12th January 2024

The first main event of the year, apart from a few Open shows where some have attended, was the 2023 Rough Collie of the Year Event. Hosted by the hard-working committee of East Anglian CA, and held at Littleport.
Having received an entry of 52, comprising of 9 Veterans, 14 puppies and 30 adults, although on the day, owing to weather conditions and other issues, not all were present but those who arrived were greeted by a glass of Bucks Fizz and the nominated judges were revealed. These were David Knights, as the Non-Breed Specialist, (Lelaps). Who is basically a hound specialist but also has Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Finnish Spitz and awards CC’s in 8 breeds and also judges Rough and Smooths having previously judged at EACA. The breed specialist was none other than our own Gwen Beadon (Myriehewe) who has been active both in showing and judging in Roughs, Smooths and Shetland Sheepdogs and who really needs no introduction to all.
Winning Veteran was Ch Brooklynson Jane Russell of Oakestelle VW for Marianne Benton with her smooth Ch Oakestelle Venus de Milo VW ShCEx as runner up. In puppies, taking the 2023 title from those who were short-listed, including Blamorder Magic Maker with Freejack, Kelekona Hearts of Gold JW, was Deb Jerrett and Coldelee Eternal Sunshine, with Ladnar Makemeawinner as runner-up.
Now to the adults, short-listed were Luminous Moon Over Lenosann, Constella Hazy Cosmic Jive, Oakestelle Artemis, Ch Brackenhaye Queen of Hearts of Oakestelle, GIB CH, Serenlas Angel of Casatentola and Corydon Agatha Cristal with the winner being Ch Brackenhaye Queen of Hearts for Oakestelle winning and Agatha Cristal taking the R/U spot.
Then all 3 finalists returned and taking the 2023 award was Ch Brackenhaye Queen of Hearts of Oakestelle with R/Up being Coldelee Eternal Sunshine.
The annual quiz, set by Lisa Pettitt followed during lunch with the winners being: Stella Clark, The Wensleys, The Jerretts and the Seagers. Marianne Benton under the name of Smooth Criminals

As to show results during the Xmas period, some of you have certainly more “Get Up and Go” than others and although I have seen many a good win in the breed and some with group placings, to date, only Morag McCarte has contacted me with information that their Roughrigg Red Lagertha managed to get her last points for her JW piloted as usual by Hannah.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com