31st October 2025

Quite a busy few days for some with the Midland Counties Ch show at Stafford last Thursday and Collie Club of Wales on Saturday, along with a few Open shows.
Midland Counties had drawn a lovely entry for esteemed judge, Frank Kane (Hirontower). Frank, as we are aware is one of the top judges having completed many appointments including the Pastoral Group at Crufts in 2016 and is also approved for BIS All Breeds. However, this was his 3rd appointment for our breed, the first being at Darlington in 2016, followed by Collie Association (Dogs) in 2023.
From the entry of 112, with obvious absentees, emerged a new Champion in the form of Maverick, now to be known as Ch Mejola Top Gun. His 1st CC came fat Bath from Russell Jones, followed quickly by a 2nd at City of Birmingham from Kevin Young. Sired by Corydon The Ringmaster out of Mejola Special Reserve he was born in July 2023 and is a homebred sable and is homebred by Jo Williams. Jo also had a lovely day with other family members, being: Mejola Endeavour, known as Morse who won Minor Puppy dog, and in the challenge was handled by a very athletic John Blake and annexed BPD. Mejola Edge of Glory, was also in the cards with a 4th in MPB.
Taking the RDCC, from Open was Ch Beldones Ivory Star, handled by Odile and I am sure, by now, you know his breeding. Other class winners were, Melissa and Gataj Strike It Lucky, Miranda won Junior with Corydon The Baronet, Val Geddes also won with Ingledene Absolute Legend to take Yearling. Although both were alone in their classes. Jane Spendelow won PG with Uffspring Undeniable. Stefani Flower won Veteran with her sable, Androma Dreamcatcher at Serenlas (Imp Slovenia) and a nice win in Special beginners Dog for Essanjay Fields of Gold for Firesaga for Henry and Joanne Leese.
For the ladies, Vanessa Cronk took the BCC, her 4th with Chelborn Tell Me Your Wish, who recently gained her crown at Belfast from Lorraine Ratter. She is sired by Ch Skabona the Gambler at Chelborn out of Chelborn That’ll Be A Wish and she was born in July 2022 and won from Open.
Collecting a 2nd RCC on the day was Beldones Magical Bliss for Brian and Odile and she was 2nd in the same class. Sired by Ch Roughrigg Rag’n’Bone Man out of Beldones Corradina, a sable born January 2021.
Other class winners included, Gataj Red Hot Love for Melissa in MP, and she also won PB (alone) with Gataj Struck By Love; Junior was a nice win for Audrey Boyd and Wendy Magill with Gemheid May’d of Gold for Stregato. Stacy Steven made the journey down from Glasgow with Cambrogan’s Blissful Barra, who recently had taken part in the Diamonds in the Ruff Obreedience Team and showed off to win Yearling. Although in the name of just Angela & Keith Harvey at this show, I understand that Afterhero Cheeky Angel at Wicani (Imp Hungary) will be NOW owned in partnership with her handler on the day, Jake Walsh. Gill Whitaker and Siluto Blueberry Mist won Limit and Veteran went to Di Collino and Imaginist Willow Wren. Chantique Tickety Boo won not only Special Beginners Bitch but also Best SBIB for the Jackson family. BOB fell to Maverick and Jo who stayed for their group   judged by Elina Haapaniemi from Finland. , BPIB was Melissa and Gataj Red Hot Love, and Di Collino took BVIB with her tricolour lady. I am not aware of any places or shortlisting, Puppy Group was Richard Allen, Special Beginners was Patsy Hollings and I am also not aware if all stayed or not.

On Saturday, the very popular Collie Club of Wales held their annual Open show at Bassaleg. The judge elect for Roughs was Ann Page. Just to refresh your memory, Ann won the DCC back in 2019 with Lynmead Amalie Bring Me Back, and at LCC this year took the RDCC with Lynmead Prince Charming and along with kennel mate Lynmead Amalie  Let Me Go, who is now a Veteran. Attends shows where she can. Although, before these wins, Ann was always quite active in the breed, especially at the “southern” based shows with a few roughs from the late Lisa Burtenshaw (Pelido)
CCW is one of my favourite shows as not only the welcome from the very small committee makes one feel relaxed but the food to is excellent and the whole atmosphere is one of joviality and there is no pressure, unlike some other shows, the CCW actually care about their exhibitors and dogs. So, it was quite a surprise to see the entry details for the event, full details can be found on Collielife with photos of the main winners.  The other judges selected for this event were: Mandy Davies (Wystry) for Smooths and the SAC classes for Roughs were judged by Abby Lusty (Blamorder) and SAC Smooths by Ann Page.
Best dog, following a “Solo” drive by Julie Edwards was Beldones Mojito who is jointly owned by Julie and Eleri, who won Spl Yearling and RBD was Gataj Strike It Lucky for Melissa, who was also BPD. There was a mixed Veteran class but no males were present and this went to Marianne and Keira (Ch Brooklynson Jayne Russell of Oakestelle VW ShCEx) . Best bitch was awarded to Lynmead Dresses The Stars of Sambreeze for Sheila Carlton with Julie and Eleri along with Paulara Lucy In The Sky for Elshajo in reserve. Keira was BVB and Sheila with her BB was also BPB. Ann’s choice for BOB fell to Julie Edwards with Beldones Mojito, RBOB to Sheila Carlton and her puppy who was also BOSIB and BPIB.
With all judging completed, BIS, according to the catalogue was decided jointly by Ann Page and Mandy Davies with Marina McLaughlin acting as Referee. All awards fell to the Smooths, with BIS going to Marianne Benton and her Blamorder Double or Quits at Oakestelle along with the very much sought after, CCW Dragon presented by the CCW.

Last week I gave the sad news that Jacky Buckley had passed away, we have now had details of her funeral which will be held on the 6th November at Bushbury Crematorium, WV10 7JG at 12 noon.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com