20 March 2015 – Dog World

So another Crufts has been and gone a bit like Christmas over in a flash. According to a Kennel Club spokesman it brings brilliant news that for the first two days the gate attendance was up 20.000. That is the sort of news we like to hear exhibitors and families out to enjoy a four paws experience.

I know there have been some darker elements that are unthinkable of which most of us cannot comprehend as a reality. But the world we live in today seems to hold completely different values for life, pushing boundaries and elements through the roof. Not so many years ago what would have been unthinkable is very much a possibility in this day and age. Our thoughts go out to those affected and it makes us all realize that we must vigilant at the shows we attend.

On a positive note the show itself was as usual second to none with enough trade stands to browse exhausting the most seasoned shopper by the end of the day. The Papillons were situated in Hall 5 in a corner ring. How fortunate are we as we have our own little oasis that few general people take time in the day to venture unless you have a love of the breed. The ring was superb as always and the dogs just love the luxury of the green carpet. Benching is well laid out with ring numbers at the end of each benching. This may seem a simple procedure but I remember years ago the benching was a nightmare as you just went up and down rows and rows trying to find your benching number. If the feeling takes you everyone could have a jig and conga down the aisles as there is so much space between the benching. We have come to take it that we personally will always be the furthest point North from the ringside that is the problem for your surname is at the end of the alphabet. A few years ago we arrived and found our benching numbers at the ringside, very surreal. So perhaps we will have to wait another twenty years to have the pleasure again.

Great to see two breed clubs stalls by the ringside. The Papillon (Butterfly Dog) Club and the Papillon Butterfly Dog Club of Scotland were present. I so missed last year seeing no stalls present it just sets the atmosphere at a correct level and gives the overseas visitors a chance to experience a little of our UK memorabilia. The PBDC had the launch of their 2015 Yearbook which I must say has excelled all expectations. Congratulations must go to Alan Bartram who I believe was at the helm as chief organiser and Ellie Mordecai for collating the finished product. So I hereby bestow huge congratulations to them and to Brian Lees the clubs secretary and the committee for putting together such an interesting handbook. Lots of interesting stories to read and the Gleniren Sunshoo show team were very honoured to have been asked to write certain articles.

The PDC of Scotland stall had Liz Anderson displaying all her lovely work of statues and brooches. If you haven’t seen them yet when paying a visit to their breed shows this year make a point of taking a well worthwhile peek at her work. Lots of other goodies too so the wallets and purses were well used during the course of the day. Liz had been through the wars as she had her left arm in a sling with a broken shoulder and wrist. Ouch that hurts!

Speaking of tumbles our thoughts go out to Pam Blay of Dog World as she took a tumble trying to rearrange the face a little and poor Pam has ended up with two broken shoulders. Please get better soon Pam our thoughts and good wishes are with you. Know how the face feels as a couple of years ago I tried stupidly to take on a concrete path and lost the battle. Just be prepared to change to ‘fifty shades of grey’…. blue, mauve and yellow over a period of time.

It was so nice to see an array of Papillons and Phalenes from abroad in the ring at Crufts and also an opportunity to meet up with old and new friends. I always find it interesting to watch the different styles of handling.

This year our judge was Mr Roger Chaston from the Bricklands prefix. He arrived looking smart and ready for the day commencing at 8.30am so ably assisted by his two very experienced stewards. There were big classes so plenty to get through in the day. The day went smoothly and we were finished in plenty of time for a cuppa, socialising or shopping whatever took your fancy.

The principal winners of the day were as follows. DCC / BOB going to Mr Jan Roosens Bel/Fr/Lux/Swe/Fin CH Siljans Truly Yours (Imp Swe). We were especially delighted as Pojke had been with us the year previous. Our last show with him was at Crufts last year when he received the RDCC. So it was lovely to see him get his third cc to make him up to a UK Champion. A delighted John and Ann Cooper took the BCC with Ancojo Pixie Pickles.. RDCC Callum & Mandy Thornton’s Sharjoy in the Future, RBCC Tom Isherwood and Jenny Scovell’s Afterglow Adelaide. BP went to Fraser Comrie-Bryant with Frasermar Storm in the Snow.

Christine and Aiden Foynes were overjoyed when their 13 year old Foyne’s & May little girl Sharjoy Hibernian Princess at Lafay won first place in a class of ten for Veteran Bitch. What an achievement for this little one and she looked in tip top condition. It had been a long day and she still showed her socks off in the Bitch Challenge. Many congratulations I know you were both thrilled, she is a credit to you.

Mr Steven Bardwell had the honour of judging the Toy Group and arrived in the BIS ring immaculately dressed in a blue suit and went about the job in hand in such a calm and professional manner, it was so lovely to watch.

From a weather point of view how kind it was. It was dry walking in then rain a good part of the day when we were inside the halls. But then dry on the walk back to the car park, very considerate indeed.

I wish Roger Chaston’s wife Heather well as she is due to go into hospital for an operation soon. It was nice to see her sitting at the ringside during the judging and may your recovery be speedy so everyone sees you back in the show scene very soon. Get well wishes also winging your way to Mandy Thornton, Sharon Burns and Ruth Johnston.

Hope everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable Crufts day, I know we did and look forward to seeing friends from near and afar next year.

On the Open Show front it has been very busy leading up to Crufts week. The Papillon Butterfly Dog Club of Scotland held their Open Show with Breed Specialist Helen Wheeler judging. I believe the show went very well and had a friendly atmosphere. BIS Angela Skelton’s Winterwings Sea The Stars, RBIS Kathy Smith’s CH. Papplewick Pretty In Pink at Adinaken JW ShCM, BPIS Whitehills Jansaleis He’s A Belter, BVIS Angela Skelton’s Adnamashan One Moment In Time JW.

Jerry Munroe Secretary of the Northern & Eastern Counties Papillon Club has kindly sent me in news from the clubs open show, The show was held at Thorpe Willoughby were the breed classes were judged by Mr Dominic Browne (Doburgh) and Junior Handling classes by Ann Stevenson (Jeminai). In honour of St David’s day the hall was decorated with daffodils and the rosettes were in the St David’s traditional colours of yellow and black. All the committee worked hard to produce a successful show. Catering was provided in a mouth watering manner by Christine McFarlane and exhibitors enjoyed a wide range of culinary delights.

Mrs Val Lockhart donated various beautifully handcrafted BIS specials and gifts. The show was sponsored by Happy Dog UK and the club was extremely grateful for their support and contribution.

Club member Miss Rebecca Thompson held a collection for Dementia UK and managed to raise the magnificent sum of £75 towards a sky dive for the charity. I am sure everyone wishes her luck with the sky dive and her continued fund raising.

BIS was Emma Cooke’s Sukanto Yuki Storm. BP /BB/RBIS Mrs Foile’s Lafford Kandy Apple, bred by Carol Lees and handled by Caroline Lee- Slater. BV John Turner’s CH Bodebi Rhythm is a Dancer ably handled by Wendy Walters. BPH Jo Davidson Poston & Karen Farrell’s Muti Ch Magnolise Tiago for Spinillons. BJHIS Caragh McGrath aged 15 years. If you go onto the clubs website you will be able to see the full results.

A reminder for the date of N&ECPC Championship Show as it is not this year in Nov. It has swopped places with the Open Show. This year the CH show is Sat, 25th July which is the day after Toy day at Leeds. So for those of you that have caravans or motor homes it will be a good weekend. Maybe others will stay at a hotel nearby. The show will be held at Brodsworth Miners Welfare Hall, Doncaster, DN6 7PP. The judges are dogs – Ms Kirsten Stewart-Knight (Tussalud) and bitches Mrs Carol Lees (Lafford).

At Wath & West Melton CS Caroline Odd was judging the breed and Carol Lees with Lafford Kandy Floss took a very nice TGP3 under Vanessa Williams –Wegman. Also at Matlock & District Canine Society L Kandy Floss handled by Sue Victor took TGP1. Breed judge Petula Humphreys (Gloynbyw) and group judge Sue Smith (Sueacres).

Karen Diprose had a good show at Suffolk Agricultural Open Show. Taking BOB under Mrs Sam Tydeman and TGP2 under Mark Cocozza.

At St Austell & DCS Mrs Sue Sanderson (Sandchize) judged the breed Hamblin’s Judaham Love In The Mist took TGP4 and Sue Stanbury took TPGP3 with Gaea Devonshire Quarranden.

At Blackpool Toy Dog Open Show Breed Specialist Lynne George-Evans (Jorgealin) was judging the breed. Emma Cooke’s Sukanto Yuki Storm took BOB and then went on the win a brilliant BIS under Mr Ken Bartlett. Brenda Cody judged the Junior Handlers and another success for Papillons as BJHIS went to Eleanor Taylor handling Bankshill Lord of the Rings is Purepixie. Blackpool Toy is always a lovely show and I am sure everyone had an enjoyable day out.

Newark & DCS Conysluck Juscalmeansome at Jalatemmes was awarded TGP3 owners Jane Allsop and Dominc Browne and the judge for the breed and group was Dick Morrison.

Phew that was a flurry of Open Shows to sort. Bit like a No 34 bus they either come in as an army or none at all. Well done everyone.

Across the pond Marian Sloan brings news that it has been confirmed that Ch Austrene One Vision An Ch CJW14,CW14, Jun Ch she is the Annual CH 14. This means she is top winning [most green stars] Phalene in Ireland last year. She was at 13 Ch shows and won 12 GS, 1res GS, 5 BOBs, 1CACIB. BIS at Papillon/Phalene club of Ireland Ch show and GSB Phalene at Phalene Club of Ireland. All this acheived before 20 months. She is bout of Ir.Ch Sunshoo Imawill Scarlet Gleniren and ex Int.Ir Ch Elendil Celestine For Rayol CW11. Well done Marian a very proud achievement.

I’m just going to finishing off with a little gem of information for those that are not sure. This year’s KC Stud Book bands have been published and for those that are not in the know, Papillons are in BAND D – Which means that 1st/2nd/3rd Open Class or 1st Limit Class will qualify you for Crufts next year. This is obviously along with the other classes, such as, Minor Puppy, Puppy etc. Thought you might like to know, as this may be helpful when thinking of entering Championship shows.

Well I am exhausted after that lot and to boot the computer decided to mix spaces. Grrr. But never mind all sorted and the job is done. Have a lovely week and see you all at UK Toydog, one of my favourite show and the nearest……bargain!

IRENE ROBB