10th January 2025

Dog show folk are some of the most stoic of people, as despite the horrendous -weather conditions and forecasts of snow, ice and freezing rain, many managed to attend the first event of 2025 which was EACA Collie of the Year, for both Roughs and Smooths who have won certain awards at either the EACA shows or others in the area.
The original entry of 47 dogs making 48 entries, comprised of 8 Veterans, 9 Puppies and 30 adults with the nominated judges of Lisa Pettitt (Lakebank) and EACA committee member along with Sue Bird (Joyberna) who awards CC’s in both Tibetan Terriers and Shih Tzu and other associated breeds and lives in Peterborough.
However, there were quite a few absentees (22) but the day went ahead under the guidance of EACA Secretary, Miranda Blake to whom I must apologise, as I managed to confuse both of her winning sires,  Ch Corydon The Ringmaster and Corydon The Ringleader. Miranda messaged me to let me know of my mistake and reports that Taz, (Ringleader) is the sire of 3 CC winners, Ch Phreelancer Phormal Dress (Saga belonging to Lene), her brother Phreelancer Phinal Salute belonging to the Vescan family and John’s Christopher. Phineas ( Ringmaster) sired Mejola Top Gun (Maverick) and John’s Ch Clarissa. So again, apologies all around
Back to the main event, Veterans were first in the ring with just one entry in males, being Jo Williams representing the Veteran Boys  with Ch Mejola Fate and Fortune. Best Veteran award was taken by the smooth Koczkodan Serenity owned by Elaine Cowling and in R/U position was Siluto Misterious Girl belonging to Gill Whittaker. EACA Puppy of the year fell to Maverick, Mejola Top Gun belonging to Jo Williams and in the R/U position was Miranda’s Oakley Imagine Dragons at Corydon (Imp Che).
Judging of adults, dogs and bitches continued following lunch and the now regular quiz, which was won by the team, including judge Sue Bird.and her father. The adult semi-finalists were:
Siluto Blue Wizzard at Amberwish, owned by Yvonne Ross; Shelley Skinner and her Ladnar Makeithappen for Nikal; Koczkodan Serenity who had just won the Veteran competition; Mr & Mrs Wensley had their smooth Ch Constella -Hazy Cosmic Drive JW; Marianne Benton had her Ch Brackenhaye Queen of Hearts for Oakestelle and finally Sophie-Wray-Ramsden with her Takhisis Lady of Mystery who was then declared Adult of the Year 2024  with the smooth, Ch Constella Hazy Cosmic Drive in R/U position.
The overall winner from the Puppy and Veteran went to Sophie and her Takhisis Lady of Mystery with overall Runner Up being Maverick, Mejola Top Gun.
Whilst letting me know of this lovely win, Sophie also let me know of her excellent weekend recently where she writes “ And this comes off the back of a truly magical trip to Belgium shortly before Christmas where she and daughter, plus my 2 ASD, attended the Brussels Dog Shows, 4 shows over 2 days. Jill, Takhisis Xtraordinary Lady, was Best Junior at all 4 shows and returns as a Belgian Junior Champion. Mischief won all 4 open classes with a CAC at each so her Belgian Champion title, subject to ratification of a rule change, plus a R-CACIB and a CACIB with BOB. Exhausting, but some great memories” Well-done Sophie.
Finally, another set of congratulations to Dr Lynda Boyle as she has gained her 5th different Veteran Warrant. This was with her sable boy, Pasha, or better known as Barrenclough Diamond Days JW and this was recently confirmed by the RKC.
Hopefully more news next week of the BCC Collie of the Year event with a good entry of 48 Roughs and for the first time Smooth Collies have been invited and 15 have accepted.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com