4th February 2022

 
 
Once again, I post the passing of a long time Salukiphile, Nikki Hill.  Her funeral was held on the 3rd February at the Salisbury Crematory with the internment at Michael’s Wood a ‘Natural Burial’ site.  Sue Rabey-Wilkinson has kindly sent me an obituary.  
 
“Nikki had been my friend for over 40 years. We first met at Syon Park at a SGHC Open show where we had arranged to meet up as we had at the time “Windswift” litter brothers ….early days! Later meeting at other SGHC shows.
Later Nikki went on to have Mumtaz Jade and the Mumtaz Peppercorn. At that time I had Sedeki Haz and we often travelled to shows together when I could get over from Guernsey.
As well as the Salukis we had other interests in common….books, maps, art (actively encouraging my work), and gardening. One thing of particular note was the “Round Pedigree”….It has been a long time since I have seen one of these. A large, round printed pedigree form, you started with your dog in the middle and worked out! I can’t remember how many generations!...Ten or perhaps 12!
Nikki and her late husband Grahm were very knowledgeable on anything and everything to do with the countryside. This extended into a wide knowledge of gardening and growing a very large and productive vegetable and soft fruit garden. Visitors seldom left empty handed….lovely fresh picked produce!
The Salukis were a big part of their lives. A pretty little cream bitch named Sika joined the household from Penny and Sparky Clark. Both Graham and Nikki were very keen that their Salukis were able course, to do the job they were bred for. Zophia, and her two offspring,  Shamous and Sabah  proved very capable….Shamous really excelled much to Grahams delight.
In more recent times Nikki became interested in trying to trace and track down relatives she believed to be living in South Eastern United States. She set her mind to the task and her diligence paid off. Last year, visiting between the two lockdowns, she travelled to the US meeting various family members. Her plan was to make another trip over this year. Initially postponed because of Covid, she did manage to travel just recently, meeting up with her family and being able to visit many places and people, and of course, New Orleans and the French Quarter…..both things on the top of her list!
 Nikki arrived back home a bit early because of the new Covid variant.  I spoke to her a couple of days before Christmas and she was so very happy, really upbeat, she had enjoyed her trip immensely. We chatted, caught up on all the usual things….picking up where we left off!  Made our usual arrangements to meet at Bath Ch. Show…providing I was able to travel.  Christmas and New Year’s greetings.  Deeply shocked to hear that my friend had died sometime between Christmas and New Year.  I am very grateful that her very close friends were with her when she passed away, and that she was not alone. 
Sue Rabey-Wilkinson  30-01-22”
 
 
 
Last Sunday Manchester Championship Show was held.  Our judge elect, Ms. Sue Finnett had to withdraw because of ill health.  We wish her a speedy recovery, hopefully, we will have her judging us next year.  The show Committee brought their 2023 judge forward, Martin Sanders.  Unfortunately, as seem often these days there were many absentees.  From an entry of 34, 11 were absent making 1/3 absent.  
BCC, BOB went to Lynn Ward’s Nicolefarhi Del Borghino (IMP IT) for her 1st CC.  
She was born on 10th April 2018 and her breeder is Leonardo Galliano.  Her sire is Del Borghino Oskardelorenta and her dam is Rachel Zoe Del Borghino.  RBCC & BP went to our own Luachmhar Jadira Kasaque.  DCC for his first CC went to Cathy Harding’s Classicus Odysseus at Ashahni.  He was born on 31stJuly 2019 and his breeder is Mary Sanders Parker.  His sire is Ch Classicus Azim for Bodercot and his dam is Noushzad Claudia-Classicus.  RDCC went to Adele Haddon’s Badavie Dobn Peppino At Ilsham (IMP SWE).  Well done all.  
 
Final results for 2021 are still filtering in.  Top Breeder for 2021 was Mary Sanders Parker, Top Brood bitch was Khalils Allegra Classicus. 
 
here to edit.