Breed Notes
26th February

A rather sad set of notes this week as I have to report on the loss of 2 super members of the collie world, firstly Tracey Wilkinson-Rankin writes:

On 11th February, Alan Wilkinson, husband to Pat Wilkinson (Altricia) and father to Tracey, passed away. He was the back bone of the Altricia kennel and in the early 1960’s bought Pat her first ever rough collie. This was Thistleblue Dolly, bred by Lou Casley and he bought her from John & Julie Shipley, sired by Lansview Black Monarch out Corviross Silver Sue. Alan then purchased a few bitches from Kath & Alan Jeffries and a lifetime friendship developed to this day. Two bitches remembered were Jefsfire Amber Dawn and Satine of Simbastar. In the early days, Alan would go to all the Collie shows with Pat, supporting her and spending much time “talking dogs with the likes of Tom Purvis (Danvis), Vic Salt (Woodlyn), Jack Wigglesworth (Sandiacre)and Jimmy Tait, (Aberthorne), sadly all no longer with us.

Alan would like to choose the next stud dog for any litter, and later, when a property came up for sale, opposite their existing place, they were able to move and keep more dogs! Sadly this meant that Alan no longer attended every show but stayed home looking after the young hopefuls. These included, Ch Miss Chips of Aberhill, born in 1979, she was the result of a father/daughter mating carefully researched by Alan
In later years Alan would still enjoy the odd day out at shows with Tracey although they changed their breed to Border Collies, with great success but Alan always liked to “Keep an eye” on the Roughs.

Alan would often talk about visiting great friend Derek Smith and enjoy meeting up with Derek’s mother

He will be greatly missed by family and friends and also his numerous friends in the world of dogs.

Another great loss to the breed is Barry Makepeace (Lynaire).

Barry was one of the most knowledgeable people I have met and his memory was second to none when recalling great dogs and people of the past. He had an illustrious judging career which took him world wide and gained him so many friends, all of whom send their condolences to wife Roz and family
The Champions housed at Lynaire were numerous and included breeds other than roughs. They vary from Skye Terriers to Samoyeds to name but two. In Roughs, although not a Champion, probably one of the most influential was Lynaire Man In Black (Ch Karava Kornishman ex Ch Lynaire Chiquitita) who sired a few UK Champions and can be found in many a collie living abroad

If you mention Lynaire, then you have to mention the blue merles, one of Barry’s favourite colours and many of aspired to breed the correct blue as was found in many of his Champion collies.

Barry held a few admin posts in his time, including Chairman of British Collie, where his words of wisdom were often heard. A lovely man, with a wicked sense of humour, and an infectious  great laugh. To his family and friends, just remember Barry with a smile and think yourself lucky to have known him.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)