05 June 2020
Hope everyone is well and managing to have a reasonably normal way of living in these strange times of 2020. This year will certainly go down in the history books. Maybe in a number of years Covid-19 will be treated when visiting the doctors as something as simple as having the flu. That would be a nice thought, so let’s stay with that positive angle.
More announcements to keep you up to date of show cancellations and an announcement from The Kennel Club.
Also a Royal Canin announcement regarding your gift prize vouchers.
THE WELSH KENNEL CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with regret that the Welsh Kennel Club announces that the 2020 Championship Show is cancelled.
This decision has been made in the interest of the welfare, safety and security of judges, exhibitors, volunteers and the officers and committee, caused by the COVID -19 pandemic.
WKC are also aware of the Welsh Assembly Government guidelines which continues to enforce the lock-down ect in Wales. There are many uncertainties which adversely affect the preparation and actual running of the WKC 2020 show.
The doubts in the availability of the RWAS showground, hotel accommodation plus social restrictions, all dictate as to whether the show can proceed and have contributed to the decision to cancel the 2020 show.
2020 judges will be contacted to advise of the cancellation and to offer a future appointment.
The officers and committee of the Welsh Kennel Club send their best wishes to our members, supporters, exhibitors, stewards and all the judges at this most difficult time.
We look forward to your support at the Welsh Kennel Club 2021 show to be held between 20th August and 22nd August at the RWAS Showground, Buith Wells.
Graham Hill (Joint Secretary) The Welsh Kennel Club.
THE PAPILLON (BUTTERFLY) DOG CLUB
Brian Lees secretary of The Pappillon (Butterfly) Dog Club has posted the following message.
Taking account of current government advice and recent Kennel Club recommendations and whilst wishing to recognise our duty of care to exhibitors and visitors to our shows the committee has decided to cancel the championship show due to be held at the KC Building on 15th August 2020.
Subject to KC approval it will now be held as a partnership show at Birmingham National Championship show on Sunday 9th May 2021. Unless advised otherwise the judges will remain the same.
MERSEYSIDE TOY DOG CLUB
For those living in the North West
The Officers and Committee of Merseyside Toy Dog Club would like to confirm that, in line with the recommendations from the UK Government and the Kennel Club, in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have taken the decision to cancel our September show. As always, the health and safety of our exhibitors, judges, stewards and committee is our priority. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in 2021
DRIFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW
The Officers and Committee of the Driffield Championship Dog Show Society regret to announce the cancellation of the forthcoming show to be held at Wetherby Racecourse over the weekend of October 1st to 4th 2020.
This decision has not been taken lightly. The safety of all persons who would be expected to attend the show is the most important and significant factor in this decision.
Following the guidance given by the Government and the strong recommendations of The Kennel Club concerning the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has been advised that events such as major dog shows during this year should be cancelled, unless sufficient safety precautions could be implemented.
Given that Driffield is the last outdoor Championship Dog Show of the year it was seen as not suitable to apply for a new license to defer to a later date, which could only happen if items such as venue, hotel and everything else required for the organisation of the show was available.
The Society therefore share your disappointment and sadness that the show must be cancelled, however we look forward to seeing old friends and those new to our sport at the same venue but on the new dates for 2021, Friday 26th August through to Monday 29th August.
In the meantime, please stay safe and well.
The Secretary will write to all Judges contracted to judge at our 2020 show with a full explanation of the situation.
K. Derry (Hon. Secretary)
Driffield Championship Dog Show Society
MIDLAND COUNTIES
In view of the present Government Guidelines and Kennel Club Recommendations relating to COVID 19, the Officers and Committee have made the decision to Cancel the Society`s forthcoming show which was due to be held on the 22nd-25th October 2020 at Bingley Hall Stafford. We have already advised all of our judges.
We are very disappointed that we have had to make this decision, but our main concern is the Health and Safety of everyone connected with the show.
At our previous shows we have been fortunate to have excellent support from Exhibitors, Stewards, Judges, Contractors and Sponsors enabling us to hold shows that we are proud of.
Looking forward to what we hope will be Safer and Happier Times for everyone, that with your continued support we will, once again be able to provide a quality show in 2021 which we can all enjoy and be proud of.
On behalf of the Officers and Committee of Midland Counties Canine Society Limited I hope that everyone and their families Stay Safe and Well.
Rodney Price (Secretary) Midland Counties Canine Society Limited
BELFAST CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW
It is with regret that the officers and committee of Belfast Dog Show Society announces that its 2020 Championship Show is cancelled.
This decision has been made in the interest of the welfare, safety and security of judges, exhibitors, spectators, volunteers and the officers and committee, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Belfast Dog Show Society have taken into consideration the latest Kennel Club directions and the Northern Ireland Assembly Government guidelines, which continue to enforce the lock-down in Northern Ireland.
There are many uncertainties which adversely affect the preparation and actual running of the Belfast Dog Show Society Championship 2020 show.
The doubts in the availability of the flight restrictions, hotel accommodation plus social restrictions, all contributed as to whether the show should proceed and have all been discussed with the decision to cancel the 2020 show.
The 2020 judges will be contacted to advise of the cancellation and to discuss future appointments.
The officers and committee of the Belfast Dog Society Show send their best wishes to our members, supporters, exhibitors, stewards and all judges at this most difficult time.
We look forward to your support at the Belfast Dog Show Society 2021 Championship Show. Please stay safe and thank you all for your support.
The Officers and Committee of BDSS
Mr Jackie Stubbs (Hon. Secretary)
KENNEL CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT.
REGARDING COVID-19 AND KENNEL CLUB EVENTS
The safety and security of competitors, spectators, volunteers and staff at Kennel Club events continues to be of paramount importance. In light of the continued restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kennel Club has taken the decision with regret to extend its strong recommendation that clubs and societies cancel forthcoming events until the end of September and that serious consideration should be given to events due to be held after this date.
It is vitally important that those responsible for organising events, large or small, conduct a risk assessment which will include ensuring that the event is Covid secure, i.e being compliant with Government advice and guidance on COVID-19. We will be working on further advice to clubs and societies on the issues which need to be addressed in a risk assessment once the Government publishes further guidance or instruction.
This latest recommendation is based on all advice issued by the Government so far which continues to restrict non-essential travel and maintain social distancing. The Kennel Club also recommends that alternative arrangements continue to be put in place regarding other activities such as meetings, seminars and training classes.
It is appreciated that clarity is important in order to be able to plan, budget and mitigate costs and therefore we will provide more definitive advice as soon as the position is clearer from the Government.
The latest advice on the situation regarding COVID-19 is regularly updated and changes daily and we strongly suggest that clubs and societies keep aware of updates as issued by the Department of Health at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
The Kennel Club’s current cancellation policy and FAQs, in relation to breed shows, can be accessed at bit.ly/2x5DuzQ and, in relation to all other disciplines, can be accessed at bit.ly/2AjuyZm.
Please contact the KC office on email sass@thekennelclub.org.uk to confirm the cancellation or postponement of any licensed events. If your event is cancelled, please also advise whether you require a refund for your licence fee or require the fee to be carried forward for a future event.
Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.
ROYAL CANIN ANNOUNCEMENT
We at Royal Canin are reaching out to you as we sponsored your show in the last twelve months.
With the ongoing Covid-19 crisis we are trying to help your winners redeem their prizes. Normally this would be done on our stand at the championship shows. As most shows are now cancelled until the end of October, we have altered the system to allow winners to claim their prizes via our Area Business managers.
To this end, we would be grateful if you could share the wording below on your club’s social media page or through your club website to try and make sure everyone who has a prize has a good chance of redeeming it in a timely fashion.
“Don’t forget that you can still redeem your gift certificates won at shows sponsored by Royal Canin by contacting their Area Business Manager. To find out whom the Business Manager is for your area, click here: https://bit.ly/3b6yjOr”
We hope this goes some way to showing our support of shows and events and look forward to supporting you in the future.
Such a lot to take on board with most championship shows with Midland Counties at the end of October being cancelled. Social distancing would be extremely difficult at a dog show and it must be the only sensible way, considering all shows for the autumn/ winter are inside venues. Perhaps we should just let 2020 go for the dog showing scene reassessing the situation for sometime during 2021. Safety and welfare must take top priority and if we are honest the four paws are having a lovely time at home. I know my four paws are.
Please everyone take care and be cautious, more than ever now with lockdown restrictions being eased. This is a dangerous period when we must not for one moment forget that this gremlin takes no prisoners.
IRENE ROBB