Spaniel (English Springer)
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
8th April 2022
Lots of activity around the open show scene over the last week and some lovely results for ESS in the process.
At Birtley open show the Calvdale team were out with ‘helpers’. Judge on the day was Christine Morgan and BOB went to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Scaramouch Jones who went G2 later under the same judge, handled by Nicola throughout. Kath Holt was handling Calvdale Pure Theatre who won the graduate class and took BPIB and PG3.
In addition, Calvdale Ever Thus won AV gundog puppy and Scaramouch won the junior stakes.
Nicola won some Good Samaritan points too! A gentleman, new to showing but a regular at daughter Angela Chandler’s classes, was assembling his trolley by his car and had already put his Tibetan Terrier ten months puppy in it along with his show stuff when a car reversed into it, totalling the trolley and damaging both himself unfortunately and his own car. The puppy was unharmed but the gentleman was very shaken and Nicola offered to handle his puppy for him. In the event she and ‘Zha Zha’ won the stakes class and the stoic pup was a real trooper despite the shock. And, to top off a lovely day, Catherine Chandler handled a Deerhound as big as she is for a friend and came second in her breed class!!
Catriona Clarke kindly notified me she was at Mansfield open show with others under Jean Collins Pitman. BOB went to Di Eastwood’s Eastfalla Sea The Stars, with RBOB going to Catriona’s Tigerrock Just Rock N Roll who was second in open. There were no puppies but Fran Glendinning won junior with Lochar Memories and Catriona’s sister won PG with Tigerrock Strike A Pose. Apparently, it was just like shows of old with everyone pleased for each other’s successes and lots of banter!
Down in the West Country Julie Kibby was at Plymouth limited show where Trimere Taylor Maid at Pinhays won BOB and BPIB, went G3 and PG1, all under Mr M Sandy. She was also placed in the puppy stakes earning ‘Lara’ some pocket money!
At Beckenham CS, held at Maidstone in Kent, there was a good turnout of 15 for Lewis Nicklin (Daenerys). BOB went Steve and Wendy Walker’s Dexbenella Fitzgerald, RBOB to Edwina Rowlinson’s Meltarose Midshipman and BPIB to Wendy and Steve’s Dexbenella Double Oh Seven. In the group, judged by Chris Page, Double Oh Seven went PG2 and there was success for Edwina in the RBOB group under the same judge and then won Best RBOB overall against the winners of the other RBOB groups when Midshipman took the top spot under Jane Lilley. The majority of judging took place outside and everybody was chilled to the marrow by the wind!
The weather got worse for Windsor Gundog at Kempton racecourse outside where the ESS entry experienced all four seasons in a few hours. Collette Perkins judged the breed and there was a superb entry of 30 ESS (just like the old days)! Admittedly, there were a few absentees but I can only get excited that open shows are really an attraction to so many.
BOB from the veteran class was Kathy Taubman’s Meonstoke Hawthorn who is approaching his ninth birthday. RBOB was Jackie Weyman’s Spuffing Molly's Secret, from open but also a veteran. Jackie had a very good day also winning the large puppy class with her daughter, Spuffing Prosecco, who had to give way in the challenge for BPIB to Wendy and Steve’s Dexbenella Double Take who won the junior class and was sired by Hawthorn!
Linda King (Kirkavagh) judged BIS and there was even better to come with Hawthorn taking RBIS and Double Take being shortlisted at only seven months.
In the stakes under Linda, Wendy and Steve’s Dexbenella Double Oh Seven won the AV MPD class and good to hear that Ann Crouch’s Trimere Timeless with Kassan was reserve in a well-supported AV Gundog class as well as winning the breed limit class.
Just a couple of hours to go to enter the SESSS virtual show! I finally got my act together at some point today…
A busy week.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
8th March 2022
PART ONE
The last weekend before Crufts was another busy one with plenty of opportunity for last-minute practice all around the country.
The MESSS held its open show, a stand-alone event which is always really enjoyable for everyone and which this Society does exceedingly well. Judge for the day was Emma Boole (Arrowmow) and she had some lovely dogs to go over.
In dogs there was a new one on me, aptly named Beresford Lockdown (Sh Ch Beresford Night Train ex Lordsett Uptown Girl) , owned and bred by Trudy Topliss who won yearling dog and then went on to top the dog challenge , BD and BOS with Trudy in charge. His kennel mate, Sh Ch Beresford As Good As It Gets had to settle for RBD on this occasion and was handled by Georgia Brown in the challenge. BPD and BPIS went to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Ever Thus.
Georgia was to have a good day! Her Sh Ch Trimere Tickle Me Fancy won BB and ultimately BIS with the junior winner, Calvdale Flutter, owned and bred by Nicola and Martin Calvert, taking RBB and RBIS. BPD and BPB was Jane Reynold’s Clentonian Picturesque.
The veteran class starts off the day at this show and is open to dog or bitch. Winner of this class and BVIS was Kath Holt’s Plaiglen Beaters Bjewel to Bethryn JW. Best B/W was Lavinia Hancock’s Sh Ch Meadowdale Jedi at Hanknight.
The same weekend Edith Rose was back at an open show, this time the South West Gundog Association, where Westaway Dream Angus of Rosannoch took BOB under Marion Waddell (Macgregor). Edith and ‘Angus’ had a very good day and thought the show really well organised. And she messaged me so thank you Edith!
Another very kind to message me was Sarah Corbett who was at Coventry Gundog with Trimere Time Fly’s. ‘Luna’ won both BOB and BPIB under Roger Perkins and then went on to G3 among the grown ups and then BPIS under Ben Bennett. Not content with that, she also won the puppy stakes under Shelagh Tolladay.
Another show traditionally the weekend before Crufts is Folkestone and Hythe where the breed was not classified. Christine and daughter Amy Savell had entered NSC Gundog just for some practice for the team of Amy and Petranella Shenanigan which had been interrupted for a short time while Amy was working in the Cotswolds. She is now back and the pairing won the large junior class, BNSC and then the Group, all under Hilary Male.
I would like to take this opportunity of wishing all, exhibitors and visitors alike to Cruft this Sunday a wonderful day of watching ESS striding out on that fabulous green carpet. We would like to send our best wishes to our specialist judge Gareth Lawler (Roqfolly) and sincerely hope he enjoys his day centre stage. Do remember that, whatever the results, we will be taking the best dogs home with us!
TO BE CONTINUED
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
28th February2022
It is so great to see lots of you supporting the open shows up and down the country with some lovely results for ESS. We have seen some of our local shows fall by the wayside due to lack of committee and general apathy and we need to try to keep the rest going. I have been to a couple recently, stewarding at one and helping out at another, and there is no doubt that the atmosphere and geniality is second to none as we all get to know each other over the years. Please let me know when you have had a good day at one of these.
Our first visit is one I missed in mid-February as it didn’t appear on my timeline and I just chanced to pop in on Edith Rose to see if she had been busy. And she had! She was thrilled when Westaway Dream Angus with Rosannoch took BOB at Gundog Breeds Association open show under gundog specialist Tom Johnston after a considerable absence from the open show scene.
And I missed a plethora of important wins for the Calvdale team of Nicola Calvert which has been super busy with Calvdale Flutter coming to the end of her puppy career in style. At Border Counties Gundog she went BPIB under Hilary Male and then BPIS under Terry Pearson. At the same show Calvdale Ever Thus won a very large AV Puppy Class.
Then Nicola and support crew went to Darlington where Howard Ogden judged the breed and BIS. C Flutter took BP and BOB, then PG1 and ultimately BIS.
Next, Nicola was off to Ripon DCS’s limited evening show and this time it was C Ever Thus who took BOB and BPIS under Colin Gullon with granddaughter Elizabeth handling him throughout!
Then (and this is where Celia woke up!) the team were off to Cleveland where Calvdale Scaramouche Jones won open, BOB and G3, Calvdale Pure Theatre was BPIB and PG3, all under Mike Lewin. At the same show, Scaramouche Jones also won a super junior stakes class under Lee Cox.
And finally, this weekend Nicola was at Billingham Symphonia where Calvdale Ever Thus took BP, BOB and won the puppy group at Billingham Symphonia under Martin Rees. Phew!
In between all this activity it was lovely to hear from Helen Merry who found herself at a dog show rather than angling on a river bank (safer in the storms I believe) where she went as company for Chris House to St Helens & DCS. Helen got to handle also and Gleadsbury Dynamite went BOB while Gleadsbury Gunpowder Plot was RBOB under Charlotte Ayers-Cousins.
On Saturday last weekend, Teresa Dunsdon was at Wealdstone & Northholt open show with Kingsheath Mayday at Seaspring who had a simply super day. At just nine months, she took BOB and BPIB under replacement judge Ray Macdonald (due to a change in show dates) and both G2 and PG2 behind the eventual BPIS under Amber Henshaw.
The following day, there was an enormous entry of 21 ESS for Julie Revill of Welsh Springer fame (Julita) at Kent County CA. Julie judged the majority of the gundog breeds scheduled and had a long day outside with ESS sixth in the ring. BOB went to Kathy Taubman’s Meltarose Madeleine at Meonstoke with Maxine Hydon’s Clentonian Pandemonium JW RBOB and BPIB was Jackie Weyman’s home-bred baby, Spuffing Prosecco. Julie also judged the group and many of us were still there so there was a deafening cheer when Kathy took G2 and Jackie PG3!
And, most importantly, the breakfast was delicious.
And finally, on our journey around the UK, we land at the West Country where our Devonians, Clare Hill and Julie Kibby, were at Torquay DCS open show. Clare’s Peasblossom Tupelo Honey with Teignvalley took BOB Julie’s Trimere Taylor Maid at Pinhays was BPIB and RBOB under Maria Chalk and went on to PG2. She also won AV gundog puppy and was second in the RBOB g undog stakes.
Just one important announcement to make from the Acting Secretary of the Lancs & Cheshire ESSC that they have finalised their show dates for 2021, 2022 and 2023. The 2021 Ch Show will be partnered with Leeds Ch Show on 24th July 2022 with Karl Payne (Cepen) judging. The 2022 Ch Show will be held on 28th August, partnered with Driffield Ch Show and with Stig Arne Kjellvold (Westaway, Norway) as the scheduled judge. The open show 2022 will be partnered with City of Birmingham on 4th September 2022 and will be judged by Shirley Watson (Bordacity) and, finally, the 2023 Ch Show will be partnered with Manchester on 21st January 2023. This will also be their 40th Anniversary show and will be judged by Yvonne Billows (Robil). All Ch Show judges subject to KC approval.
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
October 18th 2017.
Last weekend saw the two breed club open shows that are always held on the same day although there are plenty of miles in between!
At the ESSC of Scotland the judge was Mrs Anne Orzel (Braxton).
BD and RBIS went to Catriona Brough’s Riselawroad No Deal, handled by Helen Macleay, with RBD going to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Night Court. BPD and BPIS was also their Calvdale Night On The Tiles and Best veteran dog went to Bob Nicolson’s Sh Ch Lochindorb Chief O’ The Clan who was also BVIS.
BB & BIS went to Nicola Dobbin’s Sh Ch Donarden Madam Butterfly with Fiona McGovern’s Baxbalach Here’s Trouble RBB; Elizabeth Chandler handled her and grandma Nicola Calvert’s Beresford Night Spell to Best Minor Puppy, BPB and RBPIS and collected the prize for Best child handler. There was no Best B/W declared.
At the South Western ESSC, Honor Harrison (Glenbrows) attracted a reasonable entry, marred once again by absentees. I am grateful to Sue Joyce for the results and a bit of ‘flavour’!
BD was Helen Cokell’s Sh Ch Carlyquinn Can’t Wait JW ShCM with RBD going to Kathy Taubman’s Meonstoke Hawthorn. There were no puppy dogs present.
BB, from junior, and BIS went to a very delighted Sue and Neil Joyce whose Kingsheath Total Diva at Felltops took the top spot with Helen’s Carlyquinn Mama Mia taking RBB and RBIS. BPB and BPIB WAS Jane Reynold’s Clentonian Picture Perfect and BVIS was Kathy’s Peasblossom Geisha at Meonstoke.
A best B/W was declared and was Maxine Hydon’s Clentonian Pandemonium, litter sister to the BP. There is also an award at this show for Best L/W/T which went to Sarah Davis’ Madisamar Big Apple.
Kathy Taubman also won the members stakes class and a rather nice bit of pocket money with her Geisha while Jackie Weyman won the raffle – just desserts for judging the handling classes which, once again went to Daisy Toublic and daughter Phoebe who took the adult and young handling respectively. Apparently, it was a beautiful sunny day which added to a very pleasant atmosphere inside the showground.
It was a great week for Ray Smith and Melverly Top Geezer with a RDCC at S Wales, the CC and BOB at GSOW and yet they both had the energy to do it all again at the weekend with a sortie to Goyt Valley Gundog. The pairing took BOB and then went on to BIS3 and won £50 by winning the RCC stakes. Not a bad day at the office!!
Edith Rose attended Clydebank DCC at the weekend where her Westaway Dream Angus of Rosannoch won the gundog group under Mrs Alex Hill (Calaquendi) and then went RBIS under Michael Coad (Pamplona).
Wendy Walker decided to pop along to Maidstone to Gravesend & Medway open show where her Dexbenella Atticus Finch went BPIB under Karen Murphy (daughter of the late David Murphy (Lisnagarvey) who was enjoying a full day’s judging although dreading her return flight to Ireland into the path of Storm Ophelia! Atticus breezed into the group under Jonathan Daltrey and blew Wendy away when he won PG2 (OUCH!). BOB went to Chris Savell’s and Anthony Allen’s Plaiglen All That Jazz with Allenie.
Talking of breezes, Jo and Geoff Cunliffe’s Calvdale I Say of Fallenleaf (pet name Breeze) went to Clitheroe open show where she was BPIB and BOB under Ms J Howarth (Caleydene). Their Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl of F won the veteran bitch class and also qualified to run in the BIS ring with only Jo there to handle. Jo opted to show the older bitch while a fellow exhibitor stepped in to handle the puppy. Although neither was pulled out in the BIS ring, My Girl went on to win BVIS under Melanie Harwood.
Lovely to have a note from Nicola Morgans who was at Grantham & District CS last Saturday under Susan Joyce (busy weekend for you, Sue!). Her Kennair Dreaming on a Star won PG and BOB while Kennair Northern Star won open. Such a shame that only 5 of the 10 entered were there to represent our lovely breed. But Nicola says there was a lovely atmosphere at this well-run show.
This weekend is Discover Dogs at the ExCel Centre and SESSS is responsible for manning the ESS stand. If I can negotiate my way to the correct car park this time (!), I will be there on the Saturday with Grace and Theo along with other volunteers from Just Springer Rescue, Louise Scott and Graham Osborne. We anticipate a very busy day and will let you know how we all get on next week.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
October 11th 2017.
A very sad start to this week’s notes and I am grateful to Gareth Lawler who has allowed me to reproduce here some of his touching tribute: ‘The news that whilst not unexpected, is still hard to receive, greeted me today on my return, that Garfield Sullivan (Flourenn), lost his battle with cancer. Many will know of Amanda's fight over the last 10 years, and Garfield has been her rock, her everything throughout.
‘I first met Amanda and Garfield back in 1998, when they came to collect an ESS puppy from me, and we have remained close friends ever since. Much as Amanda has always been the colourful and effervescent half of the partnership, Garfield was always the unassuming 'Gentle giant'. Such a kind man, with a warm heart. Garfield was married previously and has children and 2 granddaughters who both he and Amanda doted on. He enriched the lives of so many.
‘Amanda has lost her doting husband and Soulmate, his family have lost a loving brother, father and grandfather, the rest of us who got to know him so well have lost a great friend, a gentleman whose humility and kindness knew no bounds.
‘The world in general, and Cornwall in particular have lost a real gem.....another bright star to shine in the sky.’ I am sure that Gareth will be happy to pass on details of the funeral arrangements when these are finalized.
Karl Payne (Cepen) ran the Bournemouth marathon last week in a wonderful time of 4 hours, 37 minutes despite a cold, labyrinthitis and in an unseasonal temperature of 24 degrees! As you know he was running for United Response, the charity his wife Alison work for which helps the mentally and physically disabled. So far, he has raised a staggering £3,500 from sponsorship!
I salute those of you who attended both championships shows within three days covered by these notes with South Wales on the Sunday at Builth and Wednesday’s Gundog Society of Wales which is, of course, held at Malvern. I did this a couple of years ago and was totally knocked out by the travelling!
The journey to Builth may have been one of the reasons for a lower than average entry for Nigel Worth (Sarabande) who was awarding CCs for the first time in our breed.
His DCC, and BOB, was Dave and Jacky Mitchell and Karl Payne’s Sh Ch Peasblossom Jester with the RDCC going to Ray Smith’s Melverly Top Geezer. BPD was Michael Lewis and Jason Bullock’s Trixhund Oliver Twist– their day just got better and better!
In bitches it was a third BCC for Mrs A F Hill’s Trimere Ta Dah who was bred and campaigned by Ann and Sarah Corbett. She took her a couple of RCCs in 2015 and 16 and then won the BCC at Crufts under John Palmer earlier this year with the second coming from Tom Mather at SKC in May. RBCC went to Trimere Total Obsession with Trixhund, owned by Michael and Jason who finished the day by also winning BPIB with Trixhund Pick Pocket.
I failed miserably to find any placings in the stakes classes so do let me know if I have missed anyone out.
There were some good wins elsewhere at the weekend. Kath Taubman was at Portsmouth & Southsea KA where her Meonstoke Hawthorn was BOB under Mr M J Rees (Tyndale) and then was awarded G2 by Liz Cartledge (Ryslip). Peasblossom Geisha at M also won Best AV Veteran under Mr Rees which was a delightful bonus.
Lavinia Hancock popped back to Cornwall to visit friends and took in the Camborne and Redruth Limited show while she was there. It proved to be a very wise choice as her Meadowdale Jedi at Hanknight won the AV puppy class, the group and BPIS! Equally young Donarden Dream Lover, also owned by Lavinia, was BPIB and went on to PG2 and Lavinia’s Teignvalley Tulla at Carnmarth was BOB. Judge for AV and the breed was David Arrondelle (Muirbeck) and BIS was judged by Dr Chris Millard (Karmore).
The Calvdale team were at Northern Counties Gundog where Nicola Calvert’s Calvdale Beautiful Romance took BOB under Mrs V Taylor (Triveka)and was shortlisted for BIS. Elizabeth Chandler handled their Beresford Night Spell to BPIB and then went on to BIS4 under Mr Karl William O’Connor. The WSS had an equally splendid day.
Gundog Society of Wales Ch show was judged by Dave Mitchell (Peasblossom) at Malvern. DCC went to Ray Smith’s Melverly Top Geezer and the RDCC was Trudy Topliss’ Beresford Black Tie. BPD was the puppy, June Laughlan’s Lochbride Thunderstruck. Best Veteran dog and BVIB was Fran Glendinning’s Sh Ch Plaiglen Hustle.
BCC, her second, went to Bev Nicholson’s Loxbourne Disco Diva at Kingsheath with George and Angela Ternant’s Hunterheck Under A Spell the RBCC. BPB, at her first ch show, was Joanne and Lucy Addoo’s Reulemill Annie Power who, still at the age of six months, went BPIB and then into the puppy group under Patsy Hollings. Much to their surprise and delight, Annie Power went RBPIS!
At the ESSC of Wales, which followed the ESS judging at GSOW, the judge was Stewart Cummings (Sevenhills, N Ireland) and I am grateful to Michael Lewis for the results: BD, RBIS and BVIS was Fran Glendinning’s Sh Ch Plaiglen Hustle, RBD was Kath Holt’s Bethryn Devil Moon. BPD was June Laughlan’s Lochbride Thunderstruck, RBPD Michael and Jason’s Trixhund Oliver Twist.
In bitches, BB and BIS was Sarah Corbett’s Trimere Ticket Maid with Kath Holt’s Sh Ch Trimere Tranquiliser at Bethryn taking RBB and BVB. BPB and BPIS was Michael and Jason Bullock’s Trixhund Pick Pocket and RBPB was Jess Lawler’s Roqfolly Eastfalla Pussy Galore.
In the stakes classes at GSOW there were quite a few wins and placings for ESS with a second in the champion stakes for Sh Ch Trimere Ticket Maid. There was a reserve for Paul Osbourne’s Pendarlow Peter Pan in the puppy dog stakes and for Maxine Hydon’s Clentonian Pendemonium in the minor puppy stakes. In the veteran stakes there was a reserve for Margaret and Steve Wildsmith’s Trimere Time Trail with Sandiebeck ShCM and both Daisy Toublic (second) and Kath Holt (third) did very well in the brace stakes. Daisy also took first in the adult handling with Cobhay Dazzling Azalea while Phoebe Toublic took first in the YKC handling for 6-11 years with Cobhay Dahlia. There was also a second in the YKC members stake for Dazzling Azalea.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
October 5th 2017
Driffield, without CCs, was judged by Tim Harrison (Glenbrows) and attracted a modest entry.
BD and BOB was awarded to Bob and Frances Jackson’s Mompesson Devonshire with RBD going to Fran Glendinning’s Plaiglen Bstylish and BPD going to Angela and George Ternent’s Hunterheck Turn Back Time.
In bitches, it was a fabulous outing for Lavinia Hancock’s Meadowdale Jedi of Hanknight who not only took the puppy bitch class but then went on to be awarded BB and BPIB. RBB went to Bob and Frances’ Sh Ch M Legacy. There were no veteran classes.
With a small entry there were not many in the stakes classes but I did see that Cameron Stokes won the YKC 17-24 class and I note (with amazement) that Sh Ch Plaiglen Hustle is now up in the ‘mature’ age group and he and Fran Glendinning were VHC in the Veteran stakes.
Driffield was plagued once again by the British weather but this did not affect the NESSS open show on the Sunday although it was held inside as a little damp out on the grass. The sun did make an appearance and it was a very pleasant day although, sadly, there were quite a few absentees.
Jayne Crabtree (Yarlestre) was centre stage on this occasion and her BD and RBIS went to Kath and Beth Holt’s Bethryn Devil Moon JW ShCM with RBD going to my Crackerjanne Court Jester and BPD to Turn Back Time. Best veteran dog was Sh Ch Petranella Perfick Choice for Beresford, handled and now in the ownership of Mick and Mrs Friel.
In bitches, it was another super day for Yvonne Terry Richardson and Paul Richardson with their Cherishym Chara taking the limit class, BB and BIS. RBB, Best veteran bitch and BVIS went to Jo and Geoff Cunliffe’s irrepressible Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl at Fallenleaf and BPIS and Best B/W went to Nicola Calvert’s Beresford Night Spell, handled by Elizabeth Chandler whose special charge she is.
This was my second visit to NESSS open, accompanied by my young granddaughter, and I would like to thank Elizabeth for the one-to-one handling coaching she gave her and also those in her class who helped her with ring procedure and the judge for her sympathetic approach to a ‘newbie’ to the show scene!
It was a very friendly show as usual and the catering was brilliant – organised as always by Syliva Gibson and team – and Vicky Warrener did a marvelous job combining a full day’s stewarding and taking all the photographs. As an aside, the rosettes were simply splendid!!
Elsewhere, the weekend was packed with open shows and Wendy Walker was at Beckenham where her Dexbenella team had a superb day. In ESS, D Atticus Finch was BPIB while D Serendipity went BOB, under Jane Ashwell Carter. In the group they were PG2 and G4 respectively under Nicola Spencer. Wendy was even more thrilled to take Best NSC with her Dachshund!
Zoe Wilson cleaned up at East Anglian Gundog where her Zawspring Summer Honey took BOB and Peasblossom Luna at Z was RBOB – both earning pocket money as a result. Judge on this occasion was Howard Ogden (Beauview).
Missing from my notes last week was an email I received from Pauline Wallis who tells me that at Gorleston & Yarmouth her Pendarlow Peter Pan took PG3, handled by Paul Osbourne.
I have total admiration for anyone who makes the journey across the water for the purpose of a dog show. More so if that person is travelling from Scotland and I know a fair few of you do this on a regular basis. June Laughlan took in the Maastricht International Show as a change from popping over to Eire and this weekend was her first competition in Europe. Jack Mcbridge Laughlan handled Lochbride Thunderstruck, gaining best junior and RCAC while June’s L Mercy Me won the open class, BB, CAC and CACIB under judge Roxana Opris. BOB went to Mercy Me’s litter brother, owned by the Van den Brink family so it was very much a family occasion!
Celia Woodbridge, email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
September 13 2017
Teresa Dunsdon (Seaspring) judged the breed at Richmond and it was a 9am start in the ring which meant judging was well underway in bitches when the threatened heavy showers forced everyone under canvas. No dogs appeared in the veteran class (although we did have a veteran in the open class) so it was straight into puppy dogs and so good to see a number turning out.
DCC, his 17th, and BOB went to Sh Ch Peasblossom Jester, handled in the breed and group on this occasion by Amy-Lee Trainor (Arawhiti, New Zealand) as owners Dave and Jacky Mitchell were running their trade stand. RDCC was another for Kendra Whittock’s Kingsheath William Regal ShCM, ably handled by sister Bev Nicholson and BPD and BPIB went to Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Meadowdale Storm Trooper who then made it a memorable day by going PG2 under Sandra Marshall.
In bitches, it was a red-letter-day for Steve and Wendy Walker with that third BCC and title for Dexbenella Derethea whose campaigning came to an abrupt halt in 2016 while both Wendy and Steve battled illness. Homebred by their Sh Ch It’s About Time JW ShCM ex D Eluzive Dream, she took her first CC from Angela Mitchell (Heulyn) at Bournemouth in 2014 with the second coming early in ’16 at SESSS under Helene Björkman (Kennel Barecho, Sweden) with several RBCCs in between including Crufts 2016. Steve and Wendy also took BPB with their Beresford Night Nurse at D. RBCC was Trudy Topliss’ Sh Ch Calvdale Duty Calls and Best veteran was the bitch, Kathy Taubman’s Peasblossom Geisha at Meonstoke.
Taking first in the veteran stakes under Kevin Young was Trimere Time Trail with Sandiebeck ShCM, owned by Margaret and Steve Wildsmith and handled beautifully, as always, by Georgia Brown.
Talking of handling there was good ESS news in both age groups in the JHA classes with a first for Phoebe Toublic in the 6-11 years and a second for Abilgail Levene in the 12-16 years, judged by Roisin Howlett.
Amy-Lee Trainor has been in the UK for just over eighteen months teaching primary pupils in a school in Buckinghamshire. Whilst here she has taken in two Crufts where she handled for the Peasblossom kennel and established a strong rapport with their Peasblossom Poet who she handled on a regular basis before he joined her parents in NZ earlier this year. She judged the special classes at NESSS ch show in June 2016 which she thoroughly enjoyed and has done a great job handling for others - Eve Whitley and myself also. She had taken this opportunity to visit several European countries and has been invited to be a trekking guide on horseback in Iceland which task she is taking up in a few weeks’ time. We wish her well. Like all our current young handlers in ESS, she is a credit to the breed.
Jo Cunliffe decided to brave the elements at Burnley open show where her and Geoff Cunliffe’s Calvdale I say of Fallenleaf was BPIB under replacement judge Jen Gannaway-Jones (Scarisbick/Mossland). ‘Breeze’ not only won the puppy stakes under Tom Mather but then went on to RBPIS also judged by him.
June Laughlan took another little trip from Scotland to Eire for the Bangor and North Down show where her very young Lochbride Thunderstruck took the DGS and BOB while L Mercy Me was declared BGS and RBOB under judge Jim Gibson; both were handled by Jack McBride Laughlan.
Just a quick note for your diaries is that there is a change of judge for ESS at South Of England Gundog open show on 22nd October. The breed will now be judged by specialist Paul Drinkall instead of Brian Limpus and entries will be closing soon on Fosse Data.
And finally, we have another two sad losses of much loved ‘oldies’ – both bred by the Trimere kennel of Ann and Sarah Corbett.
Sonia and Noel Gray have had to bid an agonising farewell to their Trimere Top Score ShCM (Graftonbury Navahoe at Dexbenella ex Sh Ch T Tiramasue). ‘Ted’ was 11 years old, was both Sonia’s constant companion throughout those years, Noel’s pride and joy and was an absolute gentleman loved by all he met. He and their equally adored T Talk It Up (Pi) are now re-united as the kennelmates they were from the beginning.
And Lynn Ozanne has said goodbye to her Jersey Ch Trimere Tender Touch at Lyntonridge at the grand age of 14 ½ years. Described as sweet, loving and gentle yet with a mind of her own sounds like ‘Caley’ and, indeed, ‘Ted’ were both the perfect ESS to me.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
Sept 4th 2017
What a lot of activity in the past fortnight with the Irish circuit producing excellent results for ESS, SKC, Birmingham City and a host of open shows where ESS featured strongly in the groups.
In Scotland ESS were judged by Mrs R Martin and it was another DCC and BOB for Richard Bott and Christine Savell’s Swedish import Sh Ch Art-wave’s Standing Ovation with the BCC, her first and I believe a first CC also for totally thrilled owners Yvonne Terry-Richardson and Paul Richardson’s Cherishym Chara. BPIB and the RBCC went to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Heritage of Folly who, later in the day, also took PG3 from Mr J Ritchie. (photo: Anthony Allen)
RDCC was another for Nicola and Martin’s C Night Court JW ShCM while Trudy Topliss’s Beresford Night Train took BPD. Although there was a veteran group, sadly, there was no best veteran declared for the breed as only one was entered and that was absent.
Again, there was very little ESS support for the stakes classes but Abigail Levene took a fine third in the JHA 11-16 years handling.
Maggie Wilson and friends (including me) were basking in the sunshine at Horley DCS where Hilary Male was doing the breed and group. Maggie’s Cassapple Rumba took BOB and then went on to G2 and all of us enjoyed coaching one of my very young granddaughters who had a go at handling an ESS and was thrilled to achieve a second in the junior stakes.
Lucy-May Ainsley and Lewis Nicklin had a very busy weekend with Daenerys Fifty Shades who was at West Brom and Wednesbury on the Saturday, handled by Lewis, where he was BOB and G1 under Jean Collins-Pitman. On the bank holiday Monday he went with Lucy-May to Leicester CS and took BOB and G3 under Hilary Male (having just dashed up from Horley the day before!).
Sue Delanty had a great day at Deane DCS where her Plaiglen Beaters BMagic won a lovely AV puppy bitch class then went RBIS and BPIS – all under Mrs Angela Jones (Bellaronze).
So lovely to see Lavinia Hancock back in the ring after such a long absence although we have seen her occasionally at shows as a visitor. At Norfolk & Norwich her baby Donarden Dream Lover from Hanknight was BPIB under Paul David (Annaside) and then a very exciting PG3 under Nicola Spencer. Great also to hear from Nicola Morgans who was at the same show with Kennair Dreaming On A Star and who went BOB. Her K Northern Star was handled by husband Charles for the first time ever and took a second in his breed class but then won AV gundog under the group judge. I am not sure of whom Nicola is most proud but think it might be husband Charles!!
At Birmingham it was Richard Bott (Quensha/Allenie) in the hot seat and where Sarah Corbett’s Sh Ch Trimere Ticket Maid was winning her fourth BCC and then went on to a fine G3 under Mr D Howarth.
DCC was another for Ray Smith’s Melverly Buona Notte with the RDCC going to Ed Casey and Cameron Cavallo’s Sh Ch/Aust Supreme Ch Sandicam The Look Of Love. RBCC was another for Bev Nicholson’s Lobourne Disco Diva at Kingsheath JW and BPIB was the bitch, Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Heritage Of Folly. Best Veteran was Margaret and Steve Wildsmith’s Trimere Time Trail with Sandiebeck ShCM and Best Junior Kelly Jenkinson’s Eastriding Declaration. BPD was Trudy Topliss’ Beresford Night Train.
In the champion stakes there was a second for The Look Of Love and in the JHA classes, 11-16 years and the YKC handling Abigail Levene took third place with Petranella The Real Deal with Pendarlow and a first in the breeder/owner handling stakes with Pendarlow Peter Pan.
At Irvine DCC June Laughlan’s Lochbridge Thunderstruck went BPIB, PG1 and BPIS while his dam Lochbride Mercy Me also took G4.
Back to Ireland where it was a totally amazing week for Lesley McCourt with two BIS! More from the MUNSTER CIRCUIT …
With two shows down the circuiteers moved on to Limerick where Mr J Byrnes judged the breed and where BGS and BOB went to Lesley McCourt’s Ir Sh Ch Woodspa Royal Ascot ShCM and the DGS went to Michele Knapp’s Ir Sh Ch Templecarrig Heartbreaker; RDGS was Templecarrig’s Catch The Wind and RBGS was Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Flaming Whirlwind of Meadowdale JW. Royal Ascot then went on to win the group and BIS under Dr M Woods (Canada)!
Limerick was followed on the same day by the ESS Club of Ireland breed show where it was Jane Eyeington’s turn to win BIS with Flaming Whirlwind, the DGS went to Michele Knapp’s Sh Ch Templecarrig Hearbreaker and Jo Cunliffe’s Calvdale I Say of Fallenleaf took BPIS.
Next stop was Tralee where Royal Ascot once again took the BGS and BOB going on to G2 under Dr M Woods doing the breed today while the group was judged by Mr K Lobb. DGS went to Kath Holt’s Bethryn Devil Moon and the RBGS was also won by her Trimere Tranquiliser. Jane Eyeington’s Sh Ch Meadowdale Chaos JW ShCM took the RDGS.
The final show was the Black, Red or Golden Cocker Club where the breed and BIS was judged by Mrs S Kealey and it was another BGS, BOB and BIS for Woodspa Royal Ascot! This time the RBGS went to Jo Cunliffe’s Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl of Fallenleaf while Jane’s M Chaos took the DGS and RDGS went to Paul Drinkall’s Mompesson Tribute to Esscroft which gained him his Irish veteran champion title.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
August 23rd 2017
At WKC Jaqui Ward (Mianja) judged the breed and, with several of our regular exhibitors beating the path to the Munster Circuit in Eire, the entry was a modest one.
Taking the DCC and BOB was Ed Casey and Cameron Cavallo’s Sh Ch/Aust Supreme Ch Sandicam The Look Of Love with Richard Bott and Chris Savell’s Sh Ch Art-wave’s Standing Ovation for Allenie being awarded the RDCC. BPD was Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Night On The Tiles. There were no veteran dogs present. The Look Of Love then went on to the group under John Thirlwell and took a fine G2.
It turned out to be a super day for the Calvdale kennel with a first BCC for the very young C Beautiful Romance (Swe/Dan Ch Sanque’s Cut To The Chase ex Melverly Moving Over) who is still leading this year’s puppy rankings while last year’s top puppy, Trimere Ticatboo, took the RBCC for Sarah Corbett. Nicola and Martin also took BPIB with their C Heritage Of Folly who was shortlisted in the group under Derek Smith. Lyn Bashforth’s Jorobaden Prima Donna took BVIB.
There were very few participants in the stakes classes but Abigail Levene had a good day with a second for Petranella The Real Deal of Pendarlow in the YKC members stakes and some lovely handling places in both the YKC handling – where Abigail was first in the 12-16 years – and in the JHA 12-16 years where she was placed third.
Quite a gathering descended on the Munster Circuit with Clonmel their first outing under Mr J De Silva. It proved to be a very damp day weather-wise but spirits were high after the judging was completed!
Taking the BGS and BOB was Lesley McCourt’s Ir Sh Ch Woodspa Royal Ascot ShCM with DGS and RBOB going to Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Meadowdale Chaos JW ShCM. RBGS was Sh Ch Trimere Tranquiliser at Bethryn and RDGS went to Michele Knapp’s Ir Sh Ch Templecarrig Hearbreaker.
The next stop was Killarney where the skies were a little brighter and where Kath Holt had the sunniest of smiles after winning the DGS and BOB with her and daughter Beth’s Bethryn Devil Moon JW IrJunCh. RDGS was Jane’s Chaos and she took the BGS with her Flaming Whirlwind of M. RBGS was Royal Ascot. The breed judge was Hilary Laverty.
On to the group which was judged by Chris Laverty and it was a fabulous G1 for Devil Moon and I believe Kath had a little success in the brace class also. Ultimately, she and Devil Moon stepped out for the BIS challenge under Mr A Beare and won RBIS!
More results next week.
I was at Maidstone, selling raffle tickets at Kent County open show and it was good to see a couple of new ESS puppies out for a practice run. Steve and Wendy Walker’s Dexbenella Atticus Finch had a lovely debut under Steve Pick, taking BAVNSC gundog puppy and then going on to a very creditable PG2 under the same judge.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
16th August 2017
Angela Chandler (Chanangel) judged at Bournemouth and, apart from a few tiny bits of drizzle, it turned
out to be a really warm and pleasant day with a happy atmosphere and quite a few ice creams!
There was a huge grin on Kath Holt’s face when her homebred Bethryn Devil Moon JW Ir J Ch (Melverly Missionaire to Bethryn ex Sh Ch Trimere Tranquiliser to B) took his first DCC and first BOB the day before his second birthday – from the yearling class. He had a RDCC earlier this year at NESSS and was joint top puppy the year before. RDCC was another for Catriona Brough’s Riselawroad No Deal – on this occasion handled by Helen Macleay. Best veteran dog and BV was yet another for Steve and Wendy Walker’s Sh Ch Dexbenella It’s About Time JW ShCM. Unfortunately, there were no male puppies present.
And on to bitches where Sarah Corbett had an emotional day with a third and crowning CC for the 19 months Trimere Ticket Maid – her own pick from the litter by T Chaos and T Ta Dah, four of which have had very successful puppy careers with multiple BPIBs. She took her first earlier this year at Southern Counties under Tom Graham with the second from David Shields at Border Union and she has also collected several RBCCs along the way. RBCC was Trudy Topliss’s Polish import, Lordsett Uptown Girl at Beresford. Best veteran bitch was Kathy Taubman’s Peasblossom Geisha at Meonstoke. BPB and BPIB was Steve and Wendy’s Beresford Night Nurse at Dexbenella – and the only B/W in the winning lineup.
Phoebe Toublic had a very productive day in the stakes and handling classes with a VHC in the Frank Bloom Memorial Stakes, a reserve in the JHA 6-11 years and the Denise Courtney Memorial open stakes and a fine second in the YKC 6-11 years handling.
Sh Ch/Aust Sup Ch Sandicam The Look Of Love is a great traveller and seems to thrive on it. Owners Ed Casey and Cameron Cavallo popped over to Ireland with him at the weekend and paid their third visit to an Irish championship show, this time the Coleraine show in Dublin. Here, ‘Noah’ took his third consecutive GS and BOB and G1 under Heather Arrell, finishing a great day with BIS3 under Gerry McFaul.
Nice to hear that Sue Delanty had a wonderful day at Preston DCS with her Plaiglen Beaters BMagic was both BOB and BPIB under Charlotte Ayres-Cousins (Viacocha). She then went on to the group where she took a PG2 from Roy Baker (Sylbecq).
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com
August 9th 2017
At Paignton the breed was judged by Janet Richards and there were no CCs on offer. Richard Bott and Christine Savell’s Sh Ch Art-wave’s Standing Ovation for Allenie took BD and BOB with Sarah Corbett’s Trimere Ticket Maid winning BB. Claire Hill and Mrs L Croucher’s Teignvalley Blaser JW ShCM and T Diavari took both RBD and RBB respectively and there were no puppies entered.
In the stakes Akerboom and Van der Schaaf’s NL Ch Trimere Total Mahem took the reserve in the champion stakes and young Phoebe Toublic had success in both the JHA 6-11 years, where she took a first, and a second in the YKC handling classes for the same age group. Our own Jenny Miller (Feorlig) judged the group and BIS.
Wendy Minshull judged the breed at National Gundog where Bob and Frances Jackson’s Sh Ch Mompesson Winchester too the DCC and BOB. RDCC was Total Mahem and BPD and BPIB was Fran Glendinning’s Plaiglen Beaters BStylish.
In bitches, it was a first BCC for Ken and Claire Green’s Kennair Like A Diamond with the Jackson’s Sh Ch Mompesson Legacy taking RBCC and BPB going to Wendy and Steve Walker’s Beresford Night Nurse at Dexbenella on her first outing. It was good to see some well filled minor puppy classes.
Wendy and Steve’s Sh Ch D It’s About Time JW ShCM and Jo and Geoff Cunliffe’s Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl at Fallenleaf JW ShCM were the respective winners with It’s About Time winning overall BV.
There were few ESS participants in the stakes classes but I did catch a second in the Special Working class for Diane Scott’s Ch Melverly Islay Inspired at Lossiedoon.
It is so lovely to hear news of English Springers just having fun in other disciplines and I am grateful to Maxine Hydon who tells me she and Mompesson Sweet Revenge went to a local show and village fete and entered the agility competition. ‘Lenka’ is now approaching her tenth year and has not been ‘just a show dog’ at any time in her active life, competing at high level in Bikejor over those years.
Lenka has not had any formal agility training so Maxine was not expecting her to get beyond the first round. There were 32 competitors and they were randomly put into pairs on a knock out basis with each winner going through to the next round. Lenka loved the tunnels and weaves and managed to win through to the semi finals and would have gone further but for the fact that Maxine knocked a pole down after Lenka had cleared it and was in the lead on timings.
Each dog was allowed two handlers so 11-year-old Ella Newnham (the daughter of one of Maxine’s neighbours with whom the dog has a special bond) also took Lenka through the course and was particularly proud as they have grown up together and are the greatest of friends. Maxine tells me Lenka refuses to believe that she is getting older and that she had a job keeping up with her – Maxine being the one who was relieved that the course was shortened in the later rounds!
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
August 2nd 2017
No championship shows this weekend in UK but there was the Rotterdam Winner show where Jock Mackay was judging the breed. Winning the CACIB and BOB and (subject to confirmation) taking his Dutch title was Nigel and Ro Cox’s NL CH Petranella Jersey Boy at Tiroen. In the group he was shortlisted down to the last six.
Back here the weather was pretty dismal around the country. I was dodging showers at a family gathering in York although had I known I might have popped into York Canine open show where Kelly Jenkinson’s young Eastriding Declaration took BOB and then went on to G1, both judged by Nicola Spencer - I see from the photos that the British are getting almost as good as our European cousins at erecting tents!
At East of England open show there was a good turnout of 16 English Springers under Penny Sands with Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Flaming Whirlwind of Meadowdale JW taking BOB while their young M Storm Trooper took his first open show in his stride, winning BPIB and going on to take PG2 under Martin Greenwood (Telkaro).
At Southampton DCS Dorothy West had a good day, despite the rain, with Meonstoke Cherry Blossom at Grosbreuil who delighted her by winning BOB under Steve Richardson.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com
July 26 2017
Kelly Jenkinson (Eastriding) judged the breed at Leeds and I for one was sorry to have missed it.
It was another DCC, BOB and a group shortlisting for Richard Bott and Christine Savell’s Sh Ch Art-wave’s Standing Ovation for Allenie with a RDCC for Bob and Frances Jackson’s Mompesson Devonshire and BPD and BPIB going to Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Meadowdale Storm Trooper; it was lovely to see Elaine Stevenson returning to the ring after a long absence and winning the veteran dog class with Gaolachcara Somhlth ShCM.
In bitches, it was a first BCC for Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Hot Pink with the RBCC going to Sarah Corbett’s Trimere Ticket Maid from her first outing in LB. BPB was Jo and Geoff Cunliffe’s MPB, Calvdale I Say of Fallenleaf, making it a day to remember for them as Best Veteran in Breed went to the bitch, their Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl of F JW, who thrilled and delighted later in the day by going Veteran Group 2 under Jacqui Ward.
Despite a back injury requiring both stiff upper lip and pain killers, Sarah Corbett managed to have a good day also piloting NL Ch T Total Mahem – owned in partnership by Messrs Akerboom and Van der Schaaf – to a third in the champion stakes.
Jenny Tracz and Helen Macleay decided to pop over to Eire at the weekend and took a number of dogs to the Munster Agricultural Show in Cork. They had a great time. Jenny’s Melverly Strike over Acregate JW ShCM took the DGS, BOB and G4 while Helen’s Melverly Misdemeanour for Portrail won the BGS – all under judge Cam Cavallo (Sandicam) who did both breed and group.
At Hampshire Gundog Kendra Whittock’s Merrywater Minstrel ShCM had another successful weekend taking BOB under Sheila Appleby (Quarr) and then BIS4 under Shelagh Walton (Gallybob). I gather it was rather a wet day!
Louise Scott and I spent a very pleasant Sunday, dodging the odd shower and co-judging a variety of classes at the Just Springer Rescue annual dog show in South Godstone, Surrey. Liz Austin and her team of helpers put on an extremely well organised day (we even had our chairs and mugs labelled with our names!) with over 100 dogs in attendance and a variety of displays including gundog work by Barry Blinks and his team of fabulous ESS. We both had some super pedigree dogs to choose from and, of course, some dear little rescued English Springers all of whom were very well socialised and in excellent condition. Liz and helpers (human and canine) will be on the ESS stand at Discover Dogs in October.
News from Anna Naylor that she and Peter have moved house to Eastbourne in Sussex. Their email remains the same but, if you want their new address, I am happy to supply.
And finally, schedules are now out for South of England Gundog open show which takes place at Maidstone on 22nd October (and online at Fosse Data). There is a change of judge as Brian Limpus is no longer able to do the appointment. He is replaced by specialist Paul Drinkall (Esscroft) and it would be lovely to see a splendid turnout for his first judging venture in the Deep South!
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
July 19 2017
Warm and a little bit wet greeted those of us that attended the SESSS open show on Saturday but it didn’t really dampen the spirits overly and judging took place outside with some strategically placed gazebos to keep important stuff dry.
Judge was Linda Thorogood (Harrifield) and it was a little disappointing to see a number of absentees – mostly in bitches -and all due to the hot weather bringing them all into season at the same time!
There had been a series of accidents on the motorways that morning with Secretary Liz Young caught up for over two hours at standstill on the M40 and several held up for a similar amount of time on the M25 making it a fairly nightmare journey for quite a few. Everyone managed to get there by the start of the show at 10.30am however.
Linda went straight through with the judging and her BD (RBIS and Best Veteran in Show) went to Wendy and Steve Walker’s Sh Ch Dexbenella It’s About Time JW ShCM who is having the time of his life this year and RBD (and Best B/W in Show) was Kendra Whittock’s Merrywater Minstrel at Kingsheath. There were no dog puppies entered.
Lesley McCourt’s Ir Sh Ch Woodspa Royal Ascot ShCM was BB and went on to take BIS with RBB going to my Crackerjanne Penelope Cruz and BPB and BPIS being won by Hazel and Derek Cook’s Kingsheath Bayley of Burnbake.
Kendra Whittock judged the fun handling classes for adults and under 16s which were held after breed judging and there was a puppy walk, judged by Kendra, with special prizes for participants. Winning the under 16s and overall best handler was Phoebe Toublic.
The SESSS welcomed new committee members Maxine Hydon and Dorothy West who were busy on the showground all day and, in the Chairman’s absence (judging in Sweden), Maureen Read took on the role of Show Manager for the first time. Paul Osbourne changed his hat from Hon Treasurer to Chief Steward and Ria Twilley was his assistant.
There was an emotional presentation, made by vice chairman Chris Savell, to outgoing committee member Lesley McCourt who has served the Society in several roles but that of webmaster in chief has been her consistent and most valued contribution since 2006. Lesley is moving up country in the next 12 months and we will all miss her!
Liz Young and team would like to thank all those on the committee who worked tirelessly all day with special thanks to Kendra Whittock for stepping in to judge the handling, Jenny Williams and Phoebe Toublic for their waitressing skills on top table, to Phil Parr for his delicious puds (and Pat Grimshaw for the trifle!) and even Robert Woodbridge for helping Noel put up the tents!
There were lots of other wins around the country on both weekend days with Team Calvdale/Chanangel having a very good day at both Harrogate on the Saturday and Durham County show on the Sunday.
Jean Byrne was judging both breed and group at Harrogate with BOB and G3 going to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s young Calvdale Beautiful Romance and BPIB and PG2 to C Heritage Of Folly. The following day they all enjoyed the activities at Durham County Show where both young bitches repeated their wins of the day before under different judges – the breed being judged by Debbie Bayliss (Wilandorah) and the group by Jane Graham (Nyliram).
At Scarborough, Kelly Jenkinson’s Hollivera’s Verona (imp Sweden) went BOB under Australian visiting judge Cam Cavallo (Sandicam) while Fran Glendinning’s Plaiglen Beaters BStylish went BPIB. The group was judged by Ed Casey (Moyglass) and Verona went on to take the group while the puppy was PG3.
Having met up with Kay Woodward and ‘Violet’, the Cocker, the Eastriding and Plaiglen kennels joined them for a post-show trip to nearby Fraisthorpe beach where ESS and Cockers alike frolicked in the sea and everyone enjoyed themselves hugely!
At Oswestry, Joanne Addoo was handling George Clarke’s Ternspringer Bandman at Reulemill under Mrs Grace Brown who was also doing the group. Not only did Joanne pilot ‘Ted’ to BOB and G1 but she also helped him collect the final points he needed for his ShCM. Congratulations!
Chris Savell had a busy day at the SESSS show on the Saturday where her Banoffee pies went down a storm and, glutton for punishment that she is, she was up early again on the Sunday to travel to the Peterborough open show. Here, her Plaiglen All That Jazz at Allenie took BOB under Ron Ellinor and then went on to win the group in fine company under the same judge.
One thing has occurred to me and that is I am no longer restricted to open show group placings so am at perfect liberty to mention other wins at open show level! Therefore, I am happy to add that Edwina Rowlinson took BOB with Cassapple Kentucky Dream at Meltarose ShCM at Kingston who was later shortlisted in the group and that Lewis Nicklin and Lucy-May Ainsley had a great day at Evesham where their Daenery’s Fifty Shades took BOB and dam Carlyquinn Candy Kisses was RBOB. Do let me know of your successes and not just in the ring please!
Last of all this week I would like to mention Karen Allery (Splashpoint) whose Braego It Could Be Magic has just won her KC Good Citizen ‘Gold’ Award. This is a tremendous achievement so many congratulations. Karen tells me that ‘Flick’ has never really cared for the ring but excels at mental stimulation activities so they are going on to advanced training and agility work.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
8th April 2022
Lots of activity around the open show scene over the last week and some lovely results for ESS in the process.
At Birtley open show the Calvdale team were out with ‘helpers’. Judge on the day was Christine Morgan and BOB went to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Scaramouch Jones who went G2 later under the same judge, handled by Nicola throughout. Kath Holt was handling Calvdale Pure Theatre who won the graduate class and took BPIB and PG3.
In addition, Calvdale Ever Thus won AV gundog puppy and Scaramouch won the junior stakes.
Nicola won some Good Samaritan points too! A gentleman, new to showing but a regular at daughter Angela Chandler’s classes, was assembling his trolley by his car and had already put his Tibetan Terrier ten months puppy in it along with his show stuff when a car reversed into it, totalling the trolley and damaging both himself unfortunately and his own car. The puppy was unharmed but the gentleman was very shaken and Nicola offered to handle his puppy for him. In the event she and ‘Zha Zha’ won the stakes class and the stoic pup was a real trooper despite the shock. And, to top off a lovely day, Catherine Chandler handled a Deerhound as big as she is for a friend and came second in her breed class!!
Catriona Clarke kindly notified me she was at Mansfield open show with others under Jean Collins Pitman. BOB went to Di Eastwood’s Eastfalla Sea The Stars, with RBOB going to Catriona’s Tigerrock Just Rock N Roll who was second in open. There were no puppies but Fran Glendinning won junior with Lochar Memories and Catriona’s sister won PG with Tigerrock Strike A Pose. Apparently, it was just like shows of old with everyone pleased for each other’s successes and lots of banter!
Down in the West Country Julie Kibby was at Plymouth limited show where Trimere Taylor Maid at Pinhays won BOB and BPIB, went G3 and PG1, all under Mr M Sandy. She was also placed in the puppy stakes earning ‘Lara’ some pocket money!
At Beckenham CS, held at Maidstone in Kent, there was a good turnout of 15 for Lewis Nicklin (Daenerys). BOB went Steve and Wendy Walker’s Dexbenella Fitzgerald, RBOB to Edwina Rowlinson’s Meltarose Midshipman and BPIB to Wendy and Steve’s Dexbenella Double Oh Seven. In the group, judged by Chris Page, Double Oh Seven went PG2 and there was success for Edwina in the RBOB group under the same judge and then won Best RBOB overall against the winners of the other RBOB groups when Midshipman took the top spot under Jane Lilley. The majority of judging took place outside and everybody was chilled to the marrow by the wind!
The weather got worse for Windsor Gundog at Kempton racecourse outside where the ESS entry experienced all four seasons in a few hours. Collette Perkins judged the breed and there was a superb entry of 30 ESS (just like the old days)! Admittedly, there were a few absentees but I can only get excited that open shows are really an attraction to so many.
BOB from the veteran class was Kathy Taubman’s Meonstoke Hawthorn who is approaching his ninth birthday. RBOB was Jackie Weyman’s Spuffing Molly's Secret, from open but also a veteran. Jackie had a very good day also winning the large puppy class with her daughter, Spuffing Prosecco, who had to give way in the challenge for BPIB to Wendy and Steve’s Dexbenella Double Take who won the junior class and was sired by Hawthorn!
Linda King (Kirkavagh) judged BIS and there was even better to come with Hawthorn taking RBIS and Double Take being shortlisted at only seven months.
In the stakes under Linda, Wendy and Steve’s Dexbenella Double Oh Seven won the AV MPD class and good to hear that Ann Crouch’s Trimere Timeless with Kassan was reserve in a well-supported AV Gundog class as well as winning the breed limit class.
Just a couple of hours to go to enter the SESSS virtual show! I finally got my act together at some point today…
A busy week.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
8th March 2022
PART ONE
The last weekend before Crufts was another busy one with plenty of opportunity for last-minute practice all around the country.
The MESSS held its open show, a stand-alone event which is always really enjoyable for everyone and which this Society does exceedingly well. Judge for the day was Emma Boole (Arrowmow) and she had some lovely dogs to go over.
In dogs there was a new one on me, aptly named Beresford Lockdown (Sh Ch Beresford Night Train ex Lordsett Uptown Girl) , owned and bred by Trudy Topliss who won yearling dog and then went on to top the dog challenge , BD and BOS with Trudy in charge. His kennel mate, Sh Ch Beresford As Good As It Gets had to settle for RBD on this occasion and was handled by Georgia Brown in the challenge. BPD and BPIS went to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Ever Thus.
Georgia was to have a good day! Her Sh Ch Trimere Tickle Me Fancy won BB and ultimately BIS with the junior winner, Calvdale Flutter, owned and bred by Nicola and Martin Calvert, taking RBB and RBIS. BPD and BPB was Jane Reynold’s Clentonian Picturesque.
The veteran class starts off the day at this show and is open to dog or bitch. Winner of this class and BVIS was Kath Holt’s Plaiglen Beaters Bjewel to Bethryn JW. Best B/W was Lavinia Hancock’s Sh Ch Meadowdale Jedi at Hanknight.
The same weekend Edith Rose was back at an open show, this time the South West Gundog Association, where Westaway Dream Angus of Rosannoch took BOB under Marion Waddell (Macgregor). Edith and ‘Angus’ had a very good day and thought the show really well organised. And she messaged me so thank you Edith!
Another very kind to message me was Sarah Corbett who was at Coventry Gundog with Trimere Time Fly’s. ‘Luna’ won both BOB and BPIB under Roger Perkins and then went on to G3 among the grown ups and then BPIS under Ben Bennett. Not content with that, she also won the puppy stakes under Shelagh Tolladay.
Another show traditionally the weekend before Crufts is Folkestone and Hythe where the breed was not classified. Christine and daughter Amy Savell had entered NSC Gundog just for some practice for the team of Amy and Petranella Shenanigan which had been interrupted for a short time while Amy was working in the Cotswolds. She is now back and the pairing won the large junior class, BNSC and then the Group, all under Hilary Male.
I would like to take this opportunity of wishing all, exhibitors and visitors alike to Cruft this Sunday a wonderful day of watching ESS striding out on that fabulous green carpet. We would like to send our best wishes to our specialist judge Gareth Lawler (Roqfolly) and sincerely hope he enjoys his day centre stage. Do remember that, whatever the results, we will be taking the best dogs home with us!
TO BE CONTINUED
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
28th February2022
It is so great to see lots of you supporting the open shows up and down the country with some lovely results for ESS. We have seen some of our local shows fall by the wayside due to lack of committee and general apathy and we need to try to keep the rest going. I have been to a couple recently, stewarding at one and helping out at another, and there is no doubt that the atmosphere and geniality is second to none as we all get to know each other over the years. Please let me know when you have had a good day at one of these.
Our first visit is one I missed in mid-February as it didn’t appear on my timeline and I just chanced to pop in on Edith Rose to see if she had been busy. And she had! She was thrilled when Westaway Dream Angus with Rosannoch took BOB at Gundog Breeds Association open show under gundog specialist Tom Johnston after a considerable absence from the open show scene.
And I missed a plethora of important wins for the Calvdale team of Nicola Calvert which has been super busy with Calvdale Flutter coming to the end of her puppy career in style. At Border Counties Gundog she went BPIB under Hilary Male and then BPIS under Terry Pearson. At the same show Calvdale Ever Thus won a very large AV Puppy Class.
Then Nicola and support crew went to Darlington where Howard Ogden judged the breed and BIS. C Flutter took BP and BOB, then PG1 and ultimately BIS.
Next, Nicola was off to Ripon DCS’s limited evening show and this time it was C Ever Thus who took BOB and BPIS under Colin Gullon with granddaughter Elizabeth handling him throughout!
Then (and this is where Celia woke up!) the team were off to Cleveland where Calvdale Scaramouche Jones won open, BOB and G3, Calvdale Pure Theatre was BPIB and PG3, all under Mike Lewin. At the same show, Scaramouche Jones also won a super junior stakes class under Lee Cox.
And finally, this weekend Nicola was at Billingham Symphonia where Calvdale Ever Thus took BP, BOB and won the puppy group at Billingham Symphonia under Martin Rees. Phew!
In between all this activity it was lovely to hear from Helen Merry who found herself at a dog show rather than angling on a river bank (safer in the storms I believe) where she went as company for Chris House to St Helens & DCS. Helen got to handle also and Gleadsbury Dynamite went BOB while Gleadsbury Gunpowder Plot was RBOB under Charlotte Ayers-Cousins.
On Saturday last weekend, Teresa Dunsdon was at Wealdstone & Northholt open show with Kingsheath Mayday at Seaspring who had a simply super day. At just nine months, she took BOB and BPIB under replacement judge Ray Macdonald (due to a change in show dates) and both G2 and PG2 behind the eventual BPIS under Amber Henshaw.
The following day, there was an enormous entry of 21 ESS for Julie Revill of Welsh Springer fame (Julita) at Kent County CA. Julie judged the majority of the gundog breeds scheduled and had a long day outside with ESS sixth in the ring. BOB went to Kathy Taubman’s Meltarose Madeleine at Meonstoke with Maxine Hydon’s Clentonian Pandemonium JW RBOB and BPIB was Jackie Weyman’s home-bred baby, Spuffing Prosecco. Julie also judged the group and many of us were still there so there was a deafening cheer when Kathy took G2 and Jackie PG3!
And, most importantly, the breakfast was delicious.
And finally, on our journey around the UK, we land at the West Country where our Devonians, Clare Hill and Julie Kibby, were at Torquay DCS open show. Clare’s Peasblossom Tupelo Honey with Teignvalley took BOB Julie’s Trimere Taylor Maid at Pinhays was BPIB and RBOB under Maria Chalk and went on to PG2. She also won AV gundog puppy and was second in the RBOB g undog stakes.
Just one important announcement to make from the Acting Secretary of the Lancs & Cheshire ESSC that they have finalised their show dates for 2021, 2022 and 2023. The 2021 Ch Show will be partnered with Leeds Ch Show on 24th July 2022 with Karl Payne (Cepen) judging. The 2022 Ch Show will be held on 28th August, partnered with Driffield Ch Show and with Stig Arne Kjellvold (Westaway, Norway) as the scheduled judge. The open show 2022 will be partnered with City of Birmingham on 4th September 2022 and will be judged by Shirley Watson (Bordacity) and, finally, the 2023 Ch Show will be partnered with Manchester on 21st January 2023. This will also be their 40th Anniversary show and will be judged by Yvonne Billows (Robil). All Ch Show judges subject to KC approval.
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
October 18th 2017.
Last weekend saw the two breed club open shows that are always held on the same day although there are plenty of miles in between!
At the ESSC of Scotland the judge was Mrs Anne Orzel (Braxton).
BD and RBIS went to Catriona Brough’s Riselawroad No Deal, handled by Helen Macleay, with RBD going to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Night Court. BPD and BPIS was also their Calvdale Night On The Tiles and Best veteran dog went to Bob Nicolson’s Sh Ch Lochindorb Chief O’ The Clan who was also BVIS.
BB & BIS went to Nicola Dobbin’s Sh Ch Donarden Madam Butterfly with Fiona McGovern’s Baxbalach Here’s Trouble RBB; Elizabeth Chandler handled her and grandma Nicola Calvert’s Beresford Night Spell to Best Minor Puppy, BPB and RBPIS and collected the prize for Best child handler. There was no Best B/W declared.
At the South Western ESSC, Honor Harrison (Glenbrows) attracted a reasonable entry, marred once again by absentees. I am grateful to Sue Joyce for the results and a bit of ‘flavour’!
BD was Helen Cokell’s Sh Ch Carlyquinn Can’t Wait JW ShCM with RBD going to Kathy Taubman’s Meonstoke Hawthorn. There were no puppy dogs present.
BB, from junior, and BIS went to a very delighted Sue and Neil Joyce whose Kingsheath Total Diva at Felltops took the top spot with Helen’s Carlyquinn Mama Mia taking RBB and RBIS. BPB and BPIB WAS Jane Reynold’s Clentonian Picture Perfect and BVIS was Kathy’s Peasblossom Geisha at Meonstoke.
A best B/W was declared and was Maxine Hydon’s Clentonian Pandemonium, litter sister to the BP. There is also an award at this show for Best L/W/T which went to Sarah Davis’ Madisamar Big Apple.
Kathy Taubman also won the members stakes class and a rather nice bit of pocket money with her Geisha while Jackie Weyman won the raffle – just desserts for judging the handling classes which, once again went to Daisy Toublic and daughter Phoebe who took the adult and young handling respectively. Apparently, it was a beautiful sunny day which added to a very pleasant atmosphere inside the showground.
It was a great week for Ray Smith and Melverly Top Geezer with a RDCC at S Wales, the CC and BOB at GSOW and yet they both had the energy to do it all again at the weekend with a sortie to Goyt Valley Gundog. The pairing took BOB and then went on to BIS3 and won £50 by winning the RCC stakes. Not a bad day at the office!!
Edith Rose attended Clydebank DCC at the weekend where her Westaway Dream Angus of Rosannoch won the gundog group under Mrs Alex Hill (Calaquendi) and then went RBIS under Michael Coad (Pamplona).
Wendy Walker decided to pop along to Maidstone to Gravesend & Medway open show where her Dexbenella Atticus Finch went BPIB under Karen Murphy (daughter of the late David Murphy (Lisnagarvey) who was enjoying a full day’s judging although dreading her return flight to Ireland into the path of Storm Ophelia! Atticus breezed into the group under Jonathan Daltrey and blew Wendy away when he won PG2 (OUCH!). BOB went to Chris Savell’s and Anthony Allen’s Plaiglen All That Jazz with Allenie.
Talking of breezes, Jo and Geoff Cunliffe’s Calvdale I Say of Fallenleaf (pet name Breeze) went to Clitheroe open show where she was BPIB and BOB under Ms J Howarth (Caleydene). Their Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl of F won the veteran bitch class and also qualified to run in the BIS ring with only Jo there to handle. Jo opted to show the older bitch while a fellow exhibitor stepped in to handle the puppy. Although neither was pulled out in the BIS ring, My Girl went on to win BVIS under Melanie Harwood.
Lovely to have a note from Nicola Morgans who was at Grantham & District CS last Saturday under Susan Joyce (busy weekend for you, Sue!). Her Kennair Dreaming on a Star won PG and BOB while Kennair Northern Star won open. Such a shame that only 5 of the 10 entered were there to represent our lovely breed. But Nicola says there was a lovely atmosphere at this well-run show.
This weekend is Discover Dogs at the ExCel Centre and SESSS is responsible for manning the ESS stand. If I can negotiate my way to the correct car park this time (!), I will be there on the Saturday with Grace and Theo along with other volunteers from Just Springer Rescue, Louise Scott and Graham Osborne. We anticipate a very busy day and will let you know how we all get on next week.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL BREED NOTES
October 11th 2017.
A very sad start to this week’s notes and I am grateful to Gareth Lawler who has allowed me to reproduce here some of his touching tribute: ‘The news that whilst not unexpected, is still hard to receive, greeted me today on my return, that Garfield Sullivan (Flourenn), lost his battle with cancer. Many will know of Amanda's fight over the last 10 years, and Garfield has been her rock, her everything throughout.
‘I first met Amanda and Garfield back in 1998, when they came to collect an ESS puppy from me, and we have remained close friends ever since. Much as Amanda has always been the colourful and effervescent half of the partnership, Garfield was always the unassuming 'Gentle giant'. Such a kind man, with a warm heart. Garfield was married previously and has children and 2 granddaughters who both he and Amanda doted on. He enriched the lives of so many.
‘Amanda has lost her doting husband and Soulmate, his family have lost a loving brother, father and grandfather, the rest of us who got to know him so well have lost a great friend, a gentleman whose humility and kindness knew no bounds.
‘The world in general, and Cornwall in particular have lost a real gem.....another bright star to shine in the sky.’ I am sure that Gareth will be happy to pass on details of the funeral arrangements when these are finalized.
Karl Payne (Cepen) ran the Bournemouth marathon last week in a wonderful time of 4 hours, 37 minutes despite a cold, labyrinthitis and in an unseasonal temperature of 24 degrees! As you know he was running for United Response, the charity his wife Alison work for which helps the mentally and physically disabled. So far, he has raised a staggering £3,500 from sponsorship!
I salute those of you who attended both championships shows within three days covered by these notes with South Wales on the Sunday at Builth and Wednesday’s Gundog Society of Wales which is, of course, held at Malvern. I did this a couple of years ago and was totally knocked out by the travelling!
The journey to Builth may have been one of the reasons for a lower than average entry for Nigel Worth (Sarabande) who was awarding CCs for the first time in our breed.
His DCC, and BOB, was Dave and Jacky Mitchell and Karl Payne’s Sh Ch Peasblossom Jester with the RDCC going to Ray Smith’s Melverly Top Geezer. BPD was Michael Lewis and Jason Bullock’s Trixhund Oliver Twist– their day just got better and better!
In bitches it was a third BCC for Mrs A F Hill’s Trimere Ta Dah who was bred and campaigned by Ann and Sarah Corbett. She took her a couple of RCCs in 2015 and 16 and then won the BCC at Crufts under John Palmer earlier this year with the second coming from Tom Mather at SKC in May. RBCC went to Trimere Total Obsession with Trixhund, owned by Michael and Jason who finished the day by also winning BPIB with Trixhund Pick Pocket.
I failed miserably to find any placings in the stakes classes so do let me know if I have missed anyone out.
There were some good wins elsewhere at the weekend. Kath Taubman was at Portsmouth & Southsea KA where her Meonstoke Hawthorn was BOB under Mr M J Rees (Tyndale) and then was awarded G2 by Liz Cartledge (Ryslip). Peasblossom Geisha at M also won Best AV Veteran under Mr Rees which was a delightful bonus.
Lavinia Hancock popped back to Cornwall to visit friends and took in the Camborne and Redruth Limited show while she was there. It proved to be a very wise choice as her Meadowdale Jedi at Hanknight won the AV puppy class, the group and BPIS! Equally young Donarden Dream Lover, also owned by Lavinia, was BPIB and went on to PG2 and Lavinia’s Teignvalley Tulla at Carnmarth was BOB. Judge for AV and the breed was David Arrondelle (Muirbeck) and BIS was judged by Dr Chris Millard (Karmore).
The Calvdale team were at Northern Counties Gundog where Nicola Calvert’s Calvdale Beautiful Romance took BOB under Mrs V Taylor (Triveka)and was shortlisted for BIS. Elizabeth Chandler handled their Beresford Night Spell to BPIB and then went on to BIS4 under Mr Karl William O’Connor. The WSS had an equally splendid day.
Gundog Society of Wales Ch show was judged by Dave Mitchell (Peasblossom) at Malvern. DCC went to Ray Smith’s Melverly Top Geezer and the RDCC was Trudy Topliss’ Beresford Black Tie. BPD was the puppy, June Laughlan’s Lochbride Thunderstruck. Best Veteran dog and BVIB was Fran Glendinning’s Sh Ch Plaiglen Hustle.
BCC, her second, went to Bev Nicholson’s Loxbourne Disco Diva at Kingsheath with George and Angela Ternant’s Hunterheck Under A Spell the RBCC. BPB, at her first ch show, was Joanne and Lucy Addoo’s Reulemill Annie Power who, still at the age of six months, went BPIB and then into the puppy group under Patsy Hollings. Much to their surprise and delight, Annie Power went RBPIS!
At the ESSC of Wales, which followed the ESS judging at GSOW, the judge was Stewart Cummings (Sevenhills, N Ireland) and I am grateful to Michael Lewis for the results: BD, RBIS and BVIS was Fran Glendinning’s Sh Ch Plaiglen Hustle, RBD was Kath Holt’s Bethryn Devil Moon. BPD was June Laughlan’s Lochbride Thunderstruck, RBPD Michael and Jason’s Trixhund Oliver Twist.
In bitches, BB and BIS was Sarah Corbett’s Trimere Ticket Maid with Kath Holt’s Sh Ch Trimere Tranquiliser at Bethryn taking RBB and BVB. BPB and BPIS was Michael and Jason Bullock’s Trixhund Pick Pocket and RBPB was Jess Lawler’s Roqfolly Eastfalla Pussy Galore.
In the stakes classes at GSOW there were quite a few wins and placings for ESS with a second in the champion stakes for Sh Ch Trimere Ticket Maid. There was a reserve for Paul Osbourne’s Pendarlow Peter Pan in the puppy dog stakes and for Maxine Hydon’s Clentonian Pendemonium in the minor puppy stakes. In the veteran stakes there was a reserve for Margaret and Steve Wildsmith’s Trimere Time Trail with Sandiebeck ShCM and both Daisy Toublic (second) and Kath Holt (third) did very well in the brace stakes. Daisy also took first in the adult handling with Cobhay Dazzling Azalea while Phoebe Toublic took first in the YKC handling for 6-11 years with Cobhay Dahlia. There was also a second in the YKC members stake for Dazzling Azalea.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
October 5th 2017
Driffield, without CCs, was judged by Tim Harrison (Glenbrows) and attracted a modest entry.
BD and BOB was awarded to Bob and Frances Jackson’s Mompesson Devonshire with RBD going to Fran Glendinning’s Plaiglen Bstylish and BPD going to Angela and George Ternent’s Hunterheck Turn Back Time.
In bitches, it was a fabulous outing for Lavinia Hancock’s Meadowdale Jedi of Hanknight who not only took the puppy bitch class but then went on to be awarded BB and BPIB. RBB went to Bob and Frances’ Sh Ch M Legacy. There were no veteran classes.
With a small entry there were not many in the stakes classes but I did see that Cameron Stokes won the YKC 17-24 class and I note (with amazement) that Sh Ch Plaiglen Hustle is now up in the ‘mature’ age group and he and Fran Glendinning were VHC in the Veteran stakes.
Driffield was plagued once again by the British weather but this did not affect the NESSS open show on the Sunday although it was held inside as a little damp out on the grass. The sun did make an appearance and it was a very pleasant day although, sadly, there were quite a few absentees.
Jayne Crabtree (Yarlestre) was centre stage on this occasion and her BD and RBIS went to Kath and Beth Holt’s Bethryn Devil Moon JW ShCM with RBD going to my Crackerjanne Court Jester and BPD to Turn Back Time. Best veteran dog was Sh Ch Petranella Perfick Choice for Beresford, handled and now in the ownership of Mick and Mrs Friel.
In bitches, it was another super day for Yvonne Terry Richardson and Paul Richardson with their Cherishym Chara taking the limit class, BB and BIS. RBB, Best veteran bitch and BVIS went to Jo and Geoff Cunliffe’s irrepressible Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl at Fallenleaf and BPIS and Best B/W went to Nicola Calvert’s Beresford Night Spell, handled by Elizabeth Chandler whose special charge she is.
This was my second visit to NESSS open, accompanied by my young granddaughter, and I would like to thank Elizabeth for the one-to-one handling coaching she gave her and also those in her class who helped her with ring procedure and the judge for her sympathetic approach to a ‘newbie’ to the show scene!
It was a very friendly show as usual and the catering was brilliant – organised as always by Syliva Gibson and team – and Vicky Warrener did a marvelous job combining a full day’s stewarding and taking all the photographs. As an aside, the rosettes were simply splendid!!
Elsewhere, the weekend was packed with open shows and Wendy Walker was at Beckenham where her Dexbenella team had a superb day. In ESS, D Atticus Finch was BPIB while D Serendipity went BOB, under Jane Ashwell Carter. In the group they were PG2 and G4 respectively under Nicola Spencer. Wendy was even more thrilled to take Best NSC with her Dachshund!
Zoe Wilson cleaned up at East Anglian Gundog where her Zawspring Summer Honey took BOB and Peasblossom Luna at Z was RBOB – both earning pocket money as a result. Judge on this occasion was Howard Ogden (Beauview).
Missing from my notes last week was an email I received from Pauline Wallis who tells me that at Gorleston & Yarmouth her Pendarlow Peter Pan took PG3, handled by Paul Osbourne.
I have total admiration for anyone who makes the journey across the water for the purpose of a dog show. More so if that person is travelling from Scotland and I know a fair few of you do this on a regular basis. June Laughlan took in the Maastricht International Show as a change from popping over to Eire and this weekend was her first competition in Europe. Jack Mcbridge Laughlan handled Lochbride Thunderstruck, gaining best junior and RCAC while June’s L Mercy Me won the open class, BB, CAC and CACIB under judge Roxana Opris. BOB went to Mercy Me’s litter brother, owned by the Van den Brink family so it was very much a family occasion!
Celia Woodbridge, email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
September 13 2017
Teresa Dunsdon (Seaspring) judged the breed at Richmond and it was a 9am start in the ring which meant judging was well underway in bitches when the threatened heavy showers forced everyone under canvas. No dogs appeared in the veteran class (although we did have a veteran in the open class) so it was straight into puppy dogs and so good to see a number turning out.
DCC, his 17th, and BOB went to Sh Ch Peasblossom Jester, handled in the breed and group on this occasion by Amy-Lee Trainor (Arawhiti, New Zealand) as owners Dave and Jacky Mitchell were running their trade stand. RDCC was another for Kendra Whittock’s Kingsheath William Regal ShCM, ably handled by sister Bev Nicholson and BPD and BPIB went to Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Meadowdale Storm Trooper who then made it a memorable day by going PG2 under Sandra Marshall.
In bitches, it was a red-letter-day for Steve and Wendy Walker with that third BCC and title for Dexbenella Derethea whose campaigning came to an abrupt halt in 2016 while both Wendy and Steve battled illness. Homebred by their Sh Ch It’s About Time JW ShCM ex D Eluzive Dream, she took her first CC from Angela Mitchell (Heulyn) at Bournemouth in 2014 with the second coming early in ’16 at SESSS under Helene Björkman (Kennel Barecho, Sweden) with several RBCCs in between including Crufts 2016. Steve and Wendy also took BPB with their Beresford Night Nurse at D. RBCC was Trudy Topliss’ Sh Ch Calvdale Duty Calls and Best veteran was the bitch, Kathy Taubman’s Peasblossom Geisha at Meonstoke.
Taking first in the veteran stakes under Kevin Young was Trimere Time Trail with Sandiebeck ShCM, owned by Margaret and Steve Wildsmith and handled beautifully, as always, by Georgia Brown.
Talking of handling there was good ESS news in both age groups in the JHA classes with a first for Phoebe Toublic in the 6-11 years and a second for Abilgail Levene in the 12-16 years, judged by Roisin Howlett.
Amy-Lee Trainor has been in the UK for just over eighteen months teaching primary pupils in a school in Buckinghamshire. Whilst here she has taken in two Crufts where she handled for the Peasblossom kennel and established a strong rapport with their Peasblossom Poet who she handled on a regular basis before he joined her parents in NZ earlier this year. She judged the special classes at NESSS ch show in June 2016 which she thoroughly enjoyed and has done a great job handling for others - Eve Whitley and myself also. She had taken this opportunity to visit several European countries and has been invited to be a trekking guide on horseback in Iceland which task she is taking up in a few weeks’ time. We wish her well. Like all our current young handlers in ESS, she is a credit to the breed.
Jo Cunliffe decided to brave the elements at Burnley open show where her and Geoff Cunliffe’s Calvdale I say of Fallenleaf was BPIB under replacement judge Jen Gannaway-Jones (Scarisbick/Mossland). ‘Breeze’ not only won the puppy stakes under Tom Mather but then went on to RBPIS also judged by him.
June Laughlan took another little trip from Scotland to Eire for the Bangor and North Down show where her very young Lochbride Thunderstruck took the DGS and BOB while L Mercy Me was declared BGS and RBOB under judge Jim Gibson; both were handled by Jack McBride Laughlan.
Just a quick note for your diaries is that there is a change of judge for ESS at South Of England Gundog open show on 22nd October. The breed will now be judged by specialist Paul Drinkall instead of Brian Limpus and entries will be closing soon on Fosse Data.
And finally, we have another two sad losses of much loved ‘oldies’ – both bred by the Trimere kennel of Ann and Sarah Corbett.
Sonia and Noel Gray have had to bid an agonising farewell to their Trimere Top Score ShCM (Graftonbury Navahoe at Dexbenella ex Sh Ch T Tiramasue). ‘Ted’ was 11 years old, was both Sonia’s constant companion throughout those years, Noel’s pride and joy and was an absolute gentleman loved by all he met. He and their equally adored T Talk It Up (Pi) are now re-united as the kennelmates they were from the beginning.
And Lynn Ozanne has said goodbye to her Jersey Ch Trimere Tender Touch at Lyntonridge at the grand age of 14 ½ years. Described as sweet, loving and gentle yet with a mind of her own sounds like ‘Caley’ and, indeed, ‘Ted’ were both the perfect ESS to me.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
Sept 4th 2017
What a lot of activity in the past fortnight with the Irish circuit producing excellent results for ESS, SKC, Birmingham City and a host of open shows where ESS featured strongly in the groups.
In Scotland ESS were judged by Mrs R Martin and it was another DCC and BOB for Richard Bott and Christine Savell’s Swedish import Sh Ch Art-wave’s Standing Ovation with the BCC, her first and I believe a first CC also for totally thrilled owners Yvonne Terry-Richardson and Paul Richardson’s Cherishym Chara. BPIB and the RBCC went to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Heritage of Folly who, later in the day, also took PG3 from Mr J Ritchie. (photo: Anthony Allen)
RDCC was another for Nicola and Martin’s C Night Court JW ShCM while Trudy Topliss’s Beresford Night Train took BPD. Although there was a veteran group, sadly, there was no best veteran declared for the breed as only one was entered and that was absent.
Again, there was very little ESS support for the stakes classes but Abigail Levene took a fine third in the JHA 11-16 years handling.
Maggie Wilson and friends (including me) were basking in the sunshine at Horley DCS where Hilary Male was doing the breed and group. Maggie’s Cassapple Rumba took BOB and then went on to G2 and all of us enjoyed coaching one of my very young granddaughters who had a go at handling an ESS and was thrilled to achieve a second in the junior stakes.
Lucy-May Ainsley and Lewis Nicklin had a very busy weekend with Daenerys Fifty Shades who was at West Brom and Wednesbury on the Saturday, handled by Lewis, where he was BOB and G1 under Jean Collins-Pitman. On the bank holiday Monday he went with Lucy-May to Leicester CS and took BOB and G3 under Hilary Male (having just dashed up from Horley the day before!).
Sue Delanty had a great day at Deane DCS where her Plaiglen Beaters BMagic won a lovely AV puppy bitch class then went RBIS and BPIS – all under Mrs Angela Jones (Bellaronze).
So lovely to see Lavinia Hancock back in the ring after such a long absence although we have seen her occasionally at shows as a visitor. At Norfolk & Norwich her baby Donarden Dream Lover from Hanknight was BPIB under Paul David (Annaside) and then a very exciting PG3 under Nicola Spencer. Great also to hear from Nicola Morgans who was at the same show with Kennair Dreaming On A Star and who went BOB. Her K Northern Star was handled by husband Charles for the first time ever and took a second in his breed class but then won AV gundog under the group judge. I am not sure of whom Nicola is most proud but think it might be husband Charles!!
At Birmingham it was Richard Bott (Quensha/Allenie) in the hot seat and where Sarah Corbett’s Sh Ch Trimere Ticket Maid was winning her fourth BCC and then went on to a fine G3 under Mr D Howarth.
DCC was another for Ray Smith’s Melverly Buona Notte with the RDCC going to Ed Casey and Cameron Cavallo’s Sh Ch/Aust Supreme Ch Sandicam The Look Of Love. RBCC was another for Bev Nicholson’s Lobourne Disco Diva at Kingsheath JW and BPIB was the bitch, Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Heritage Of Folly. Best Veteran was Margaret and Steve Wildsmith’s Trimere Time Trail with Sandiebeck ShCM and Best Junior Kelly Jenkinson’s Eastriding Declaration. BPD was Trudy Topliss’ Beresford Night Train.
In the champion stakes there was a second for The Look Of Love and in the JHA classes, 11-16 years and the YKC handling Abigail Levene took third place with Petranella The Real Deal with Pendarlow and a first in the breeder/owner handling stakes with Pendarlow Peter Pan.
At Irvine DCC June Laughlan’s Lochbridge Thunderstruck went BPIB, PG1 and BPIS while his dam Lochbride Mercy Me also took G4.
Back to Ireland where it was a totally amazing week for Lesley McCourt with two BIS! More from the MUNSTER CIRCUIT …
With two shows down the circuiteers moved on to Limerick where Mr J Byrnes judged the breed and where BGS and BOB went to Lesley McCourt’s Ir Sh Ch Woodspa Royal Ascot ShCM and the DGS went to Michele Knapp’s Ir Sh Ch Templecarrig Heartbreaker; RDGS was Templecarrig’s Catch The Wind and RBGS was Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Flaming Whirlwind of Meadowdale JW. Royal Ascot then went on to win the group and BIS under Dr M Woods (Canada)!
Limerick was followed on the same day by the ESS Club of Ireland breed show where it was Jane Eyeington’s turn to win BIS with Flaming Whirlwind, the DGS went to Michele Knapp’s Sh Ch Templecarrig Hearbreaker and Jo Cunliffe’s Calvdale I Say of Fallenleaf took BPIS.
Next stop was Tralee where Royal Ascot once again took the BGS and BOB going on to G2 under Dr M Woods doing the breed today while the group was judged by Mr K Lobb. DGS went to Kath Holt’s Bethryn Devil Moon and the RBGS was also won by her Trimere Tranquiliser. Jane Eyeington’s Sh Ch Meadowdale Chaos JW ShCM took the RDGS.
The final show was the Black, Red or Golden Cocker Club where the breed and BIS was judged by Mrs S Kealey and it was another BGS, BOB and BIS for Woodspa Royal Ascot! This time the RBGS went to Jo Cunliffe’s Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl of Fallenleaf while Jane’s M Chaos took the DGS and RDGS went to Paul Drinkall’s Mompesson Tribute to Esscroft which gained him his Irish veteran champion title.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
August 23rd 2017
At WKC Jaqui Ward (Mianja) judged the breed and, with several of our regular exhibitors beating the path to the Munster Circuit in Eire, the entry was a modest one.
Taking the DCC and BOB was Ed Casey and Cameron Cavallo’s Sh Ch/Aust Supreme Ch Sandicam The Look Of Love with Richard Bott and Chris Savell’s Sh Ch Art-wave’s Standing Ovation for Allenie being awarded the RDCC. BPD was Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Night On The Tiles. There were no veteran dogs present. The Look Of Love then went on to the group under John Thirlwell and took a fine G2.
It turned out to be a super day for the Calvdale kennel with a first BCC for the very young C Beautiful Romance (Swe/Dan Ch Sanque’s Cut To The Chase ex Melverly Moving Over) who is still leading this year’s puppy rankings while last year’s top puppy, Trimere Ticatboo, took the RBCC for Sarah Corbett. Nicola and Martin also took BPIB with their C Heritage Of Folly who was shortlisted in the group under Derek Smith. Lyn Bashforth’s Jorobaden Prima Donna took BVIB.
There were very few participants in the stakes classes but Abigail Levene had a good day with a second for Petranella The Real Deal of Pendarlow in the YKC members stakes and some lovely handling places in both the YKC handling – where Abigail was first in the 12-16 years – and in the JHA 12-16 years where she was placed third.
Quite a gathering descended on the Munster Circuit with Clonmel their first outing under Mr J De Silva. It proved to be a very damp day weather-wise but spirits were high after the judging was completed!
Taking the BGS and BOB was Lesley McCourt’s Ir Sh Ch Woodspa Royal Ascot ShCM with DGS and RBOB going to Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Meadowdale Chaos JW ShCM. RBGS was Sh Ch Trimere Tranquiliser at Bethryn and RDGS went to Michele Knapp’s Ir Sh Ch Templecarrig Hearbreaker.
The next stop was Killarney where the skies were a little brighter and where Kath Holt had the sunniest of smiles after winning the DGS and BOB with her and daughter Beth’s Bethryn Devil Moon JW IrJunCh. RDGS was Jane’s Chaos and she took the BGS with her Flaming Whirlwind of M. RBGS was Royal Ascot. The breed judge was Hilary Laverty.
On to the group which was judged by Chris Laverty and it was a fabulous G1 for Devil Moon and I believe Kath had a little success in the brace class also. Ultimately, she and Devil Moon stepped out for the BIS challenge under Mr A Beare and won RBIS!
More results next week.
I was at Maidstone, selling raffle tickets at Kent County open show and it was good to see a couple of new ESS puppies out for a practice run. Steve and Wendy Walker’s Dexbenella Atticus Finch had a lovely debut under Steve Pick, taking BAVNSC gundog puppy and then going on to a very creditable PG2 under the same judge.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
16th August 2017
Angela Chandler (Chanangel) judged at Bournemouth and, apart from a few tiny bits of drizzle, it turned
out to be a really warm and pleasant day with a happy atmosphere and quite a few ice creams!
There was a huge grin on Kath Holt’s face when her homebred Bethryn Devil Moon JW Ir J Ch (Melverly Missionaire to Bethryn ex Sh Ch Trimere Tranquiliser to B) took his first DCC and first BOB the day before his second birthday – from the yearling class. He had a RDCC earlier this year at NESSS and was joint top puppy the year before. RDCC was another for Catriona Brough’s Riselawroad No Deal – on this occasion handled by Helen Macleay. Best veteran dog and BV was yet another for Steve and Wendy Walker’s Sh Ch Dexbenella It’s About Time JW ShCM. Unfortunately, there were no male puppies present.
And on to bitches where Sarah Corbett had an emotional day with a third and crowning CC for the 19 months Trimere Ticket Maid – her own pick from the litter by T Chaos and T Ta Dah, four of which have had very successful puppy careers with multiple BPIBs. She took her first earlier this year at Southern Counties under Tom Graham with the second from David Shields at Border Union and she has also collected several RBCCs along the way. RBCC was Trudy Topliss’s Polish import, Lordsett Uptown Girl at Beresford. Best veteran bitch was Kathy Taubman’s Peasblossom Geisha at Meonstoke. BPB and BPIB was Steve and Wendy’s Beresford Night Nurse at Dexbenella – and the only B/W in the winning lineup.
Phoebe Toublic had a very productive day in the stakes and handling classes with a VHC in the Frank Bloom Memorial Stakes, a reserve in the JHA 6-11 years and the Denise Courtney Memorial open stakes and a fine second in the YKC 6-11 years handling.
Sh Ch/Aust Sup Ch Sandicam The Look Of Love is a great traveller and seems to thrive on it. Owners Ed Casey and Cameron Cavallo popped over to Ireland with him at the weekend and paid their third visit to an Irish championship show, this time the Coleraine show in Dublin. Here, ‘Noah’ took his third consecutive GS and BOB and G1 under Heather Arrell, finishing a great day with BIS3 under Gerry McFaul.
Nice to hear that Sue Delanty had a wonderful day at Preston DCS with her Plaiglen Beaters BMagic was both BOB and BPIB under Charlotte Ayres-Cousins (Viacocha). She then went on to the group where she took a PG2 from Roy Baker (Sylbecq).
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com
August 9th 2017
At Paignton the breed was judged by Janet Richards and there were no CCs on offer. Richard Bott and Christine Savell’s Sh Ch Art-wave’s Standing Ovation for Allenie took BD and BOB with Sarah Corbett’s Trimere Ticket Maid winning BB. Claire Hill and Mrs L Croucher’s Teignvalley Blaser JW ShCM and T Diavari took both RBD and RBB respectively and there were no puppies entered.
In the stakes Akerboom and Van der Schaaf’s NL Ch Trimere Total Mahem took the reserve in the champion stakes and young Phoebe Toublic had success in both the JHA 6-11 years, where she took a first, and a second in the YKC handling classes for the same age group. Our own Jenny Miller (Feorlig) judged the group and BIS.
Wendy Minshull judged the breed at National Gundog where Bob and Frances Jackson’s Sh Ch Mompesson Winchester too the DCC and BOB. RDCC was Total Mahem and BPD and BPIB was Fran Glendinning’s Plaiglen Beaters BStylish.
In bitches, it was a first BCC for Ken and Claire Green’s Kennair Like A Diamond with the Jackson’s Sh Ch Mompesson Legacy taking RBCC and BPB going to Wendy and Steve Walker’s Beresford Night Nurse at Dexbenella on her first outing. It was good to see some well filled minor puppy classes.
Wendy and Steve’s Sh Ch D It’s About Time JW ShCM and Jo and Geoff Cunliffe’s Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl at Fallenleaf JW ShCM were the respective winners with It’s About Time winning overall BV.
There were few ESS participants in the stakes classes but I did catch a second in the Special Working class for Diane Scott’s Ch Melverly Islay Inspired at Lossiedoon.
It is so lovely to hear news of English Springers just having fun in other disciplines and I am grateful to Maxine Hydon who tells me she and Mompesson Sweet Revenge went to a local show and village fete and entered the agility competition. ‘Lenka’ is now approaching her tenth year and has not been ‘just a show dog’ at any time in her active life, competing at high level in Bikejor over those years.
Lenka has not had any formal agility training so Maxine was not expecting her to get beyond the first round. There were 32 competitors and they were randomly put into pairs on a knock out basis with each winner going through to the next round. Lenka loved the tunnels and weaves and managed to win through to the semi finals and would have gone further but for the fact that Maxine knocked a pole down after Lenka had cleared it and was in the lead on timings.
Each dog was allowed two handlers so 11-year-old Ella Newnham (the daughter of one of Maxine’s neighbours with whom the dog has a special bond) also took Lenka through the course and was particularly proud as they have grown up together and are the greatest of friends. Maxine tells me Lenka refuses to believe that she is getting older and that she had a job keeping up with her – Maxine being the one who was relieved that the course was shortened in the later rounds!
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
August 2nd 2017
No championship shows this weekend in UK but there was the Rotterdam Winner show where Jock Mackay was judging the breed. Winning the CACIB and BOB and (subject to confirmation) taking his Dutch title was Nigel and Ro Cox’s NL CH Petranella Jersey Boy at Tiroen. In the group he was shortlisted down to the last six.
Back here the weather was pretty dismal around the country. I was dodging showers at a family gathering in York although had I known I might have popped into York Canine open show where Kelly Jenkinson’s young Eastriding Declaration took BOB and then went on to G1, both judged by Nicola Spencer - I see from the photos that the British are getting almost as good as our European cousins at erecting tents!
At East of England open show there was a good turnout of 16 English Springers under Penny Sands with Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Flaming Whirlwind of Meadowdale JW taking BOB while their young M Storm Trooper took his first open show in his stride, winning BPIB and going on to take PG2 under Martin Greenwood (Telkaro).
At Southampton DCS Dorothy West had a good day, despite the rain, with Meonstoke Cherry Blossom at Grosbreuil who delighted her by winning BOB under Steve Richardson.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com
July 26 2017
Kelly Jenkinson (Eastriding) judged the breed at Leeds and I for one was sorry to have missed it.
It was another DCC, BOB and a group shortlisting for Richard Bott and Christine Savell’s Sh Ch Art-wave’s Standing Ovation for Allenie with a RDCC for Bob and Frances Jackson’s Mompesson Devonshire and BPD and BPIB going to Jane and Steve Eyeington’s Meadowdale Storm Trooper; it was lovely to see Elaine Stevenson returning to the ring after a long absence and winning the veteran dog class with Gaolachcara Somhlth ShCM.
In bitches, it was a first BCC for Nicola and Martin Calvert’s Calvdale Hot Pink with the RBCC going to Sarah Corbett’s Trimere Ticket Maid from her first outing in LB. BPB was Jo and Geoff Cunliffe’s MPB, Calvdale I Say of Fallenleaf, making it a day to remember for them as Best Veteran in Breed went to the bitch, their Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Calvdale My Girl of F JW, who thrilled and delighted later in the day by going Veteran Group 2 under Jacqui Ward.
Despite a back injury requiring both stiff upper lip and pain killers, Sarah Corbett managed to have a good day also piloting NL Ch T Total Mahem – owned in partnership by Messrs Akerboom and Van der Schaaf – to a third in the champion stakes.
Jenny Tracz and Helen Macleay decided to pop over to Eire at the weekend and took a number of dogs to the Munster Agricultural Show in Cork. They had a great time. Jenny’s Melverly Strike over Acregate JW ShCM took the DGS, BOB and G4 while Helen’s Melverly Misdemeanour for Portrail won the BGS – all under judge Cam Cavallo (Sandicam) who did both breed and group.
At Hampshire Gundog Kendra Whittock’s Merrywater Minstrel ShCM had another successful weekend taking BOB under Sheila Appleby (Quarr) and then BIS4 under Shelagh Walton (Gallybob). I gather it was rather a wet day!
Louise Scott and I spent a very pleasant Sunday, dodging the odd shower and co-judging a variety of classes at the Just Springer Rescue annual dog show in South Godstone, Surrey. Liz Austin and her team of helpers put on an extremely well organised day (we even had our chairs and mugs labelled with our names!) with over 100 dogs in attendance and a variety of displays including gundog work by Barry Blinks and his team of fabulous ESS. We both had some super pedigree dogs to choose from and, of course, some dear little rescued English Springers all of whom were very well socialised and in excellent condition. Liz and helpers (human and canine) will be on the ESS stand at Discover Dogs in October.
News from Anna Naylor that she and Peter have moved house to Eastbourne in Sussex. Their email remains the same but, if you want their new address, I am happy to supply.
And finally, schedules are now out for South of England Gundog open show which takes place at Maidstone on 22nd October (and online at Fosse Data). There is a change of judge as Brian Limpus is no longer able to do the appointment. He is replaced by specialist Paul Drinkall (Esscroft) and it would be lovely to see a splendid turnout for his first judging venture in the Deep South!
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
July 19 2017
Warm and a little bit wet greeted those of us that attended the SESSS open show on Saturday but it didn’t really dampen the spirits overly and judging took place outside with some strategically placed gazebos to keep important stuff dry.
Judge was Linda Thorogood (Harrifield) and it was a little disappointing to see a number of absentees – mostly in bitches -and all due to the hot weather bringing them all into season at the same time!
There had been a series of accidents on the motorways that morning with Secretary Liz Young caught up for over two hours at standstill on the M40 and several held up for a similar amount of time on the M25 making it a fairly nightmare journey for quite a few. Everyone managed to get there by the start of the show at 10.30am however.
Linda went straight through with the judging and her BD (RBIS and Best Veteran in Show) went to Wendy and Steve Walker’s Sh Ch Dexbenella It’s About Time JW ShCM who is having the time of his life this year and RBD (and Best B/W in Show) was Kendra Whittock’s Merrywater Minstrel at Kingsheath. There were no dog puppies entered.
Lesley McCourt’s Ir Sh Ch Woodspa Royal Ascot ShCM was BB and went on to take BIS with RBB going to my Crackerjanne Penelope Cruz and BPB and BPIS being won by Hazel and Derek Cook’s Kingsheath Bayley of Burnbake.
Kendra Whittock judged the fun handling classes for adults and under 16s which were held after breed judging and there was a puppy walk, judged by Kendra, with special prizes for participants. Winning the under 16s and overall best handler was Phoebe Toublic.
The SESSS welcomed new committee members Maxine Hydon and Dorothy West who were busy on the showground all day and, in the Chairman’s absence (judging in Sweden), Maureen Read took on the role of Show Manager for the first time. Paul Osbourne changed his hat from Hon Treasurer to Chief Steward and Ria Twilley was his assistant.
There was an emotional presentation, made by vice chairman Chris Savell, to outgoing committee member Lesley McCourt who has served the Society in several roles but that of webmaster in chief has been her consistent and most valued contribution since 2006. Lesley is moving up country in the next 12 months and we will all miss her!
Liz Young and team would like to thank all those on the committee who worked tirelessly all day with special thanks to Kendra Whittock for stepping in to judge the handling, Jenny Williams and Phoebe Toublic for their waitressing skills on top table, to Phil Parr for his delicious puds (and Pat Grimshaw for the trifle!) and even Robert Woodbridge for helping Noel put up the tents!
There were lots of other wins around the country on both weekend days with Team Calvdale/Chanangel having a very good day at both Harrogate on the Saturday and Durham County show on the Sunday.
Jean Byrne was judging both breed and group at Harrogate with BOB and G3 going to Nicola and Martin Calvert’s young Calvdale Beautiful Romance and BPIB and PG2 to C Heritage Of Folly. The following day they all enjoyed the activities at Durham County Show where both young bitches repeated their wins of the day before under different judges – the breed being judged by Debbie Bayliss (Wilandorah) and the group by Jane Graham (Nyliram).
At Scarborough, Kelly Jenkinson’s Hollivera’s Verona (imp Sweden) went BOB under Australian visiting judge Cam Cavallo (Sandicam) while Fran Glendinning’s Plaiglen Beaters BStylish went BPIB. The group was judged by Ed Casey (Moyglass) and Verona went on to take the group while the puppy was PG3.
Having met up with Kay Woodward and ‘Violet’, the Cocker, the Eastriding and Plaiglen kennels joined them for a post-show trip to nearby Fraisthorpe beach where ESS and Cockers alike frolicked in the sea and everyone enjoyed themselves hugely!
At Oswestry, Joanne Addoo was handling George Clarke’s Ternspringer Bandman at Reulemill under Mrs Grace Brown who was also doing the group. Not only did Joanne pilot ‘Ted’ to BOB and G1 but she also helped him collect the final points he needed for his ShCM. Congratulations!
Chris Savell had a busy day at the SESSS show on the Saturday where her Banoffee pies went down a storm and, glutton for punishment that she is, she was up early again on the Sunday to travel to the Peterborough open show. Here, her Plaiglen All That Jazz at Allenie took BOB under Ron Ellinor and then went on to win the group in fine company under the same judge.
One thing has occurred to me and that is I am no longer restricted to open show group placings so am at perfect liberty to mention other wins at open show level! Therefore, I am happy to add that Edwina Rowlinson took BOB with Cassapple Kentucky Dream at Meltarose ShCM at Kingston who was later shortlisted in the group and that Lewis Nicklin and Lucy-May Ainsley had a great day at Evesham where their Daenery’s Fifty Shades took BOB and dam Carlyquinn Candy Kisses was RBOB. Do let me know of your successes and not just in the ring please!
Last of all this week I would like to mention Karen Allery (Splashpoint) whose Braego It Could Be Magic has just won her KC Good Citizen ‘Gold’ Award. This is a tremendous achievement so many congratulations. Karen tells me that ‘Flick’ has never really cared for the ring but excels at mental stimulation activities so they are going on to advanced training and agility work.
CELIA WOODBRIDGE Email: crackerjanne@gmail.com, 01303 875191
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