This article was first published in Wagging Tails (the NEFRA newsletter) in Spring 2002.  George was our first NEFRA President and helped the association really find its feet in its early years.

After more than 50 years in the show ring George has decided to hang up his judging badge. As George says “I am not retiring from the dog world but just from judging as I don’t want people to say ‘look at that silly old man, he doesn’t know what he is doing’.” Hopefully this article and the answers to the questions posed will give you an insight into the charismatic figure that is so well known in gundog circles.

George was born during the first world war and has been around dogs all his life as his father was a manager of a Hackney stud farm and when exercising the horses on the road he had two Dalmatians to run. On leaving school he went into motor engineering and at the outbreak of the second world war he served in the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) for the duration as a vehicle mechanic.  In 1950 he joined Rolls Royce as an engine tester and remained with the company until he retired in 1981.  On leaving he then became gamekeeper at Crewe Hall where he had been involved as a beater for the previous twenty years.

His very first dog was an Irish setter, which he rescued from a police officer.  When he was discharged after the second world war he purchased his first golden retriever, a dog that cost him twelve guineas, not a lot of money you may think but at the time it was three weeks wages. This dog died of kidney problems when he was only four years old.  He then purchased a seven month old golden retriever bitch, Lady Christina, that the breeder insisted was shown.  At her first show she won ‘Best Gundog other than a cocker’.  He also at this point has an affix of Sandcroft which he let lapse.  His current affix is Oakmoss, and Halstock Juliet produced his first champion Oakmoss Ambassador. He only breeds a litter when he wants a new dog and has never owned more than two or three dogs at a time.  His wife, Mavis, keeps Sussex spaniels.

How did you come to have a flatcoat?
I was at a show with one of my golden retrievers sitting at a ring next to Mrs Grew Broadley and a bitch that she was showing put her head to my knee. That bitch was Ch Rungles Witch. I then went to Birmingham National to look at the breed and ordered a puppy from Mrs Lock, that was my first flatcoated retriever in the March of 1963, a bitch called Halstock Black Dahlia, for twenty five pounds, which was again the equivalent of three weeks wages. My next bitch was Halstock Juliette, my all time favourite flatcoat.  I worked and showed her obtaining one CC and twelve reseve CCs.  She won open bitch at Crufts and the field trial dog/bitch class.  She beat nine champions but failed to get the reserve ticket.

How long have you been judging at dog shows?
I started judging in 1951, starting off with simple matches, moved onto sanction shows, followed by limited shows.  My first open show was at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where I judged all the terriers, Dalmatians, variety classes and also best in show.  My first championship show judging appointment was twenty eight years ago. It was the second National Gundog show (1973) held at Kempton Park racecourse when I judged Sussex spaniels. My last championship show was the City of Birmingham show (2001) when I judged large Munsterlanders. (George is actually qualified to judge ten different breeds of gundogs).  My first flatcoated retriever judging appointment at a championship show was the third National Gundog show when a young whippersnapper called Audrey Forster won the bitch ticket.  I have judged abroad, with my favourite being the Scandinavian countries where the standards of exhibits are high.

Do you have a memorable show that springs to mind?
Yes, a Flatcoated Retriever Society championship show when I had fifty-three bitches in post-graduate.  Whenever there are two judges for the breed I always seem to end up with the bitches (but George has always been one for the ladies!)

What do you look for when judging flatcoats?
Shape, the dog has got to look like a flatcoat.  An example of that was when I judged at the City of Birmingham show there was a bitch, Gemswin Perhaps Love, a super dog that totally looked the part.  I could not fault her so she got the bitch ticket and best of breed; the poor handler was totally overawed as it was her bitch’s first ticket.

Any memorable quotes that spring to mind?
Yes, two. The first was when I was at Macclesfield show with Halstock Juliet. Fred Dempster (the judge), a terrier man, came up to me and said ‘George, you’ve got a cracking bitch there but you move like a bloody pansy!’. The second was at my first ever committee meeting for FCRS held at Dr Nancy Laughton’s house.  At the time I was a heavy smoker and to be honest overawed by being at this meeting with Brigadiers and the like. Nancy always provided lunch and after lunch she said, ‘Have a cigar, George.’ I was shy then and replied ‘No thank you doctor’. She said ‘Go on my lad, then I can have one!’. Nice gesture and it put me as one of them. When my name came up to go on the judging list I was sent out of the room for what seemed like ages. When I went back in, Amelia Jessel said what had taken the time was whether to put me on as an all rounder or a breed specialist. I ended up as breed specialist.

What societies have you been involved with during your career?
I now limit my time to NEFRA, North West Counties Spaniel Club and the Sussex Spaniel Association but I have served as Chairman of the Flatcoated Retriever Society, Chairman of the Sussex Spaniel Association, Chairman of the United Spaniels, Chairman of the Spaniel Council of Europe, Chairman of the Stoke Gundog Society and President of the Potteries Canine Association.  I have served on the Kennel Club breed liaison for flatcoated retrievers as a delegate.  Mavis has also served as an officer with most of these societies as well.

Could you be tempted back into the ring?
I am on the ‘roll-of-honour’ with the National Gundog Show and if they asked me to judge Best In Show I would consider coming out of retirement.

What are your hopes for NEFRA?
I am one of the founding members and have seen it grow over the years. I would say to keep the atmosphere at shows as good as it is at the moment, if the show is enjoyable then people will come again.

What do you plan to do now?
I will still go to championship shows, but just to watch. As you know I enjoy cross-stitching, I am currently doing a ‘Camargue Horses’ sampler.

Any last thoughts
I have enjoyed the whole world of dogs whether it be show, obedience or field trials and I have made many friends worldwide.  I would like to thank everyone for all the pleasure they have given me over the years. All the best for 2002.

NEFRA held a Working Retriever Assessment at Intake Head near Oldham by kind permission of Jean Buckley. A very wet day for the hardy handlers!

Chris Hewison and Gill Awty judged the novice level, and awarded four passes

• Sue Sinnott and Millola Handsome Man
• Caroline Hewison and Casblaidd Island in the Sky
  (both having achieved their second stage)
  Two handlers achieved their third stage and were awarded their Novice Certificates.
  Well done to
• Lisa Jane Mappin and Casblaidd Valdoonican
• Al Moore and Shiraz Pebble

Chris Hewison judged the intermediate level and a 3rd pass and their Intermediate Certificate were awarded to

• Gill Awty and Venetian Red at Maddistream.

Well done everyone.
Thanks to Malcolm Awty and Peter Griffin for dummy throwing, and thanks to everyone for turning out on a very wet day

There was a truly international flavour and a wonderful turnout for our Autumn Working Test at the Castle Howard Estate on Seeptember 30th 2018.

A huge thank you was extended to the Estate and Clive Harrison the gamekeeper for hosting us at such a lovely venue.

The judges who had to work so hard were Mick Newsam (our panel judge), Yvonne Storr and Cath Kitching.  They did an absolutely sterling job

With entries from Holland and a guest visitor from the Flatcoated Retriever Society of Japan it has become clear to us that we must be doing something right!

Thanks were also extended to  Garry Ellison (our Chief Steward) for test setting and stewarding, and generally managing to be at one end of the field and the other at the same time keeping everything flowing.

We are blessed by the work put in by our band of helpers who always step up and throw dummies for us, stewarding, firing pistols, and placing blinds, which shows what great team work makes up a successful day!

NEFRA would also like to thank Caro Dell from Workingline Images for all the photography!   Her photos will be available shortly.  It was a very long day, but very worthwhile.

Results
Puppy (6 entries)
1st Caroline Hewison with Casblaidd Island in the Sky winning the Whiteabbey Salver
2nd Jan Egginton with Pajanbeck Georgy Girl
3rd Anne Kitching with Casblaidd Angel’s Landing
4th Gill Griffin with Ravencrag Illusionist

Novice Dog, Novice Handler (8 entries)
1st Amber Nicholls with Featheringay Raven Prince winning the Maddistream Trophy and the Yonsaff Cup for Best Newcomer (and a prize for a free photo session with Caro Dell)
2nd Al Moore with Shiraz Pebble
3rd Mags Brayfield with Keamarola Private Dancer
COM Charlotte Knowles with Mistledawn Manyclouds
COM Mags Brayfield with Contar Skeggles Water
COM Janet Botterill with Chanangel My Swallow
COM Lindsay Kinnaird with Lunar Eclipse.

Novice (16 entries)
1st Derek Bull with Keepersway Alana winning the Strider Plate (and Judges’ Choice)
2nd Caroline Hewison with Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd
3rd Julie Matthews with Ollersett Rainbow
4th Al Moore with Shiraz Pebble

Open (13 entries)
1st Gill Awty with Venetian Red at Maddistream winning the Open trophy (and Judges’ Choice)
2nd Caroline Hewison and Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd
3rd Ditmar Diunkerken-Jense with Quail’s Floyd’s Fleurie
4th Keith Aldred with Donascimento Santos
COM Caroline Hewison with Venus in Transit over Casblaidd

Well done to everyone and thank you all for coming.

NEFRA members visited a lovely new venue near Wigan today, by very kind permission of Sarah Marflow.

With wonderful hospitality and gorgeous ground NEFRA held a Working Retriever Assessment for novice and intermediate dogs.

Thanks to our judges Chris Hewison and Gill Griffin, and thanks to our helpers Garry Ellison, Malcolm Awty and Peter Griffin.

Well done to the following dogs who passed a stage of the novice level.

• Lisa-Jane Mappin and Casblaidd Valdoonican
• Al Moore and Shiraz Pebble
• Caroline Hewison and Casblaidd Island in the Sky

Well done to Gill Awty and Venetian Red at Maddistream who passed an Intermediate stage.

Well done everyone and thanks all for coming

(Photo courtesy of Lisa)

You may have read in the news that the government has agreed to a ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens.

Read the news here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45266357

Do you want to comment on the consultation? Please do use the online survey here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/third-party-sales/

NEFRA held an Introduction to Working Tests Training Day on Saturday 18th August 2018 at  Glasson Dock near Lancaster held by kind permission of Dave Charnley and his family

This day was aimed specifically at people new to gundog work and particularly Novice Dog/Novice Handlers who may be interested in learning what a Working Test might involve.

Thank you to everyone who came along . Thanks to our trainers /judges Gill Awty, Gill Griffin, Garry Ellison and Chris Hewison for all the guidance and tips for our novice handlers, and thank you to our helpers Malcolm Awty, Peter Griffin and Val and Den Orme.

We had four different exercises for all the dogs to practice on in the morning, and then the same exercises were repeated under ‘test’ conditions in the afternoon.

1st Mags Brayfield and Contar Skeggles Water
2nd Mags Brayfield and Keamarola Private Dancer
3rd Al Moore and Shiraz Pebble
4th Lisa Jane Mappin and Casblaidd Valdoonican.

An award was also given as the most improved handler during the day to Debs Gourlay.
Well done everyone and hope to see you entering the Novice dog/novice handler class at our working test in September

NEFRA held a Working Retriever Assessment at Garstang today, by kind permission of the Fitzherbert-Brockholes family.

This is a lovely venue and some good tests were set by our judges Chris Hewison and Gill Griffin. Thanks also to Malcolm Awty and Peter Griffin for throwing dummies.

In the Novice level passes were awarded to
Lisa-Jane Mappin and Casblaidd Valdoonican
Mags Brayfield and Contar Skeggles Water

In the Intermediate level a pass was awarded to
Gill Awty and Venetian Red at Maddistream.

 

Well done, and thanks to everyone for coming.

It is with great sadness that we have recently heard of the loss this month of two of the founder members of NEFRA.

Both Gary Whiting and his wife Elaine (Spenbeck) worked very hard on the committee and treasurer for many years.  The funeral will be held in their home town of Mirfield on a date that has not yet been confirmed.  NEFRA pass on their condolences to their relatives at this sad time.

Taken from the local newspaper:

WHITING Gary Maxwell 1953 – 2018 Elaine Margaret 1955 – 2018 Gary passed away on Friday 8th June 2018, aged 64 years, sadly followed by his dear wife Elaine on Thursday 28th June 2018, aged 62 years, at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield and of Kitson Hill Road, Mirfield. “Gary and Elaine will be greatly missed by all family and friends.” A service of celebration for Gary and Elaine’s life will take place on Wednesday 11th July 2018 at Christ the King Parish Church, Stocksbank Lane, Mirfield at 1:45 pm, followed by committal and cremation at Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby, at 2.45 pm, followed by refreshments at Old Bank W.M.C., Old Bank Road, Mirfield. Will friends please accept this intimation. Family flowers only please but donations in lieu, if so desired, for the benefit of the R.N.L.I. may be left in the collection box provided at the funeral service or sent to Richard Fearnley Independent Funeral Directors; 745, Huddersfield Road, Dewsbury. Tel: 01924 494435 for all enquiries

The University of Cambridge is working on the GOdogs project, investigating the genetics of metabolic disease in dogs. They are currently recruiting Flatcoated Retrievers for their study and hoping we might be able to help.

Recruitment poster

They are investigating the genetics of obesity in dogs, and in particular a change in a gene they identified in Labradors and Flatcoated Retrievers which is associated with them being particularly food-motivated dogs. They are looking to recruit enthusiastic FCR owners to bring their dogs along to Cambridge vet school to take part in a test of their dogs’ metabolic rate. From the dog’s point of view, this involves resting in a transport kennel for a couple of hours but it will allow them to measure how their genes affect metabolic rate and perhaps can predispose them to weight gain.

Understandably the location may be a barrier to NEFRA members participating in the study however, travel expenses and a £50 Amazon voucher is offered as a gratuity to all participants. There are other ways to get involved too – by donating DNA via a saliva swab and posting it to us and by completing an online survey. There’s lots more information on their website http://www.godogs.org.uk

Jodie Wainwright
Research Assistant GOdogs Project
Institute of Metabolic Science
University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories
Level 4, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science
Box 289, Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Cambridge, CB2 0QQ
United Kingdom

5th May 2018 at Thorpe Willoughby Village Hall, Leeds Rd, Thorpe Willoughby, N Yorks YO8 9PA

Judge: Mr R F Douglas (Greenbayhill)
Show Manager: Mrs M Melrose
Chief Steward: Mr R Allen
Show Secretary: Mrs P Goulette

MORE PHOTOS CAN BE VIEWED BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK

Class 1 – Minor Puppy Dog – 1 entry
1st – Williams’ Wistaston Jet’s Legacy (AI)

Class 2 – Puppy Dog – 2 entries
1st – Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi
2nd – Hewison’s – Casblaidd Island in the Sky

Class 3 – Junior Dog – 3 entries
1st – Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi
2nd – Hewison’s  Casblaidd Island in the Sky
3rd – Hardy’s Mistledawn’s Hawkeye

Class 4 – Yearling Dog – 2 entries
1st – Nicholson & Brown’s Chanangel U’got the Look
2nd – Bligh’s Ravencrag Great North Star

Class 5 – Novice Dog – 4 entries
1st -Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi
2nd – Bligh’s Ravencrag Great North Star
3rd – Hedderwick’s Torwood Paw Trait
Res – Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky

Class 6 – Graduate Dog – 5 entries (1 Absent Batcheler’s Aricdell Aesir)
1st – Savory’s Hopevalley Morning Arizona
2nd -Hammersley’s Castlerock Magical Shadow for Nellspeace JW
3rd – Joyce’s  Stranfaer Get Over It JW 
Res – Hedderwick’s Torwood Paw Trait

Class 7 – Post Graduate Dog – 1 entry
1st – Mullin’s Seaheart Byron

Class 8 – Limit Dog – 2 entries
1st – Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot at Blacktoft JW (Imp Swe)
2nd – Joyce’s Stranfaer Makunudu

Class 9 – Open Dog – 1 entry
1st – Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream

Class 10 – Veteran Dog – 2 entries
1st – Tierling’s Llantrussa Rum Ba Ba at Karaholme
2nd – Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Mayhem JW ShCM

Class 11 – Special Veteran Dog – 1 entry
1st – Hammersley’s Levelmoor Dr Devious for Nellspeace

Class 12 – Special Liver Dog – 1 entry
1st – Hedderwick’s Torwood Paw Trait

Best Dog – Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream

Reserve Best Dog – Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot at Blacktoft JW (Imp Swe)

Best Puppy Dog – Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi

Best Veteran Dog – Tierling’s Llantrussa Rum Ba Ba at Karaholme

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Class 13 – Minor Puppy Bitch – 1 entry

1st – Williams’ Wistaston Forzen Love (AI)

Class 14  – Puppy Bitch – 3 entries (1 Absent Griffiths & Newtown’s Cae Haidd Call Me Crazy with Layersway)
1st – Smitherman’s  Seaheart Cecilia
2nd – Hewerdine-Miller’s Lizzlog Wee Drop Of Mischief

Class 15 – Junior Bitch – 6 entries
1st – Jones’ Blacktoft Sapphire Ice at Benvellyn (AI)
2nd – Colson & Fox’s Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows (AI)
3rd – Colson’s Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (AI)
Res -Nelson’s Cuillinoir Lunedale at Byeways
VHC -Trevor’s Trevorsilk Galaxy Aurora

Class 16 – Yearling Bitch – 4 entries
1st – Walker & Roberts’ Jade Vom Wildforstersee at Gloi (Imp Deu) JW
2nd – Colson & Fox’s Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows (AI)
3rd – Colson’s Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (AI)
Res – Nelson’s Cuillinoir Lunedale at Byeways

Class 17 – Novice Bitch – 6 entries (1 Absent Barnett’s Annbecks Emmy Lou)
1st – Jones’ Blacktoft Sapphire Ice at Benvellyn (AI)
2nd – Colson & Fox’s Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows (AI)
3rd – Colson’s Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (AI)
Res – Smitherman’s Seaheart Cecilia
VHC – Collins’ Annbecks Isla May at Steeplehouse

Class 18 – Graduate Bitch – 6 entries (1 Absent Batcheler’s Aricdell Fjorgyn)
1st – Williams & Goodwin’s Wistaston Another Love JW
2nd – Ashcroft & Long’s Stranfaer Take it Easy to Keepersway
3rd – Gale’s Willowswind Nette Lark JW
Res – Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Dakota
VHC – Colson’s Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (AI)

Class 19 – Post Graduate Bitch – 3 entries (2 Absent Goulette’s Annbecks Brenna at Bobbinmill, Welch & Deverall’s Stranfaer Lyin’ Eyes)
1st -Walker & Roberts’ Gloi Dubh Gigha JW

Class 20 – Limit Bitch – 6 entries (1 Absent Griffith’s Castlerock Cosmic Hattie)
1st – Walker & Roberts’ Mistledawn Spring Breeze by Gloi JW
2nd – Joyce’s Stranfaer Solitaire JW
3rd – Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld)
Res – Hedges’ Blacktoft Quickstep of Satinbaze
VHC – Hewison’s Donascimento Danilo from Casblaidd

Class 21  – Open Bitch – 2 entries
1st – Gale’s Willowswind Maias Wish
2nd – Finlay’s IrShCh Annbecks Ailis At Aughnaleck

Class 22 – Veteran Bitch – 5 entries (1 Absent Finlay’s IrShCh Lamintone Aine Runs Riot at Aughnaleck Ir Jun Ch JD CJW 11)
1st – Joyce’s Stranfaer Lucy Locket JW
2nd – Colson’s Eskwinds Driving Miss Daisy to Windyhollows
3rd – Barnett’s Pajanbeck Welcum to my World at Annbecks
Res – Arnold’s Casanjay Gaelic Dancer

Class 23 – Special Veteran Bitch – 1 entry
1st – Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Remember

Class 24 – Special Liver Bitch – 2 entries
1st – Colsons Windyhollows Winnipeg
2nd – Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld)

Class 25 BRACE – 1 entry
1st – Gale’s brace

Best Bitch Walker & Roberts’ Mistledawn Spring Breeze by Gloi JW

Reserve Best Bitch Williams & Goodwin’s Wistaston Another Love JW

Best Puppy Bitch Smitherman’s  Seaheart Cecilia

Best Veteran Bitch Joyce’s Stranfaer Lucy Locket JW

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Best In Show Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream

Reserve Best In Show Walker & Roberts’ Mistledawn Spring Breeze by Gloi JW

Best Puppy In Show Smitherman & Roberts’ Seaheart Crian at Gloi

Best Veteran In Show Joyce’s Stranfaer Lucy Locket JW

Best Liver In Show Colson’s Windyhollows Winnipeg

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Judge’s Critique

I would like to thank NEFRA for inviting me to judge their Open Show today at Thorpe Willoughby and I am honoured to have been asked.  I have not attended this show before but it has lived up to its’ reputation as very well run, friendly and welcoming. An extra thank you for the excellent home cooked and baked lunch. Special thanks to my stewards Hillary Buckley and Bob Allen for their efficiency and calm and for steering me through the day. Finally,many thanks to the exhibitors for allowing me to go over their dogs. I enjoyed the day very much.

I found that the overall quality of the entry was very good. Generally head shape was pleasing with some very nice shaped eyes of good colour and placement however there were some round, prominent eyes too. Dentition was mostly good, some acceptable but few questionable. In the main, construction, body and movement were good with few exceptions.

MPD (1)     1 Williams’ Wistaston Jet’s Legacy. Puppy with a beautiful head, eyes and expression, good bone and construction all round and just where he should be at only 6 months. He stood well and considering it was his first show moved well, on nice feet, when he got going.

PD (2)     1 Smitherman & Roberts Seaheart Crian at Gloi. Just days short of 12 months old this boy showed a more mature balanced outline, nice moulded head and expression. Good front angulation, ribcage and rear construction, he moved the better of the two on good feet. BPD 2.Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky. At just a week younger than 1 the maturity gap seemed more, nicely balanced head, good eyes and expression. Good construction throughout but slightly finer than 1 and not quite so mobile.

JD (3)     1 Smitherman & Roberts Seaheart Crian at Gloi. 2.Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky.  3 Hardy’s Mistledawn’s Hawkeye.  13 months old and a larger dog, nice head and expression, good front construction and top line but didn’t have the freedom of movement of 1&2

YD (2)     1 Nicholson & Brown’s Chanangel U’Got the Look.Pleasing Male head, good length of neck well set in good shoulders and front, deep chest, good top line, rear angulation and bone. Moved better of the two. 2 Bligh’s Ravencrag Great North Star. Nicely balanced male head and good overall balance presented a pleasing outline. Nice feet, good coat and overall construction and moved well A close decision but I preferred the construction and movement of 1

ND (4)     1 Smitherman & Roberts Seaheart Crian at Gloi. 2Bligh’s Ravencrag Great North Star. 3 Hedderwick’s  TorwoodPaw Trait 2yo Liver dog, good head, nice expression and dark eye matching coat colour, nice turn of stifle, good bone and nice feet. Moved well

GD (5-A1)     1 Savory’s Hopevalley Morning Arizona. Nicely balanced dog, good shaped head with kind expression, good eye shape and colour. Good bone & nice feet, very good depth of chest, rib and loin, good rear angulation. He moved very well and his reach and drive won the class. 2 Hammersley’s Castlerock Magical Shadow for Nellspeace.  Larger dog and again a good head and kind expression. Good construction all round, good depth and shaping of ribcage, square loin, ample bone and good feet. He moved well but I preferred 1’s head & expression.3 Joyce’s Stranfaer Get Over It. Lovely expression and a nice head. Well boned, good feet and moved well

PGD (1)     1 Mullins’ Seaheart Byron. This dog presented a lovely balanced outline. A good masculine head, good eye colour and kind expression, good front angulation, brisket and ribcage. Good rear angles when not overextending himself, moved well with topline held throughout.

LD (2)     1 Fox’s Black Mica’s Likes It Hot at Blacktoft JW (Imp Swe). I just love this boy’s head and expression. A touch short in coat today but his overall construction shines through. Very good depth through chest and short loin, good hard condition, good bone and great feet excellent on the move. RBD    2 Joyce’s StranfaerMakunudu. Again a very pleasing balanced male head and kindly expression, well boned and bodied, good construction overall and in good coat and condition. He too moved well but for me 1 had the edge in outline and movement.

OD (1)     Orme’s Elmstock Thyme to Dream. Lovely masculinehead, well filled in, kind expression, good eye colour and placement. Very good front construction, excellent depth and spring of rib to good short square loin, good rear angulation, tailset and topline. Lovely outline especially on the move round the ring.  BD & BIS

VD (2)     1      A very difficult decision between these two veteran dogs.

1.Tierling’s Llantrusa Rum Ba Ba at Karaholme.  A larger showier dog, nice outline, good length of neck   and front construction, well proportioned, good tailset and rear angulation. Good bone and nice feet.  He moved well and I preferred his rear movement going away.  2.  Romeo-Dieste’s Hopevalley Morning Mayhem JW ShCM.   Lovely expression with nice eye placement and colour, good length of neck and overall construction was good. He was definitely happier on the move which he did well

SVD (1)    1. Hammersley’s  This grand old gentleman did himself credit and I thank him for attending. All the attributes are there, Masculine head, lovely expression willing to have a go and enthusiastic but a little restricted in his movement, well done.

MPB (1)   1.Williams’ Wistaston Forzen Love (AI)     At just 6 months this puppy has a beautiful head and lovely expression, good dark eyes and correct shape, good bone throughout and nice feet. She stood well and moved well especially for a first outing

PB (3, 1A)     1. Smitherman’s Seaheart Cecilia.        At just 2 days short of a year old this young bitch presented a lovely outline, good front end construction, good top line and rear angulation, nice bend of stifle and good feet, happy in her work.  2.   Hewerdine-Miller’s Lizzlog Wee Drop Mischief.           10 month bitch with a very nice head and expression, not so at home in the ring as 1 but well off for bone on nice feet and a little heavier ay the moment. She need some time to mature.

JB (6)  1. Jones’ Blacktoft Sapphire Ice at Benvellyn (AI)  Nicely balanced 13 month old bitch, lovely head and dark eyes, nice length of neck well set in excellent front construction and leadingthrough to  good rear angulation. Great bone and feet and very good on the move.       2. Colson & Fox’s        Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows     Beautiful feminine expression, Slightly smaller bitch but lovely balance throughout. Great bone and feet, stifle well let down and moved very well but I preferred   1’s overall construction. 3. Colsons’ Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows .   Very nice feminine head and soft expression.  Very good overall construction, nice outline and lovely balance.    A little less mature on the move than 1&2

YB (4)   1. Walker & Roberts’  Jade Vom Wildforstersee at Gloi(Imp Deu) JW.  20 month old bitch, Very nice head and eyes shape and colour, good front angulation with good length of neck. Pleasing overall construction and balance, good bone and feet, nice on the move. A difficult choice but her maturity won out.   2. Colson & Fox’s Blacktoft Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows.  3. Colsons’ Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows

NB (6 A1)   1. . Jones’   Blacktoft Sapphire Ice at Benvellyn   2.Colson & Fox’s      Dancing on Ice with Windyhollows  3. . Colsons’ Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows

GB (6 A1)    1. Williams & Goodwin’s  Wistaston Another LoveJW.  Beautiful head and eyes, lovely feminine expression. Head and neck well set in good shoulders, good rib and loin, super rear angulation, bone and feet, lovely balance and outline, moved very well. Very happy to award her RBB

2. Ashcroft & Long’s Stranfaer Take it Easy to Keepersway. A very nice head and expression, good length of neck set in well laid back shoulder and good front construction, top line and tailset. Alittle finer than 1 but a close decision.  3. Gale’s WillowswindNette Lark JW.   Another lovely head, good dark eyes and soft expression. Good front construction, good bone and feet, topline and tailset, pleasing on the move.

PGB (3 A2)   Walker & Roberts’ Gloi Dubh Gigha JW.   Good size bitch, good length of neck and well constructed front. Good bone and well developed ribcage and loin, good topline and tailset. Moved well.

LB (6 A1)  Walker & Roberts’  Mistledawn Spring Breeze by GloiJW.  Larger bitch with lovely balance and moved so well on good bone and feet. Lovely head and expression, good eye shape, colour and placement. Good depth of chest, well sprung rib and square loin, good topline and tailset. She presented a very pleasing outline especially on the move. In a close decision happy to award her BB   2.  Joyce’s Stranfaer Solitaire JW.  Good sized bitch, lovely dark eye and very feminine expression, very nice front construction and rear angulation. Moved well but I preferred the movement of No 1.  3.  Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld).  Very nice liver bitch with lovely dark eyes and soft expression, good overall construction especially  rear angulation, good bone and tight fee,t moved well.

OB (2)    Gale’s Willowswind Maias Wish.   Lovely head and expression, nice shaped eye, very dark and well positioned. Very good front angulation, good length of neck well set in well laid back shoulders. Good construction throughout and very good on the move. 2. Finlay’s  Ir Sh Ch Annbecks Ailis at Auchnaleck.  Very nice feminine expression, good overall construction, a little finer than No1 but good topline, tailset and well bodied, a close decision.  A very enthusiastic mover.

VB(5 A1)  Lovely girls in the veteran class today. 1.  Joyce’s Stranfaer Lucy Locket JW.  Good sized bitch, very nice outline standing and on the move. Lovely feminine head, eye shape and expression, well off for bone and body. Good all round movement on good feet. BV  2. Colson’s Eskwinds Driving Miss Daisy to Windyhollows.  Another very feminine head, kind eye and good colour. Well constructed throughout, good spring of rib and correct loin, good bone, good feet. Moved well and just edged by No1.  3.  Barnetts’ Pajanbeck Welcum to My World at Annbecks.  Again a nice head and expression, well constructed and a very pleasing bitch but not quite the balanced outline of 1 & 2 especially when moving.

SVB (1)   Orme’s  Elmstock Thyme to Remember  At ten and a half this very fit lady has good construction throughout, well built and strong. She has good feet and moved well if a touch stiffer than the puppies. Well done.

SLB (2)   Colson’s  Windyhollows Winnipeg.   This 9 year old has a beautiful expression and nice dark eyes, well placed. Good length of neck well set in good shoulders and front construction, well bodied and good rear quarters. Moved very well.   BL 2.  Trevor’s Dark Devotion Zuccess Hip Zone at Trevorsilk (Imp Nld)

BRACE (1)     1.          Mrs. T & Miss C Gale.    This was a well matched pair in size and type. For a first outing in a brace class all three did well.

Roy Douglas