24th March 2017 – Dog World

Mr Sunshine has his hat on this morning here in Cheshire, looking over the fields to the hills it couldn’t be more beautiful. Dare we dream that the Easter bunny will be hopping its way to a summer of glorious weather? The weather plays such a big influence on the feel good factor, the sunnier days puts a smile on everyone faces. Let’s live in hope that the sun umbrella has continual outings at the summer shows. Last year I think ours made a one and only appearance.

The Crufts experience has been and gone for another year and we now look forward to our Championship Shows ahead. As usual the trade stands are just mind blowing, so much to see and so little time to do it in.

Okay, be honest shall we talk feet, or maybe not? What is it about that NEC floor that grabs your tootsies, devours them and spits them out by the time you leave the building? By the time you arrive home you feel you have journeyed around the world with severe jet lag for days after.

It is always an exciting time whether you are a seasoned exhibitor or a newbie starting out on a new adventure. Surely that is what showing is all about. Whatever your vision board may be for the coming year I wish you happiness and enjoyment whatever your individual goals may be.

It was a dry morning so the walk from the car park was a pleasant one. Once again at Crufts we were in Hall 5, ring 29. We are so fortunate for having this ring placement, it is in a corner and away from the hustle and bustle of the day. Breed Specialist Mrs Cathy Urquhart of the Blackpark Kennel must have been so excited when the day finally arrived. I guess she wouldn’t have slept a wink in anticipation of the day to come. She looked a picture of elegance on her arrival to the ring. The judge was dressed perfectly for our butterflies in a black silk top and matching loose jacket with delicate white butterflies flying throughout the pattern, teamed with smart black trousers. For the finishing touch a picture hat with butterflies for arriving and for when judging was completed. It was a special occasion and the judge made the picture complete.

The day went smoothly along with the help of our two annual stewards Mr Bill Evans and Mr Eddie Bishop. It is no mean feat keeping such large classes running along on an even keel. Congratulations to them on achieving such a good job.

The Papillon Club of Scotland had their club stall at a corner of the ring with the overseeing eye of Liz Anderson. The stall looked fabulous with all the butterfly items on sale. How nice it must have been especially to the overseas visitors to browse and purchase a memento from the show.

There were many overseas visitors this year from all corners of the globe travelling far and wide. It is impossible to meet up with everyone as the benching is so vast. This year more than previous years, we were the furthest point north from the Papillon ring and we saw more of what was going on in the Chihuahua ring than the Papillons. I think I will change our alphabetical name to Arobb next year, to improve on the situation. Or better still can the alphabetic names go in reverse for benching position priority, now that’s an idea in the making. Anyone from R – Z would be in heaven!

It was always going to be a long day with a large entry. If you were tired goodness knows how the judge felt being on her feet from the commencement of judging at 8.30am to finishing judging at 6pm. I would definitely have had my pink fluffy slippers on by the end of the day, that is for sure. But get there we did.

The principal winners were as follows. The DCC/BOB, all the way from Japan, Chie Ejima & Mr Kang’s GR/ PHI/ APAC/SEA Ch Queen Bless JP Pure Cherry Matthew [ATC AU00420JPN]. BCC A delighted Amy Williams’s Sunlight Vision of Ringlands, congratulations also to her breeder Pat Munn. The RDCC Irene & Glenn Robb’s Ch Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo and the RBCC Jo Davidson–Poston’s NL Ch Spinillons Classic Caress JW shCM. What a thrill for Sheila Wilkinson being awarded BP with Lafford Inspector Morse in Poppywood. Congratulations also to Carol Lees, the breeder.

Whilst watching the BIS on the TV, what a fabulous line-up of dogs. The BIS judge Mr Jeff Horswell certainly had his work cut out. Delighted that Jason Lynn’s and Mike Gadsby’s American Cocker took the ultimate award of BIS. What an achievement after Ricky’s BIS previously and now this year again for Jason and Mike. Huge congratulations.

For the Open Show front just one show to report on. At Torquay & DCS the breed and TGP judge was Mea Kendall (Headra). Sue Stanbury’s little one Inixia Bella Bella took TPG2.

Jill Terry has moved to sunnier climes. I wish you the happiest of days ahead Jill. I hope it is everything you wish for. Good luck.

It is with great sadness that I have to report the sad news of the passing of George Morgan. George was just a gentleman and lovely man. Our thoughts are very much with you Rita at this time. Our sincere condolences go to all your many family and friends.

So UKTD is this week, one of my favourite shows of the year. Always a pleasant atmosphere and the committee do such a good job making everything just perfect for the exhibitors.

I know I mentioned it in my last notes but just in case you have forgotten, here is a gently nudge again. Well, it will be soon be that time of year again. This time a pleasant one with summertime approaching the clocks go forward. Oh joy lighter nights. This year we change to British Summer Time on Sunday, March 26 at 1am, which means you’ll need to put your clock forward an hour. I always struggle to remember when the clocks change, so here is a little tip to help you on the way. Simply memorise the simple phrase ‘spring forward, fall back’. The clocks always go forward an hour on the last weekend in March in spring and go back on the final weekend of October in autumn.

Probably for us dog lovers the easier way to remember is that it is UKTD on Sat 25th March, so when you get home after the show put the clocks forward, easy peasy!

Have a good journey to Stafford and take care on the roads.

IRENE ROBB