09 October 2015 – Dog World
Calm waters and sunny skies were the order of the day for folk travelling to Balmoral Park for the Belfast Championship Show. It was a new venue for this year, with the buildings being dismantled from the previous venue and re-erected on the new site. The building was large and airy with rings that were spacious, even some had blue carpeting, including the Papillon ring.
No benching at this show which made the grooming areas some what cosy, if that is the correct term. I would imagine for some of the larger breeds this may have been difficult. Many of the exhibitors with a large breed chose to set up their cages and grooming tables outside. Great on this particular day, as the weather was favourable, but on a wet day, conditions within the venue would have been extremely tight.
A good array of trade stands were present for folk to browse around. The committee had everything running tickity-boo and appeared to be keeping on top of proceedings.
For this show the judging of the Papillons was to be a Mr H Van Den Berg from the Netherlands. I think most people thought it would be interesting to see his views; the FCI standard is some what different from the UK breed standard. Judging commenced at 9am prompt and Papillons were first in the ring. This show is always popular with the Scottish exhibitors as it not too far to travel to the boat and then a hop, skip and paddle for two and half hours to Belfast, so it was nice to see many familiar faces from that neck of the woods.
The principal winners were as follows; DCC / BOB Sean Carroll and James Newman’s IR/ Ger/ Czech/ CH Hundebuden’s Juno Pondabudens who also took TGP3 under Brenda Banbury. This winning team also took BP with Denemore Toy Dragon. BCC Irene and Glenn Robb’s CH Gleniren Kiss Me Kate Sunshoo, RDCC Jo Davidson-Poston’s CH / IR CH Spinillons Rebel Rowser JW SHcm and RBCC a very delighted Sue Deamer with Grinsdale Sweet Caroline at Bankshill.
Brian Lees the Papillon (Butterfly Dog) Clubs secretary brings information about the joint show on Sat, 24th Oct. There are still a few classes available to sponsor, there will also be a trophy to keep as a memento making sure this will be a memorable show for all those exhibitors present. Those wishing to sponsor a class in this way should get in touch with either Alan Bartram on 01246 231261 or Brian Lees on 01522 694627 as soon as possible in order that your generosity may be acknowledged in the catalogue.
At present there are still rooms available at the Royal Court Hotel, Keresley, Coventry where a special rate has been arranged for those attending the show. Please contact the hotel directly on 02476 334171, select options 1 or 2 and ask to speak to Maria, Elka or Scott to arrange your stay. Remember to mention Papillon Dog Show when making your reservation to be sure of getting the special rate. Exhibitors, have a last chance to enter online is up until midnight on Friday 2nd October, via the club web site or www.paw-print.org.uk.
The club seemed to have thought of everything to make this day special, so to capture those special moments a photographer will be on hand for a picture or maybe two. The club look forward to welcoming you to the Papillon Clubs Joint Championship Show where no one will go away empty handed. I am sure there will be plenty of happy faces all round the show venue, by the end of the day.
Keeping it in the family Carol Lees had a good day at Pollard CS under Mr Andrew Stewart (Ingerdorm) who was judging several of the Toy breeds and the TGP. Carol took three different breeds to the show and had a successful day with them all. On the Papillon front it was to be Farleybane Firefly at Lafford who took BOB and TGP2. Very well done, you must have been thrilled to bits Carol.
Nadia Angharad Al-Bazi judged Papillons at Bedford & DCS and Ookiimmii Just Imagine went TGP4 under Lewila Tarabad.
Well, Driffield will be next weeks show to report on, the weather forecast is good, so fingers crossed. Good luck at whatever shows you maybe attending.
IRENE ROBB