03 July 2015 – Dog World

Border Union here we come. Many folk take the opportunity of a few days break in their caravans or motorhomes and this year the run up to the show I believe they were treated to glorious weather. The day before Toy Day had been wall to wall sunshine. However for Toy Day the weather had a different agenda showering us with bouts of rain, wind and at times delivered the chill factor well and truly.

An early start for most, let me re-phrase that a stupid o’clock start, even the birds were tucked up in the feather down nests snoring. En-route the scenery from leaving the motorway at Carlisle is beautiful and if one had time to digest instead of trying to reach the finishing line it could be appreciated but eventually we arrived at our destination, ready for the day ahead.

The outside rings were spacious and cut to a short length and would have been lovely for the dogs but it was not to be, the wet weather had other ideas so there was no alternative but to hasten hurriedly to the tent area. Here the grass was long, smaller rings and very congested, a bit like Euston Station in the rush hour. Our judge and stewards managed to get permission for the ring to be opened up, this was a huge bonus for being able to move at a decent pace and not sit on each others shoulders, I am sure the exhibitors were grateful for that.

Trade stands were a plenty and the restaurant area in the main building was doing good business keeping tums fulfilled, there was also an assortment of eating facilities scattered around the showground.

It must have been a special day for our Papillon judge as it was his first time appointment for awarding challenge certificates for our breed. Mr Mervyn Evans (Citegan) well respected for Yorkshire Terriers from South Wales arrived looking smart in a grey suit and ready for the day. The two stewards were extremely helpful and kept the day running smoothly along. Mr Evans had received a good entry so he had plenty to keep him busy. He went over the dogs in a gentle yet efficient manner, so this helped to keep the four paws that perhaps were slightly apprehensive with the surroundings on an even keel.

The principal winners for the day were as follows; The Gleniren Sunshoo Showteam had a magical day taking the double and as can you imagined we were definately on cloud nine. DCC / BOB Irene & Glenn Robb’s Ch Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo who then went on to be awarded his second TGP1 in a very strong Toy Group line-up under the well respected Grace Godwin. Certainly it will be a day to be remembered. BCC Robb’s CH Gleniren Kiss Me Kate Sunshoo. For the RCC’s it was for the dogs Joe Magri and Kevin Arrowsmith’s Rozamie Pierre and the bitches Holly Bradford’s Rozamie Je Ne Sais Quoi. Ted and Mary Whitehill must have been very proud grandparents indeed. BP went to Afterglow Mouseketeer owned and shown by Tom Isherwood and Da Silva.

So it was a long day as we left the showground nearing 8pm but the adrenalin for the journey home kept us going arriving back home at 1.30am. Who says dog showing is a doddle. But I always remind myself the bonnie Scots have this to do every week; they need to be awarded a medal at the end of the showing year!

We will stay up in Scotland for news that has come in. The Butterfly Dog Club of Scotland will be holding a seminar on Sat, 17th October at Springfield Community Centre Airdrie between 9am and 4pm. The cost of the tickets will be twenty pounds which includes lunch.

The Breed Standard talk will be conducted by breed specialist Mr Ted Whitehill and the Conformation and Movement talk will be given by Mrs M Boulcott. If you wish to attend the seminar please book early so as not to be disappointed. You can obtain information for booking the tickets from Elaine Davidson on 01698 304004, Mary Whitehill 01592 260872 or Alison on 01307 840262.

At Southampton and DCA Open Show Kirsty Wells and Amanda Brown had a good day with their youngster Metamorphic Thunder Storm taking TPGP1 under Chris Reeves-Sargant.

Brian Lees the secretary of the Papillon Club has sent me in details of the following Championship Show judges who have now been approved by the Kennel Club and can therefore be made public. For their 16th April 2016 Championship Show Dogs: Mrs Queenie Bruce (Tijuana), Bitches: Mrs Rosalie Brady (Bordercot), Referee and Junior handling: Mrs Pat Munn (Ringlands). Ch Show 15th April 2017 Dogs: Mrs Sue Stanbury (Inixia), Bitches: Mr Rob Sansom (Byermoor), Referee and Junior handling: Mr Glenn Robb (Gleniren). The Open Shows for 2016 are on the 16th July – Mr Kevin Arrowsmith (Rozamie) and 19th Nov – Mrs Jackie Reader.

Don’t forget the Clubs Fun weekend is on the 11th and 12th July. There will be lots going on and very much a social part of the showing calendar. It is being held at Roade Village Hall, Roade Northants, NN7 2LS. Caravan/motorhomes/tents welcome at just ten pounds per night. You can arrive from noon on the Fri 10th July and depart noon Monday 13th July.

Activities on the go will be a club stall, super raffle, Saturday evening Fish and Chips, Microchipping and an evening quiz. On the Saturday Mr Rodney Oldham (Towmena) will be judging the Open Show. For the Sunday the fun and frolics will include, Have a go Agility organised by Debbie Goodwin, Parade of Rescue Papillons, raffle, games and fun classes organised by Gill Geary and Fancy Dress. There is also a BBQ lunch at a cost of £10 per adult and £6 per child. For both days light breakfast and beverages will be available from 9am. Please contact Brian for reserving your pitch on
01522 694627 or any other details you wish to know about the weekend.

A reminder for your remaining 2015 shows for the club are; 11-12 July Fun weekend, Sat, 24th Oct Joint Papillon Clubs Championship Show at the Royal Court Hotel, Keresley, Coventry Dogs; Mr Espen Engh (Norway), Bitches: Mrs Jenny Scovell (Caswell), Referee & JH Mr Roger Banfield (Kingshaven). I believe details about the issue of the dog charge at the hotel has been resolved by the secretary. Brian has established that the cost relates to a dog charge of £10 per night – not £10 per dog per night. So if anyone has one dog or more than one dog, the charge is simply £10 per night. That is brilliant news for those travelling a long distance. Anyone wishing to book a room or rooms should do so on the central reservation number of 0871 222 0096 quoting Papillon Dog Show. The preferential rates apply for the nights of 23rd and 24th Oct (night before and night following the show) and the rates are £50 for a single, £60 a double and this is for B & B, dog charge is as above. Rooms at this rate are available up to 6 weeks prior to the show (ie.11th Sept) after which the full rate will apply. I understand that rooms are limited so it would be to your benefit to book early.

The last show of the year for the club will be Sat, 21st Nov Open Show at St Mary’s Church Hall Solihull where Mr Tom Isherwood (Vanitonia) will be our judge.

Enjoy the sunshine, it makes shows so much more pleasant, until next week when I will bring news of Blackpool at their new venue..

IRENE ROBB