18th July 2025

Thanks to the many exhibitors who have contacted me directly with notification of their wins at Nat Working & Pastoral Breeds, and to those who have sent down copies of the show catalogue – it really does make my life easier, and confirm that you will get e mention in these notes, win or lose! So, again thank you
Under the hot sun, nestling in the shadow of the Malvern Hills, Lucy Mottram and her Committee had organised their annual Ch show. This is just one of the Sub-Group Championship Shows covering just the Working and Pastoral Breeds. Prior to the show, in view of the expected high temperatures, this society had forewarned many that they were more than happy to allow “wet coats and other heat resisting items for all their exhibits, as we know full well, there is limited shade on the Three Counties Showground. It would appear that many were being very sensible in the hot weather and had brought with them nearly everything needed for both dogs and exhibitors
Roughs were 2nd in the ring, judged by Cath Moffat (Leighton) who has the Kylecar affix and based in the North -East. With just 14 BSD Tervs it was not long before judging started. This was Cath’s 2nd appointment, her first being at SKC in May 2022 and today had received n entry of 65, with a few absentees, probably due to the heat.
A new Champion male emerged at the end of the dog judging in the form of now Ch Corydon Christopher. Originally owned and bred by John Blake, he had given daughter Miranda, “His Royal Smudgness” as a recent birthday present, so in her name he has won this CC. His first came from Graham Hill at LKA last year, followed by his 2nd at Birmingham National from Howard Ogden. Royally bred by John and sired by Ch Corydon The Ringleader out of Ch Corydon Clarissa and was born in December 2022.
In a message from Sue Randall, she confirmed another RDCC for Vince, better known to us all as Ladnar Call My Name, confirming that this win would be his last in Puppy classes, as he will be taking a “short break” from the ring as both Dave & Sue are due a holiday shortly. Standing mostly alone in his classes, this was his 4th such award and in-between he has also gained a few places in the groups. So well done, to all concerned and just to remind you, Vince is sired by Myriehewe London Calling out of Ladnar Izadorable and his birthday is 2nd August.
Other to win classes were: Melissa with  Gataj Time Will Tell (MPD); Julie Edwards and Eleri also stood alone in Junior with Beldones Mojito and this was the start of an exceptional day for them both as their new ASD puppy not only won his class but took the RDCC in his breed, all with the help of Jake Walsh. Another, alone was Jo Williams with Maverick who took Yearling and was shortlisted in a later stakes class. Thanks for the copies, I do appreciate your help.  Starlenga All About Majic for Corisian JW, was also alone for Jo, Pat and Emma Brooker. PG, with just Melissa present went to Prince of Sunlight Thrilled By The Difference at Gataj and with 2 exhibits in the challenge, the services of husband Graham were called up to handle and move and this he managed easily and seems to be refreshed following his recent holiday and spell in hospital. Brian & Odile won Limit, a good class of 6, with now Ch Beldones Ivory Star. Another handler needing help was Jo Williams who won Veteran with Ch Mejola Fate and Fortune ShCEx. Colin Bartram continued his winning ways in Special Beginners D/B with Ambartr’s Dignity and Pride. She is sired by Afterglow Invocation out of Ambartr Eternal Spirit and she was born May 2024
Winning a 2nd CC was Josh Blackburn, handling for him and Duna with Erjon Evolving Star, and she won from the well-filled Open class. She recently took the RBCC and adds this win to her previous CC won at Blackpool  last year from Geoff Hyde. Sired by Ch Ingledene Spirit of Legend JW out of Erjon Evolving Star and celebrated  a birthday last month.
Margaret Shipp let me know that their Tremaro Million Dollar Baby won Yearling and then the RBCC. Handled as usual by husband Rob, this sable is sired by Very Special Angel Silvestre at Gataj out of Tremaro Kind of Magic, who was the winner of the BCC at Crufts and Million Dollar Baby also won her Puppy class at Crufts.
Other class winners were: Jane Margetts with Lynmead Designer Tipple for Collingvale who stood alone in MP but also won PB. Jo Hodges had a busy day, as not only did she win her classes with Jopium Follow My Heart (JB) and Limit with Unusual Beauty des Conquettes de Don Juan at Jopium but also won the BCC in Australian Shepherds with Jopium Dark and Demure, along with BOB.
PG went to Alexis Swain and  A Touch of Blaze for Lexcol. Marianne Benton collected another BVB with Keira, Ch Brooklynson Jane Russell of Oakestelle VW ShCEx (she also won BVIB with her smooth entry).   Keira also won a good 2nd in the Bobby James Memorial Veteran Stakes, also with money! Best Puppy bitch was an automatic award to Jane and her sable baby and she too let me know of this and would like to thank Monica Wells for the driving and for staying on long after the breed classes.
BOB was between the newly crowned sable of Miranda and Josh Blackburn & Duna Jones Erjon Evolving Beauty and this fell to Josh. BPIB was interesting as this went to the sable puppy bitch of Jane who beat the RDCC winning Vince with Marianne taking BVIB with Keira.
Although everyone, (to my knowledge)  stayed for their groups (Derek Allsopp was the Pastoral Group Judge) there was only one Group place won. This was Colin Bartram and Ambartr’s Dignity and Pride who took SBB G3 from Pauline Luxmore-Bell and some cash to help with all expenses!
How nice to get a newsy text from Sue Hawkins, who let me know both she and John Congdon spent a very tiring, yet rewarding day at Bakewell Premier Open show with their Brilyn’s Breckamore Crimson Embers. This little lady at just 9 moths took BPIB and RBOB from Jane Paradise and eventually Pastoral Puppy G1 from Jeanette Bishop. I understand the overall entry at this popular show was over 900 dogs, so well done to all concerned
Another person gaining a good award over the weekend was Susan Hawkins and her Serenlas Black Magic. They set off to Totnes & District Open where the breed and group judge was Mrs Ader, who, according to FAJ is only approved at L4 for Border Collies. Susan and her tri boy gained BOB and G3. All this news was supplied by Stefani Flower, proud breeder.
Now to news from AICSS society who held their Ch show in conjunction with ILKA at the National Show Ground, Dublin. The AICSS were celebrating their 99th Ch show and are preparing to celebrate 100 years next year. They are still researching records to find the actual dates and old photographs and memorabilia relating to the AICSS., so if anyone and if has any information please forward to the current secretary, Maureen Timmins on  colliesociety@yahoo.com any information will be gladly received and returned if required and any help would be much appreciated.
The nominated judge being Michael Wirth who has the Dirty Booties kennel. If memory serves he is the same gentleman who had to withdraw from a UK CC appointment a few years back.
Green Star Dog and RBIS went to Marie Delany and Bonnettsrath Raindance, Jun Ch; Reserve GS Dog to Sharon Drewery with Ch Evalane Memory of Monty Jun Ch; GS Bitch was Bonnettsrath Oops A Daisy at Kynan for Dermot & Maureen Timmins with Suzie \Nealon taking RGSB with Rowlands Love from Maddie Jun Ch. Full results of this show are available on the Show Results section of Collielife.
Finally, some “ROYAL NEWS” from Rod & Chris Slater, Collie Rescue as at the recent Collie Chaos Fun and Celebrations day held recently and organised by Sheila Yerrell, both Chris and Rod were recipients of a framed letter from Queen Camilla thanking them both for 40 years of service to Rescue. Also, they were presented with a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful cake which was shared around by all who were present. Well done to all

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com