28TH OCTOBER 2016

.
 
The SGHC Club show is now just a memory with results posted in last weeks Breed Notes.   A nice aspect of the show was a visit from Fahad Al Farhan and Homad Alghanem representing the Salukis of Arabia and the International Aseel Saluki Center & Kennel Club.  Having special visitors from  the countries of origin of our breed to the oldest recognized Saluki Club puts us in a unique place.  Hamad and Fahad brought wonderful gifts from the center to be given to the main winners of the show. It was lovely seeing both gentlemen again. 
 
At the Club show Andrea Ireson was feeling unwell but did not want anyone to know as she was a member of the Committee and was there to support the show.  In the recent past she  had problems with her lungs, this time it was no different.  Following a visit to the doctors, Andrea was sent to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.  The out come is that she was operated on Saturday morning for a collapsed lung.  She will remain in the hospital until Wednesday when she hopes they will release her.  We all wish Andrea the best and hope she is back on her feet again soon.
 
Marion Armstrong’s funeral will take place on Monday 31st October at 11.30 .  It will be held at the Parndon Wood Crematorium, Harlow Essex CM19 4SF. Family flowers only but donations in Marion’s name for the Alzheimer’s research can be made to the funeral directors.  They are Peasegood and Skeates in Saffron Walden.
 
Front page of  “Our Dogs” of the 21st October 2016 says “Kennel Club is Listening:”  Great, good news.  Further in the paper in the ‘Letters to the Editor’
Section there was letter from Jane Dennis, which I am reprinting with the authors permission.  If anyone has comments on this please contact me and I will add it to the discussion.  Just keep it positive, please.  My email address will be at the bottom of the page.
 
“Not what we want
 
EVERY WEEK somewhere in the dog press one reads ‘what do exhibitors want, what can be done to halt falling entries’
Well, certainly not what the National have done for my breed, English Setters, for their championship show in 2018.
 
I have bred and shown this breed for nearly forty years, I have ploughed all my money into my hobby.  I eat, sleep and drink my breed.  I have judged my breed many times here and abroad, including this society.
 
What as a grass roots exhibitor I do not want is a judge foisted on my breed who I have never heard of, who doesn’t appear to have any interest in my breed, has
A CV more suited to a Toy judge. 
 
And what is our Kennel Club doing approving such an appointment? 
 
I have no issue with FCI judges or judges from any part of the world whose opinion I value and there are quite a few.  However, I do have a huge issue with this type of appointment.  For whose benefit is it?  Not mine, the paying exhibitor that is for certain.
 
As a breed we currently have an a list of approximately one hundred and fifty people on this list with a huge amount of breed knowledge who for one reason or another are never asked.
 
My breed has been insulted and treated with complete disregard and contempt.  So I ask again, for whose benefit is this type of appointments?  It is certainly not for mine (she who pays to register her puppies, she who pays to enter shows).  I will stay at home on the day.”