog was unable to stay due to time restrictions as Liam had a ferry to catch back home to Ireland. Maybe, as a suggestion, to avoid a long break between dogs and bitches, whilst all were having lunch, the Baby Puppies could be judged, albeit this would need the appointment of a second judge but would also help these youngsters adjust to the show and conditions before being judged. It would also give other exhibitors something to watch whilst waiting for judging to re-commence.
Now to the ladies, and taking the first class was the well-known sable, Ch Brilyn Molly Coddles for owner breeder, Sue Hawkins and there were 5 present. In MP, also a class of 5, this was headed by Jopium Follow My Heart  for Jo Hodges. Puppy had 9 entries with 2 missing and heading this was Salsina Mystic Rose winning for Jayne Lewellen.  Melissa b4rought out her new tri baby, Beldones Double Illusion at Gataj to win the Junior class of 6. Sue Hawkins re-entered the ring, this time with John’s Aaronwell Able Mabel to win Special Yearling. Maiden with 1 present had Tremaro Million Dollar Baby winning and Jopium Follow My Heart won Novice. Graduate followed with Val Tame winning this class of 8 with 3 absent with Gataj Time After Time at Rahlissa.  Lynda Boyle won PG with Timeless Destiny Star Actis Over Barrenclough whilst Paul Ross won Mid Limit with 6 present with Most Majestic Timeless Touch at Samshernik. Morag & Jim McCarte also made the journey down from Scotland (I did not hear of any issues on this journey!) and won Limit with the sable Roughrigg Remember Me, with 7 ladies present. Open followed and Jayne Llewellyn won this with Artziak Strawberry Rose at Salsina and a message from Jayne let me know this must be a “lucky” show for her as she was BIS here last year. The last class, Special Beginners went to the winner of PG, being Lynda Boyles Timeless Destiny Star Actis Over Barrenclough.
Now to the CC, this went to another youngster, taking her 2nd CC, Aaronwell Abel Mabel handled by Sue, for John Congdon. Sired by Brilyn Intoxicated out of Riverside Song Desiderata at Aaronwell and her 1st CC came last year at WELKS from Billy Henderson and she also has a couple of RCC wins to her credit. Taking the RBCC was Jayne and her Open Winner, BVB also went to Sue and Ch Brilyn Molly Coddles and BPB fell to Melissa and Beldones Double Illusion at Gataj.
Finally, for BIS, Elena chose Sue and Abel Mabel; RBIS went to Jayne and her sable RCC winner, BOSIS to Sue and Arran. BVIS also went to Sue and Molly Coddles. BPIS was awarded by default, as the winning Puppy dog had to leave to catch a ferry back home and therefore was not present to compete. Lynda Boyle took Best Spl Beginners with her bitch,
I did notice quite a few Reserve winners being awarded rosettes and a mention, which is a nice thought by the club. They were Reserve Veteran Dog; Reserve Best Puppy Dog and the same awards being allocated for the ladies. I also heard, eventually, Brenda Welsh managed to get home, having called on the rescue services to fix a stubborn hand brake, so quite an eventual day for many and some more good memories made.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com