29th March 2024

With Easter weekend on the horizon and many Clubs holding AGM meetings, I have received little news to report on this week. Of course, many of you are still recovering from the big event but I am aware a few are made of “stronger material” than others and have been out and about. If you would like me to report on your show wins, please do remember to send me not only the name of your dog, the show and the name of the Judge and what it achieved and unless you gained BOB or BPIB and either a Puppy or Adult Group place, space is limited to these winners only.
Sadly, news has reached me of the passing of Emmie Seldon, who recently died in early March, having spent a few years in a care home, she developed pneumonia... Born in 1937, Emmie a name not many of today’s exhibitors will know.  was well known in the London area with her late husband John and although they progressed into Smooth Collies, they first started with Roughs and also had Shelties and soon became a regular pairing at many of the shows in and around the London area. Although their interest had progressed to the Smooth, they really helped many of our more established judges on their first footing on the judging ladder as they helped out by taking Committee posts with quite a few canine societies. Under their Merland Affix, Emmie’s greatest achievement was winning BOB at Crufts with Mitch, Merland Midnight Marauder a tricolour smooth.
The funeral will be held at Randall’s Park Crematorium, Leatherhead, KT22 0AG on 8th April at 2.45pm
Having had time to peruse the latest BRS October – December 2023, this just confirms the fall in registrations. As an example: In 2014 there were 793 registered pups, falling to 431 in 2023. During the “Covid” times, there was an increase from 531 to 667 but this fell away in 2022 and 2023 and will no doubt impact on Clubs/Shows and CC’s.
Back to the BRS, health figures are also published covering the usual CEA/PRA/HD/MDR1 and Hips. If you are interested in these figures, please contact me and I will gladly send over copies. However, I did note that there are still quite a few collies tested for known issues, whose parents also have the same or similar issues. I do not advocate throwing the baby out with the bath water, but I ask myself why this practise is still continuing when we have the means and tests to ensure we do not, knowingly, produce affected stock!
Now more news from the very active Secretary of the Midland Collie Club, their own Hannah Walder who has let me know of a few changes following their recent AGM which are as follows:  Chairperson, Tracey Goodwin has stepped down but stays on the committee and has been made an honorary Life Member in recognition for her service to MCC. Andre Scott now takes over the position of Chairman. Hannah’s husband, Simon was elected to Vice-Chairman. MCC now have 2 new Club Patrons, in the form of Life Members, John & Jean Catliff, also elected to join the ranks of Patron is Pat Wilkinson and Jean Kenny has become an honorary Life Member following her 50 years of membership to MCC Finally, 2 members of committee, who had previously been co-opted, are now full members, these being Denise Vescan and Jake Walsh who are also joined by Kay Hateley on the committee. I understand all remaining positions are unchanged.
However, at the committee meting following the AGM, it was agreed that following the MCC Breed Lunch, that a non-committee member be invited to report on the day for all who did not attend!
Jayne Llewellyn writes  on behalf of MCC the following:  I went on the trip last Friday to the kennel club and its was a fab day. Just written an account that you may want to share in the breed notes for those who were unable to make it
Midland Collie Club Enjoys a Memorable Day at the Royal Kennel Club: Celebrating Together Last Friday, 22/03/2024, the Midland Collie Club hosted a splendid visit to the esteemed Royal Kennel Club (RKC) in London, commemorating their centenary and our cherished rough and smooth collie breeds. The event was a great success. Thanks to Hannah Walder and the Midland Collie Club's meticulous planning, every aspect of the day, from engaging tours to delectable food, contributed to a day filled with joy and camaraderie. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to the collie breeds and a testament to the strong bonds within our collie-loving community. A notable attendee was Dora Richter, who travelled from Belgium via Eurostar to partake in the festivities. It was lovely to see Dora again and her presence added an international touch to the gathering, highlighting the widespread admiration for the collie breed across borders. The day included a personal celebration, notably for Geoff Duffield, who celebrated a special birthday during the event. A delightful cake with candles and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" made the occasion extra special. This visit to the RKC was a blend of historical exploration and appreciation with the opportunity to appreciate the exquisite artwork and delve into the rich heritage of the collie breeds in the RKC's library. The magnificent dining room provided a perfect setting for friends to reconnect, and reminisce and for new friendships to blossom. Laughter, shared stories, and mutual admiration for our wonderful breed and experiences filled the air, creating lasting memories for everyone involved. As participants bid farewell, they carried cherished memories of a lovely day and a renewed passion for our magnificent rough and smooth collie breeds.
Jayne Llewellyn

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com