3rd July 2020

 
Lockdown seems like less of a lockdown now and as of tomorrow we will be allowed to have our hair cut.  It is interesting to watch on television to see who has/has not had their hair trimmed.  Michael’s hair has remained relatively tidy as I have used my dog clippers and experience from trimming dogs to his advantage.  I am sure I have not been the only one to do that.  Weather has been unseasonably hot which has encouraged too many people to use the ‘Dominick affect’ and travel to the beaches and lakes.  Let’s hope we do not find ourselves in a second wave of Covid 19 later in the year.  Speaking of that there are still four dog shows that have not been cancelled.  They are Blackpool, Bournemouth, SKC and LKA. 
 
I love the new terms people come up with, we now have “Air bridges’. This is a series of short haul destination we can go to with relatively low risk.  So, from the 4th July you can travel to France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Germany, I assume with your pet.  There has not been any mentioning that the old pet passport scheme is not still functioning.  
 
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Mike Lewis, husband of Anne Redway Lewis.  The Lewis’ moved from their London home a month before the lockdown started, their dream bungalow in Wales.  As Mike had a few ongoing health issues they were requested to self-isolate, which they did.  Mike enjoyed the rural area they had just moved to and was planning his garden.  Unfortunately, last Saturday evening he had a fall which resulted in him being taken to the hospital, where he died two days later.
 
Anne and Mike did not attend dog shows but preferred to help the Saluki community in other ways.  Often, they were asked to pick up a dog for the Welfare or check out potential homes for them.  One of their two dogs is Lollie, a cross collie/saluki they picked up for the Welfare, fostered and has become a permanent resident.  Ann & Mike also attended the Saluki Stand at Discover Dogs in Earls Curt.  When it was moved to the O2, they organized the whole booth.  
 
Mike was a professional drummer, working in many Clubs as a sideman.  He loved to tell of his experiences working in the Ritz, London.  As a drummer he met and played with whose who in the music world.  He was looking forward to some gigs in Wales when the pubs re-opened. 
 
Our thoughts are with Anne and his family at this difficult time.  Cards can be sent to Anne at Ty Maes, Dolau, Llandrindod, LD1 5TE. 
 
 
This is the big week, the Saluki Supplement is included in this newspaper.  Personally, I am so looking forward to reading what everyone has written and seeing the adverts from Salukiphiles.  They are as much about the history and future of our breed as the article.  Sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy.   
 
Some judges for 2021 have been announced.  Hound Association of Scotland is Dr. R James, Southern Counties Championship Show is Mr V. Barjot after the cancelled show 2020, he was brought forward, Paignton is Jill Peak.  Three Counties 2022 will be Keith Thornton.
 
The SGHC Newsletter is being compiled and will be sent out to all member of the Club soon.  Within it will be the points trophies winner’s list which is usually published in the Open Show Catalogue.  Carolyn Mc Cormick Smith, secretary of the SGHC has said: “That the AGM was postponed with the agreement of the Kennel Club, it is not yet possible to guess when we might be able to hold it.”  
 
Diana Klein is working on the magazine which should have been published to coincide with the Club’s Championship Show.  Whilst the show is not going to happen the magazine definitely will.  Anyone wanting to take out an advert or write an article for the magazine should contact Diana Klein at email: editorsalukimagazine@gmail.com.
 
There is a new name for the Judges Competency Framework – it will now be called the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows). This format will also be rolled out to the other activity disciplines that the KC caters for. Please see the Press Release by clicking on the following link:https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/…/judges-competency-frame…/
 
Helen Williams.