10th October 2025

Ayrshire CC , with Secretary Morag McCarte, (Roughrigg) saw the husband and wife team of Simon & Hannah Walder taking centre stage over their combined entry on paper of 59 including 2 NFC entries but many factors reduced that, so if my maths are correct, both had 19 present to judge on the day.
I would personally like to thank Alyson Carmichael, on behalf of Morag McCarte for sending down the results of all the classes and the final awards, I am aware many do like to know “who won what” and this also adds to the event as often, there are available actual live streams of the main awards. It really does help when composing notes. (Apologies in advance, as unlike others, I am not perfect and do sometime make errors and omissions, also if the main winners do not contact me,  which they have done today, we have no idea of the outcome on the day)
Simon has waited many years for this appointment, as he was one of the early approvals via Grandfathering back in 2023 and has waited until now for this, his first CC appointment. Although he has judged quite a few Open/Club  shows in between.
Hannah,  has only recently judged at YCC and had previously judged firstly at Scottish Breeds in 2018, followed by Irish Collie.
I would imagine that the weather forecast and storm predications were the cause of some not making it to the event on the day, which must have been disheartening to both the Club and the judges ,although I understand  that  apart from being a little blustery, the rain held off, although many were unable to attend due to damage to kennels, road works, flooding etc.
Simon and Hannah now breed and show under the Hanvale kennel name, which was  originally founded by Hannah’s mother, Val Setchell and Hannah, herself, was a prominent Junior Handler excelling with showing quite a few collies but mostly with Ch Lanteague Amanda at Brilyn with whom she won many awards.
Both Hannah & Simon work tirelessly to promote the breed and both serve on the committee of Midland Collie Club, where Hannah is secretary, often both taking time out from their very busy schedules, to pop down to London where they often attend the events such as the latest, the promotional book event for Clare Balding.
As usual there were many rosettes and specials on offer and the show was sponsored by Burns Pet Nutrition, along with Cash Prizes for various items and the lovely memorable coats and sashes, in memory of the ACC late president, Bill McIntyre were once again made available for the final photo session at the end of the day.
Held this year at the same venue as the ACC Open show, Hurlford Community Centre the show opened with the first class consisting of 2 MP dogs and winning this was Paulara Ocean Raine at Geosamka who also won Maiden. Puppy had Melissa, alone with Gataj Strike It Lucky and with Junior being absent, Melissa re-entered the ring to win Yearling with Gataj Perfect Timing. Paulara Blaze of Glory won Graduate for Charlene & Luis. Starlenga All About Majic for Corisian JW won PG and Limit went to Jo Hodges handling for Sue “Holiday” Harris with Geosamka Loves to Love at Ithilien and winning Open was Ch Beldones Ivory Star for Brian and Odile and Michelle McCann and Ollie (Ch Oakland Blue Style du Clos de Sea-Wind at Zolkhan) took veteran.
Dog CC, his 8th was Clovis (Ch Beldones Ivory Star). Although standing 2nd in Open, and I cannot confirm if called in to challenge was another well-known winner, Hugo, Ch Daliyhaa Master Craftsman but the RDCC went to Jo Hodges and Sue Harris from Limit.
I am sure, by now, you are all aware of the breeding of the winners.
Hannah started with MPB with Charlene & Luis and Paulara Famous Last Words winning this with the other entries being absent. Melissa returned to win PB with Gataj Struck By Love. Yearling had 3 of the 4 entries present and heading this was Gataj Exotic Girl.  Beldones Classic Touch for Brian & Odile won Novice. Luis continued his good day by winning Graduate with Paulara Born To Be My Baby, Karen Johnston won PG with Sea-Dreamers Gracy Love at Geosamka and Limit went to Jo Hodges with her recent CC winning blue, Unusual Beauty Des Conquettes de Don Juan at Jopium, better known at home as Zara (and easier for me to record!). Melissa returned to win another class, Open, this time with Ch Gataj Good Time Girl and our effervescent Veteran lady, Dreamy won Veteran.
The BCC, her 2nd was Dreamy, Telforth Sweet Dreams to Corisian JW and Jo Brooker. Her 1st came very recently at WECS where she annexed the same award from Jane Margetts. The RBCC fell to Jo Hodges and her blue.
Both Hannah and Simon agreed for Ch Beldones Ivory Star to go BIS  and Dreamy and Jo collected a mountain of rosettes for RBIS, BOSIS, Best Veteran In Show and more, and Melissa won BPIS with Gataj Strike it Lucky. So nice to see Louise & Margo Walker ringside enjoying the day, although Margo’s services as BIS judge etc were not required as husband and wife either agreed or came to an amicable agreement.

Finally, Lisa Petitt has sent in details of Brian Hull's funeral which will be held on Friday 24th October at St. Marys Church, Salcott, Essex CM9 8HL at 1.00 p.m. followed by burial in the churchyard.  Dress code is black and as Brian was very fond of his garden the family would prefer flowers in place of donations. The wake is at ‘The Ship Inn’, Maldon Road, Tiptree, CO5 0PQ

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com