23 January 2015 – Dog World

When entering Boston you always have that inner dread of the weather gremlins rearing their heads. For us from Cheshire it is one of those journeys best forgotten in the winter as most of it is across country. Scraping icy of the windscreen, narrow country roads, driving on your own at stupid o’clock in the morning is not the best scenario. So with this in mind as I did the year before I travelled up the afternoon prior staying at a Travel Lodge just eight minutes away and enjoyed the morning at a respectable hour for the journey to the venue.

The Arena at the East of England Showground is a lovely venue with good parking facilities except for the early work out trying to wheel the trolley over the gravel. The Arena was warm and cosy which is just as well as the weather outside was biting cold. This show is well run and the committee dressed in orange shirts could be visibly seen if assistance was needed. You were greeted at the entrance with a cheery smile and guidance to the location for your breed. A good array of trade stands present around the perimeter of the hall, so plenty to browse when time allowed. For the BOB winners a surprise was in store as they received a bag full of doggie goodies from the CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds. Also on offers were lovely green, orange and black group rosettes from the same company. A lovely thought and very much appreciated by many I would imagine.

The benching rows was numbered so you could find your breed easily, job well done here brilliant idea. The person who thought of that can go to the top of the class. Wouldn’t it be a nice thought if Crufts took this on board, it would make benching numbers so much easier to find. There were adequate grooming areas with no one sitting on each others shoulders so everyone was relaxed in their environment. All the rings were of a good size each with a blue floor covering and good lighting, so the dogs had a coloured backdrop to enhance their coats rather than a dreary grey, what a difference. Plenty of room to move about in the rings, giving a chance for each exhibitor to show their dogs movement off to their best. So, all was good on the Eastern front as everyone settled down for the day ahead.

It was a first time Challenge Certificate Papillon appointment for our judge today so it was a special day indeed for Mr Robert Dunlop (Habiba) who had received a lovely entry. Most of us were aware of Mr Dunlop’s vast experience and success in Chinese Crested so this was someone who knew the conformation structure of the canine world. He arrived ready to start his judging smartly dressed in black shirt and trousers with a grey jacket to compliment. His manner with the dogs on the table was one of consistent kindness and consideration giving each exhibitor the time and opportunity to show their charges off in the best possible way.

Principal winners for the show were as follows; DCC/BOB Irene & Glenn Robb’s youngster CH Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo who then went on to be awarded TGP4 under Miss Vanessa Cox. As Glenn was away sunning himself I was showing Travis so it was a thrilling day from beginning to end. Simply perfect. BCC went to a delighted Pat and Brian Cox’s with Denemore Gabiscandy Floss at Tricianbri JW shCM. For the RCC’s it was a very happy Sue and Jon Caton taking the RDCC with Coffee Ice Cream Forussi (imp POL) and for the RBCC Irene & Glenn Robb’s Ch Gleniren Kiss Me Kate Sunshoo . BP Foile’s Lafford Kandy Apple handled by Caroline Lee- Slater. Nice that Carol Lees the puppy’s breeder was there to see and share the success on the day.

Another AGM reminder that the South of England Papillon Club are holding their AGM on the 28th Feb at Leckhampstead Village Hall, Shop Lane, Leckhampstead, Newbury, Berks, RG20 8QQ. Nominations are invited for Officers and Committee Nominations must be proposed and seconded by fully paid up members and must include the notification of the nominees’ willingness to stand should they so be elected. The election of Officers and Committee shall be by vote or by ballot of those present at the meeting.

The following are not seeking re-election – Sam Tydeman (Secretary), Nigel Cook (Treasurer), Marie McWade (Asst Secretary and Julie Cook (Committee). David Wenham is not seeking re-election as Chairman but wishes to remain on the committee.

Nominations must be forwarded to the Secretary in writing, no later than 2st Feb 2015. Items to be included for agenda must also be with the Secretary by the 21st Feb. Address to Secretary: Mrs S Tydeman, Woodside, Coldharbour Lane, Bobbing, Sittingbourne, ME9 8NN. Tel 01795 842776 or email: sam.tydeman@btconnect.com.

Well I hope the snow, gales and rain did not prevent you making the journey to Staffordshire County Showground for Manchester Champ Show. Next DOG WORLD breed notes I will bring all the snippets from the show. Safe journey wherever you are travelling and wrap up warm and cosy.

IRENE ROBB