29th January 2010

Nell MacBean, the Cup Steward, asks members of the Deerhound Club to send in their wins for the following trophies. THE DEERHOLT - wins of Best of Breed at Open Shows scheduling five or more breed classes. Champions are not eligible. THE ST. ANDREWS CHALLENGE CUP - wins in Variety Classes - placings at Open and Championship Shows to be listed. THE PENTLANDS TROPHY - placings at Open and Championship Shows to be listed. Confined to members who have not owned a Champion in the breed. THE NEW MEMBERS CUP - wins at Championship Shows. The owner having joined the Deerhound Club in 2008. Please send BOB wins and placings to the Cup Steward : Mrs N MacBean, Killoeter Cottage, The Red Road, Cardross, Argyll and Bute G82 5HH by 20th. January. And unfortunately I have been remiss in getting this to the paper, so please respond immediately!

I suspect the snow and poor weather must have upset attendance at shows all around the country. Certainly, the entry at Colchester where Peter Bain (Hillmorton) was judging 3 classes was decimated. Chris Wilson and her Hamiltonhill One Vision stood alone to win Junior, and went on to win Best of Breed. Pete and Anne had managed to break out from Rugby, but only Chris from Kent had made the venue. Anne and I represented the ‘spectators’, and clapped as enthusiastically as we could. Just after Christmas Luton CA held their show at Wood Green where Mr Frisk Svante judged 4 classes. Best Puppy was Mary Churchill’s Lealla Lephin, with Eyke Shannon’s Lealla Joka winning Open and Reserve BOB.

Lynette Seymour-Jackson’s Ghiltan Hero won BOB from Post Graduate. Natalie Heathcote judged at Ashford, Faversham & District and Chris Wilson’s Killoeter Lurag for Hamiltonhill won BOB, and Group 3. Reserve BOB was Wolfscastle Idole for Honeytail – but I think these were the only Deerhounds who beat the weather.

A nice note from Irene and Bernard Hendy who attended the thanksgiving service for the life of Michael Thompson – one of our coursing hosts. The church was overflowing, the service reflected his love of the land and his experience with farm stock, and was a fitting testament to the many lives Michael had touched with his kindness.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

26th February 2010

News from the open shows including Lichfield – where Mr Luxmore-Ball judged and awarded Claonaiglen Lochan Best Puppy, as well as Res BOB and handled by Charlotte Parsons. Lochan went on to stand Reserve Best Pupppy in Group. BOB was won by Cloweswood Scilla with John Francis handling.

At Henley-on-Thames, Ghiltan Hero won Best AVNSC for Lynette Seymour-Jackson. Mr Alex Paisey judged 5 classes at Chichester, where Kilbourne Harvey at Lorsdwell won Best Puppy in Breed, and went on to win Puppy Group 3 for Val and Gordon Meer. BOB was Jean and David Gilhooly’s Freyja at Nobys who won through from Post Graduate.

Freyja at Nobys went on to win the Group judged by Ms Marion Hunt, so congratulations to Jean – who I imagine was torn between wanting to get back home to Nobys where David was cooking the traditional post-Chichester feast, and being keen to win well in the show ring. Three classes at Worthing, and another good day for Jean and David Gilhooly whose Freyja at Nobys won BOB, and Jean Gilhooly & Jeannie Morrissey’s Lord Seafield of Hartvalley won Res BOB.

Freyja went on to win Group 3, and the winning puppy Glenmorlich None so Pretty for Packway then won Reserve Best Puppy in Group for Cliff Dargonne & Vanessa Lucas.

At Caledonian open show Mrs Linda McCall judged two classes, with the Rose’s Gentiehun hounds winning Best of Breed with Gentiehun Mia-May, and Jacobite Rosanne (Imp Australia) to Gentiehun winning Best Puppy. Jacobite Rosanne went on to win Best Puppy in Group. Mr Chris Wilkinson judged 4 classes at Belper where Kilbourne Jenifer Jupiter to Greyflax won BOB for Glenn and Nicola Bailey, and Readwald Thor to Kilbourne won Res BOB from Open for Mick and Glenis Peach. Best Puppy in Breed was the Peach’s Kilbourne Hamlet.

Mrs Pascoe judged at East Kent, and the Meer’s Kilbourne Harvey at Lordswell won Best Puppy in Breed, and went on to Reserve Best Puppy in Group. Ms Tresh’s Trentdale Glamis of Lyndorthwin won BOB from Post Graduate. A score of hounds across 4 classes at Isle of Ely for Pamela Lipton to judge – Mary Churchill’s Lealla Lephin won Best Puppy, and BOB was Regalflight Princequillo of Penherald who won from the Open for Penny Trotman & Kay Dockree. Res BOB was the Post Graduate winner Eyke Shannon’s Erewhon Dambuster.

The schedule for the Deerhound Club breed show at Cheltenham on 17th & 18th April has been sent to all Club members. You can also download the schedule from the Club website – www.deerhound.co.uk.

There is a raffle for a free stay at The Thistle Hotel, Cheltenham – to be drawn at Crufts. Vanessa Lucas is the show secretary if any queries: 01273 517 314. Offers of help are always welcome! And a reminder that subscriptions are now due – and must be paid not later than 14th February 2010.

I have been asked to mention, but have no personal knowledge about these two books which are being offered for sale. First Editions of Pedigrees of Scottish Deerhounds by Captain G A Graham, and The Scottish Deerhound by E. Weston Bell are for sale. Apparently both are in good condition. Inquiries/offers via e mail to: emmacobbles@aol.com.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

12th March 2010

Great to hear from Rona Kermack, who was wondering if a small note could go in deerhound news for Our Dogs rergarding the following: “The Yorkshire Greyhound Club are having a fun Lure Coursing event at Welburn Manor near Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire on Sunday 14th March. The club are kindly putting on a deerhound stake so it would be great if we could get a few entries. Entries close on 10th March and to be sent to: Louise Dale, 10 Mawdon Grove, Norton, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8AH or tel - 01653 693056 £10 a run .” I know it is a great day out, so even if the information is too late for you to enter (although always worth a phone call), it should be a good social occasion.

CHAMP SHOW JUDGES 2010 – I hope correct as we go to press: Crufts – David Murray; Hound Association Scotland – Keith Pursglove; Scottish Breeds – Jean Blandford; WELKS – Sue Finnett; Birmingham National – Sandy Platt; May SKC - Mrs Shirley Rawlings; Bath – Mr D McMillan; Southern Counties – Caroline Van Zanten; Three Counties – Lesley Spence; Border Union – Marjorie McKinnon; Blackpool - Mrs E Bothwell; Windsor – Patricia Allwright; South Wales – don’t know; East of England – Mary Girling; Leeds – Charles K Thornton; Hound Association – Sarah Helps; Bournemouth – Nicola Bailey; Welsh Kennel – Mrs Marston Pollock; August SKC – Jeff Horswell; Richmond – Ken Allen; Darlington – don’t know; Midland Counties – David Adams; LKA – Mrs Peak; and Crufts 2011 – Mrs Z Rawson. Breed Show 2010 – Jurgen Rosner from Germany; Sunday classes Frank Kane. Limited Show 2010 - dogs Jacqui Murray; bitches Jan Cheshire, and referee Ian Kirsopp. Please note: Deerhound CCs back at Windsor for 2010

Good news from Bryan Doak whose home-bred young lady Rosslyn Plainsong won the Northern Ireland Hound of the Year contest on Saturday 20th February. Somewhat understating the position, Bryan says “it was rather nice for us”. The judge was Mr. D. Illey (Senousi). Bryan goes on to say his Rosslyn Chant had the same win in 1990 so maybe he can look forward to doing it again in 2030! It sounds a most prestigious win, so congratulations to Bryan – and Plainsong.
I was pleased to hear from Sue Reynolds that she had a nice win at Sutton Coldfield, with breed specialist Pam Bunce (Pantawick) the judge. Sue’s home-bred Wickwar Widget went BOB, and then went on to win Hound Group 2 – judged by Joss Duddell (Canerikie) – also a breed specialist.

A quick tour of some of the other open show results: Swansea & District was judged by Jacqui Murray (Moireach) and her BOB was Wolfscastle Efa winning from the Graduate class. Owner-breeders Kim Owen & Zoe Brodie must have been delighted when Efa went on to win Group 4. Best Puppy was Clanardwood Sol, with the Peach’s Kilbourne Oh Suzzanna winning Reserve BOB. BOS was Clanardwood Snow Hawk. Rod Gillie (Dorrator) judged 5 classes at the Potteries & District and it was the winner of the Junior class, Mick & Glenis Peach’s Kilbourne Hamlet who swept the board winning Best Puppy, Best of Breed, and then Puppy Group 4. At Gloucester Cloweswood Scilla won BOB and Group 4, with John Francis and Dee Blatchford’s Cloweswood Acer of Peopleton winning Reserve BOB. At Horley, Mr Graham Hill judged two classes. BOB was Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythespirit. Reserve BOB and Best Puppy was Gordon and Val Meer’s Kilbourne Harvey at Lordswell. And Harvey went on to win Puppy Group 3.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

2nd April 2010

An early start for everyone to get to Leeds Ch Show at Harewood House, where we were first in the ring at 9.30a.m. Mr Keith Thornton was awarding us CCs for the first time, and only the two Junior classes were poorly supported. I must say he set a cracking pace, and everyone had more than enough opportunity to show their paces – initially I was going to ask why another breed had been allocated a double-ring, but ours seemed quite big enough after several circuits! Weather was warm, but we finished in good time so hopefully people got home without getting baked in transit.

A super day for Sue Phillips who was showing Ann Morgan’s Ladygrove Calamity Jane at Amiro – I think Mrs Morgan was involved in Spaniel duties somewhere else. Calamity Jane won Post graduate Bitch, and went on to win the Bitch Ticket and then carried on to take Best of Breed. Bred by Tony and Sue Phillips in May 07, Calamity Jane is by Ch Wild West Von de Oelmuhle (Imp Germany) out of Sue’s Ladygrove Spook. Congratulations on a first CC. Winning the Reserve Bitch CC from Junior Bitch was Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Greyflax Crystal. ‘

Sam’ Taylor’s Kilbourne James Dene to Ormanstar won the Reserve Dog CC from 2nd in Limit. Jean & Robin Spencer’s Gentom Renown was the winner of Limit Dog and he went on to win the Dog CC. Renown was bred by Jean & Tom Rhodes in November 07, by Readwald Thor to Kilbourne out of Gentom Ovation. And congratulations to him on winning his first Ticket. A nice piece of news to telephone from the showground to Tom Rhodes who had unfortunately been re-admitted to hospital – so we hope Tom is now making good progress. Sue & Tony Phillips puppy All Guns Blazing for Ladygrove won Puppy Dog, and went on to win Best Puppy.

News from Sue Piggott the Hon. Secretary of The South Eastern Hound Club. Their Premier Garden Party show on Sunday 5th September at Hickstead Showground can now accommodate camping from Friday 3rd September to Wednesday 8th September, so campers can go straight on to Richmond. Schedules at Fosse Data or see website for details – entries close 9th August. I am sure Chris & Joy Wilkinson will be getting in touch about the deerhound picnic at the show in due course – I hope so anyway, as it is good fun.

SE Hound Club are running two seminars: the first, on Sunday 24th October, is a very different kind of seminar entitled "A Stockman's Eye" and covers equine and canine structure, movement and conformation. A range of horse and dog breeds will demonstrate the similarities and differences, concentrating on good movement. The event will be held in Godalming, Surrey and the speaker is Pat Sutton, of the famous Rossut Beagle kennels.

The second, is the Kennel Club Show Management Seminar on Sunday 28th November, in Kingswood, Surrey. Of real benefit to Secretaries, Committee Members and Exhibitors in any breed wanting an insight into the running of Companion, Open or Championship Shows. A really informative day with the opportunity to meet and discuss with other breed and show societies.
Both these seminars are open to all breeds and groups. Full details of both seminars, and booking forms, are on the website: www.southeasternhound.co.uk or call 01892 662842 for "A Stockman's Eye" or 01474 814796 for the KC Show Management. Sue Piggott will be happy to field queries if you need even more information - greyzicon@talktalk.net.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

23rd April 2010

There is an Education Day on 9th May at Longstowe Village Hall, Longstowe, near Cambridge. Tickets are £15 (refreshments included) and the programme includes a talk on hand rearing puppies by Joyce Bond, a demonstration of preparing your dog for the show ring by Betina Adams, and a talk on the Breed Standard and interpreting a critique by Jean Blandford. And Mary Churchill is taking some albums from the Club Library. Ring Joyce Bond on 01284 729 142 or email regalflight@inweb.co.uk.

At Herts & Essex Border Canine Society Mr Cocozza judged 4 classes, and Best Puppy was won by Mary Churchill’s bitch Lealla Linnofdee. BOB was won by Sam Buck’s bitch Jamalison Winter Sparkle. At Houndshow Open, Mrs Holder judged. Greyflax Raven won Best Puppy. Best Dog was Cloweswood Fagus with the Best Bitch being won by Gentom Rorke’s Driftress.

Jean and Tom Rhode’s Gentom Rorke’s Driftress was shown by D J Morton to win Best of Breed, and then went on to win Reserve Best in Show - so many congratulations to Team Gentom. At Tunbridge Wells Mr A T Nitsch was the judge. His Best of Breed was Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythespirit, with Res BOB going to Jean Gilhooly & Jeannie Morrissey’s Lord Seafield of Hartvalley; Jean and David Gilhooly’s Freyja at Nobys won BOS. Best Puppy was Vanessa Lucas & Cliff Dargonne’s Glenmorlich None So Pretty for Packway who went on to win Puppy Group 4. Vanessa & Cliff’s Sorisdale Mackechnie for Packway won the AV Special Veteran class.

Mrs Jean Blandford (Flaunden) drew a nice entry of over 70 for Scottish Breeds. Best Puppy was Sam Taylor’s Kilbourne Baccarat to Ormanstar who won through from Puppy Bitch. Open Bitch was won by the Cartmell’s (Ch) Drawing Down the Moon to Cusidh who went on to win the Reserve CC. Rod Gillie’s Dorrator Gethen won 2nd in Limit Dog and won the Reserve CC. Winner of Limit Dog was Betina Adams & Caroline Van Zanten’s Cscarf O Cockaigne (Imp).

Cscarf went on to win the Dog Ticket, his first, so congratulations to Caroline who bred him in Holland and to Betina who owns him in England! Born in December 07, he is by Pyefleet Percy out of Ned/Int Ch Cute Coney O Cockaigne. Winner of Graduate Bitch was Brackenland Tan to Kilbourne, owned by Gedd Godden & Glenis Peach, and shown by Sam Taylor.

Tan went on to win the Bitch CC, her first, and then won Best of Breed. Best in Show was judged by Mrs Bothwell, and Brackenland Tan to Kilbourne won Reserve BIS so more congratulations are very much in order. Tan was bred by Mr & Mrs Edwards in February 08, by Greyflax Myth to Kilbourne out of Ghiltan Hobby of Brackenland.

The Breed Show is fast approaching, and I see the fancy dress for the Friday night is on a racing theme, that gives us plenty of choice! I was pleased to learn that Mrs Nell MacBean had won the raffle for some free time at the show hotel. Nell works hard to ensure the display of Trophies is always perfect for the gala dinner, so its rather nice for a worker to benefit on this occasion.
I was very sad to learn that David John MacRae Carnegie, the 14th Earl of Northesk had died in Florida aged 55. David and his wife Jacqueline will be remembered as Lord and Lady Rosehill, and they were members of the Deerhound Club for many years.

We had some very enjoyable Fun Days at their lovely home near Petersfield in Hampshire, and David was always very generous and hospitable to the Deerhound community. Probably their best win in the show ring was when their Allenbank Ivanhoe (bred by Reg Bolton 1979: by Ch Geltsdale Keith out of Dufualt Melanie) won Best Dog at the Deerhound Club Centenary Breed Show at Pitlochry in 1986. Barbara Butler was the judge, and BIS was Gill Smith’s Best Bitch Ch Torffric Quilla. I understand David was unstinting in celebrating this win!

The Rosehills also owned Dufault Portia and they were great friends with Miss Cox until something went badly wrong with the friendship. Sadly both his sons predeceased him, but his three daughters survive him. Everyone who remembers the family will want to send Jackie and his daughters our sympathy.
At Wickford, Basildon & District Mrs Berys Brown judged some Deerhound classes. BOB was won by Eyke Shannon s Erewhon Dambuster, with Mary Churchill’s Lealla Lephin winning Reserve BOB and Best Puppy. Lealla Lephin, aka Banner, went on to win Puppy Group 4 which was judged by Ms Lovick-Gibbs.

Iain Gow was prompted to send me an email, after reading the news from Ireland that Bryan Doak’s Rosslyn Plainsong had won the Northern Ireland Hound of the Year Contest. Iain writes to say that he and Chris had a winning visit to the Irish Kennel Club’s St Patrick’s Day Celtic Winners Show near Dublin on 17th March (of course!). Showing their Irish-bred Ch. Laird of Lisnabanree at Anmialchu Iain won the dog Green Star and Chris then went one better by winning the bitch Green Star and BOB with their home-bred Anmialchu Beinn An Cabar (her eigth BOB in Ireland!) - both hounds successfully defending the CW (Celtic Winner) titles they won last year.

Iain also tells me that Bryan Doak’s Plainsong’s litter sister Rosslyn Phoebe (owned and shown by Mr W McMillen & Mrs A Graham) not only won the IKC title of Junior Champion but also the title of Annual Champion 2009 - albeit on a countback against the Gow s Beinn an Cabar, both having the same number of Green Stars for the year but Phoebe having one more BOB.

With their recent house move and all the renovation it involves Iain and Chris won’t be going to many shows this year (even in Ireland!) but send everyone their best wishes for a happy and successful Breed Show. They also hope to see more members going across to the Emerald Isle to generate even more competition and interest there in Deerhounds. (Anyone wanting information on showing in Ireland can contact Iain on 01475 529400 or iain.gow@btinternet.com).

And hoping that some warm weather will bring the Bluebells out, an invitation to come and walk round our woods and stay for a Cream Tea, to raise funds for an ancient local church and in memory of a dear friend who died early in the New Year, on Sunday, 25th April from 2.00 - 5.00 p.m. Unfortunately this clashes with WELKS. Please let me know numbers if you can come.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

30th April 2010

The Deerhound Club Open Breed Show at Cheltenham was held at The Thistle Hotel, and the hotel staff were terrific and the grub was good. The sun shone, and it was a lovely weekend. Thank you very much to everyone who came – the entry was 240 hounds but that includes not for exhibition etc.

Gill and Toby Smith were indefatigable as show managers, and Vanessa Lucas had all the paperwork under control as our unflappable show secretary. Of course, the first drama was the fact that ‘ash’ from the Icelandic volcano had disrupted all air flights into the UK and our Saturday judge, Mr Jürgen Rösner (Oelmühle) had planned to come by air! It was a great relief to see him on the Friday, having driven through the night to keep his appointment. Mid-afternoon on Friday, and Philip Paisey was conducting the handling training classes – these seemed well supported, but then it was time for the AGM.

The existing committee was re-elected, and Sue Piggott was re-elected Vice-President. Mrs Ann (Sid) Taylor was elected Honorary Secretary, and I for one am delighted and I know we will all want to wish her a successful term of office. In exchange, I am now the Judge’s List Coordinator, taking over from Sid. There was a card for members to sign, thanking Brenda Jarrett for her hard work over many years.

Gill & Toby organised a round of Bingo, which a delighted Georgina Nagey won – our only visitor from USA, she was probably on the last plane to get in before the shut down. The Fancy Dress ‘racing’ theme was judged in the twinkling of an eye (Jürgen’s) and I missed it – the winner was Ann and Brian Ackland’s daughter Kate Potter, who now has a couple of hounds.

Show day was held in sunshine – not too hot for the dogs, although John & Sue Reynolds patrolled the grounds and car parks. Some good-sized classes to sort out, with Puppy Bitch having 24 – mercifully some were absent and one youngster plonked herself on the ground and refused to budge!

Mr Rösner kept up a good tempo, and there was a brief break for lunch which gave catalogue markers Glenis Peach and Jean Rhodes a short breather. Best Bitch won through from the Veteran class, Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Ch Greyflax Guinievere, with Reserve Best Bitch being won by Sue Finnett & Hector Heathcote’s Hyndsight Who’s That Girl winning from Limit.

It was the Puppy Bitch winner, Ain’t Mis Behaving at Kilbourne who ran out the Best Puppy for Mick and Glenis Peach. Best Dog was won by ‘Team Gentom’ with Ch Gentom Peacemaker, and Reserve Best Dog was Robin & Jean Spencer & Tom and Jean Rhodes’ Gentom Renown who won from Limit. Kilbourne Brigadier won the Dog Puppy class so the Peach Pack knew they would win Best Puppy. Even if you don’t get in among the top winners, there are super special prizes donated by members and the rosettes are always precious.

Sheena (McCall) Reynolds’ logo was very smart: it was distressing to learn that she was very poorly in Addenbrookes Hospital, and we hope the card everyone was signing will help her get better soon. In the final challenge, Jean and Tom Rhodes and DJ Morton’s Ch Gentom Peacemaker ran out the winner for Best in Show, with Ch Greyflax Guinievere winning Reserve Best in Show and BOS. The Manshay Trophy for the Best of the Special Beginners was won by Kath Tresh’s Trentdale Glamis of Lyndorthwin.

The Marjorie Bell Trophy for BOS Special Beginners was won by Jan and Mark Cheshire’s Kilbourne Nuin of Deeranwith. The Ch Isla of Findronach Quaich for Best Yearling was won by Penny Trotman’s Stainlonan Kulang of Penherald. Winner of the Allwright Trophy for best Junior in show (6-18 months) was Jen Cooper’s Aureole at Chapeltower. Best Veteran Dog was John Francis & D Blatchford’s Wickwar Worcester of Peopleton. Joyce Bond was the photographer, and despite our Stewards – Peter Grant and Claire Churchill – telling people to go and get their dog’s pic taken, several hounds proved elusive!

Show Dinner was a fine affair, and Nell MacBean had displayed the trophies to great effect. She and David Murray organised the Presentation of Trophies very smoothly, and Jürgen was proud to present them to the winners. There were lots of winners of a vast Raffle – so many thanks indeed to all who gave prizes, and then bought the raffle tickets which Cliff Dargonne and helpers plied us with! For me the star of the evening was our President, Kenneth Cassels. Kenneth and B have been involved in the breed for a long time, and we should really have celebrated B’s 96th birthday but it didn’t coincide precisely with the show!

Kenneth – a mere youngster in his 91st year, gave a brilliant after-dinner speech and made the point, amongst other things, that our Breed Show is the only such weekend in the canine calendar, and he was sure that keeping the Show as an Open Show had contributed to the wonderful atmosphere that prevailed for the whole weekend. Whether hi-jinks prevailed later in the evening I know not, it was off to bed for me. But the sun was still shining for the Sunday classes for Mr Frank Kane to assess – to be continued!

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

7th May 2010

Breed Show continued! After the show dinner, I stopped briefly to talk to Frank Kane who was our judge for the Sunday classes. A tricky situation, where you do not want to be rude and ignore a judge but equally, it doesn't look good for other exhibitors if you (in this case me - as recently retired Club Secretary) spend too long engaged in fascinating conversation with tomorrow's judge! Mr Kane was clutching a copy of Miss Hartley's book The Deerhound - and alas I discovered too late that he had hoped to be asked to say something after dinner, and had planned to quote the final paragraph of Norah's book "Stock-breeding is like a marathon - we take the torch from the hand of the past, do all that is in us lies to carry it forward and pass it, still bravely flaring, into the grasp of the future. So let us do for deerhounds." Our discussion took a serious turn at this point: Frank Kane's book on a desert island would be L P Hartley's The Go Between. Frank is a great admirer of LP's work and thought (perish that thought!) that it was LP and not Norah who had written some of her book. I am absolutely convinced that it was Norah's work - every last word of it. However, I now feel obliged to try and re-read The Go Between, which was turned into a film with Julie Christie and Alan Bates as the leading actors - Frank Kane has been making his students of literature read the book for 15 years and more.

Sunday and the sun was still shining - another glorious morning. The Parade of Champions took place, and then it was Mr Kane's turn. The Special Rotherwood Stakes dog or bitch class - champions excluded, but entrants must have won a CC or Reserve CC - was won by Pinglehol Ruby to Kilbourne for Mick and Glenis Peach. Good prize money, together with the Betsinda Glass Goblet. The Pentlands Coursing Trophy for the best coursing hound (and/or lure chasing) was won by Ch Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood for Heather and Sarah Helps, and B and Kenneth Cassels had kindly donated special prize money for this class. Gille went on to win the Special Not Bred by Exhibitor class. Some 12 Brace entries present, which was won by Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Greyflax couple. The Team class went to Mick and Glenis Peach's hounds, and they also won the Special Breeders Group. The Special Bred by Exhibitor class was won by the Peach's Kilbourne Hamlet. An innovation this year was the Handling classes - the Junior (up to 16 years) was won by Miss Ebony Owen. The Adult (17 years and upwards) was won by John Francis. Joyce Bond very generously donated Special Prizes for the Sunday classes, and very many thanks to all those who contributed special prizes for the winners on Saturday.

All packed up and ready for the drive home, the car park barrier refused to 'lift' for me - curiously, it had refused to let me in when I had arrived on the Friday! Derrick and Sheila Hawkins very kindly used their parking ticket to release me - but then, of course, they couldn't escape. As I sped off home, I had visions of them trapped for hours, so I do hope their kindness to me didn't delay them for too long.

Post-show a variety of dramas unfolded: Nell MacBean's husband Donald went to help a neighbouring farmer who had a cow and calf in a field and wanted them ushered into a barn - the cow charged Donald, who was perhaps fortunate to end up with kicks to the head and massive bruising, and a dislocated collar bone - it could have been so much worse. And then Barry Mansell didn't feel too good and Joss Duddell made him go to the doctor, and he had suffered a suspected heart attack and probably very wisely was kept in hospital. So lots of good wishes to Donald and Barry, and also to Sheena Reynolds who is still struggling to escape from hospital.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

14th May 2010

Hound Association of Scotland Ch show was held early in April, with Mr Keith Pursglove the judge. His Dog CC winner was Kay Barret's Stranwith Ebenezer, winning from Limit. Warm congratulations to Kay, as this win gains Ebenezer his crown. Whelped in November 07, Ebenezer is by Brackenford Dalesman at Claonaiglen out of Kay's Burtonbank Alice at Stranwith. Ebenezer went on to win Best of Breed. The Reserve Dog CC was won by Rod Gillies Dorator Gethen - also from Limit, apparently no Open Dog entry present. The Bitch CC was won by Nell MacBean's Killoeter Leyla winning from Open Bitch. I think this is Leyla's first Ticket - congratulations. Leyla was bred by Nell in October 05, by Ch Kilbourne Nimrod out of Ch Flaunden Flora Macdonald - transferred for the occasion from Jean Blandford. Bryan Doak's Rosslyn Plainsong won the Reserve Bitch CC from 2nd in Open. Best Puppy and going on to win Puppy Group 3 was Mick and Glenis Peach's Ain't Miss Behavin at Kilbourne.

Miss Vanessa Lucas (Packway) judged at S W Hound and her BOB was John Francis & D Blatchford & Sue Hird's Cloweswood Scilla, who won Open Bitch and then went on to win Reserve Best in Show. Reserve BOB was Kilbourne Oh Suzzanna - now owned by Mr & Mrs Carr, and 'with Marandike' added to her name. Best Puppy was Neroche Irving who came through from the Special Yearling class. Kilbourne Oh Suzzanna at Marandike also won BOB at Hound Club of Wales open show, Mr Brian Dyson the judge. Mr Nick Bryce-Smith judged at Norfolk & Norwich, where Eyke Shannon's Erewhon Dambuster was Best AVNSC and went on to be placed 3rd in the Group. Mrs Viv Phillips judged at Crystal Palace, and her BOB was the Postgraduate winner Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote's Hyndsight Fallen Angel. Best Puppy and the Reserve BP in Show was won by Glenmorlich None So Pretty for Packway, owned by Vanessa Lucas & Cliff Dargonne. Mrs Pip Buswell (Glenmorlich) judged at Chelmsford, where Mary Churchill's Lealla Kentra won BOB.

Miss Sue Finnett (Hyndsight) judged at WELKS, with 'Team Gentom' having a good day, their Ch Gentom Peacemaker winning the Dog CC, and then winning BOB. The Helps' Ch Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood won the Reserve Dog CC. Hazel Williams' Kilbourne Iduna of Inverclyde won the Open bitch class, and then carried on to win the Bitch CC. Congratulations - Iduna was bred in December 04, by Ch Kilbourne Nimrod out of Kilbourne Hermione, so a nice win for Hazel and John Williams. Dave and Glenda Adams' Hydfron Ula for Zandahar ShCM won the Bitch Res CC. Best Puppy was the Puppy Bitch winner, Parsons & McKinnon's Claonaiglen Buie.

M J Girling

m.girling623@btinternet.com

01206 302072

4th June 2010

I am very reliably informed that the Deerhound Education Seminar organised by Joyce Bond was a great success and a thoroughly enjoyable day. Mrs Jean Blandford (Flaunden) was the key speaker, but of course I missed it all as I was in America.

Anyway, Jean said she thought it was excellent and hoped more such events would be held to help explain various points to interested parties – whether you have been in the breed for years or are a comparative new-comer, you can always learn something.

Jean said some ‘old hands’ asked very good questions too. Miss Betina Adams (Ardneish) demonstrated how to prepare your hound for the show ring – I would guess she mentioned not to use scissors on your show dog (we saw some very unattractive cut-outs in America!). Jean certainly thought Betina’s talk was the star performance of the day.

Lots of people helped, the food was plentiful, and Joyce would like to thank everyone who participated, who helped in any way – a raffle was held, and in particular said how wonderful Chris de Bolla had been both before the event and during it.

The Scottish Deerhound Club of America held their National Specialty at Basin Harbor Club in Vermont, USA. The equivalent of our Breed Show, events take place over six days – some helpers funding themselves for over a week to ensure all went well. Miranda Levin and Elin Phinizy were the organisers, as the Specialty has been held at this venue in the past. Close to the Canadian border, but a huge distance for those from Florida and California or Oregon (which is where the Specialty is next year).

Sue Piggott and I flew to Boston, and despite volcanic delay, eventually caught up with our friend Barbara Birdsall (also a friend of Miss Noble’s) and her family, and drove up from Maine to the venue. Sarah Helps was over, helping her chum Ceil Dove; and John Francis was hugely busy showing a variety of hounds he hardly knew but they went well for him.

We skipped the Obedience, Rally and Canine Good Citizen Test, and started watching judging on the Wednesday of the show with ‘The Futurity’ – entry is via nomination of the dam when in whelp or soon after the puppies are born, judged by Mr Björn Fritz from Germany.

Classes ranged from 3 to 6 month old puppies, to young adults of 18 to 24 months. Best in Futurity was Cecilia & Scott Dove’s Foxcliffe Enchanged Evening, with BOS Sheila Matheson’s Dhu Mohr Pennant’s Quilleran. Björn also judged the Sweepstakes – on Thursday. Prize money per class depends on the ‘backing’, with the 15-18 month class offering over $46 for First prize. Best in Sweeps was Sheila Matheson’s dog Dhu Mohr Pennant’s Quilleran with Ray & Jana Brinlee’s Jaraluv Que Sera Sera the Sweeps BOS. There were also Veteran Sweeps, Breeder classes, and 3-generation classes for Björn to judge.

Thursday afternoon saw the ‘Regular’ dog classes being judged by Mrs Patti Widick Neale (a judge from Florida, and a Borzoi specialist). And Friday saw Mrs Widick Neale judging the bitch classes, together with Veterans, Field Trial, brace & team classes.

By Saturday it was the Best of Breed Competition introduced with a skirl of the bag pipes, a very moving ceremony. Running out the winner was Cecelia and Scott Dove’s Ch Foxcliffe Hickory Wind: Hickory is going for glory this year and has a registered professional handler, together with sponsorship etc. and I know Sarah Helps will follow her promotional year with interest as Hickory has strong Beardswood blood-lines, and I believe some Pyefleet in there somewhere, but difficult to find pedigrees of American dogs.

Best of Winners was Fran Smith and Wendy Fast’s Dhu Mohr Prilly’s Quintessence, and Gayle Bontecou’s Ch Gayleward’s Tiger Woods BOS. It was a brilliant holiday, the hotel and chalets round the Lake are super and for once we ‘lucked out’ on the weather, despite dire forecasts we ended up getting sun-kissed.

There was also lure coursing on the air strip (for golfers who fly in for a round or two) – one session under ASFA Rules, and then under AKC Rules and from what I can make out, Susan Trow’s hounds from Canada ran out the main winners. Our old friends Stan & Debbie Fisher were helping, and of course Jay Phinizy is as charming as ever. It was lovely meeting up with old friends, and seeing the progress of dogs we had admired at our last visit.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling523@btinternet.com

11th June 2010

Mrs Shirley Rawlings awarded CCs for the first time at the May SKC show. Winning the Bitch CC from 1st in Open was Mick and Glenis Peach’s Pingleholl Ruby at Kilbourne. Congratulations to Ruby, as I think this win makes her up a Champion. Bred by J. Hawkins in June 2005, Ruby was by Ch Kilbourne Nimrod out of Kilbourne Regal Lily. Ruby went on to win Best of Breed. The Peach’s Kilbourne Brigadier won Best Puppy from the Puppy Dog class, and their Kilbourne Hamlet won the Junior Dog class, and then the Reserve Dog CC. Winning the Dog CC from first in Open was Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote s Hyndsight Keep the Faith. Kath Westall Ives Stranwith May stood 2nd in Open, and won the Reserve Bitch CC.

Bath Championship Show was also a first time CCs in the breed judge Mr D McMillan. Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Greyflax Crystal was Best Puppy, from the Puppy Bitch class and Crystal then went on to win Puppy Group 3 with Mrs Denise Courtney the judge. The dam of Crystal also had an enjoyable day, with Greyflax Milly Molly Mandy winning Open Bitch and the Bitch Ticket, her first. Home bred in March 2006, Greyflax MMM is by Ch Kilbourne Nimrod out of Ch Greyflax Guinevere. Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote’s Hyndsight Who’s that Girl won the Reserve Bitch CC from the Limit class, with the Peach’s Kilbourne Hamlet winning the Reserve Dog CC from Junior. Winning the Dog CC and also going Best of Breed was Jean & Tom Rhodes & D J Morton’s Ch Gentom Peacemaker.

Linda Aldous judged at Coventry & District open show, and Sally Guise’s Saintvalery Inspiration won both Best of Breed, and Best Puppy in breed.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

25th June 2010

Thanks to Tom Rhodes for Staffordshire Agricultural Society show results, where Mrs Pam Mottershaw was the judge. Although I see it is a ‘points’ show (for a Deerhound Club trophy), there appeared to be only one Bitch entry across 4 bitch classes: no disrespect to the bitch however! Cloweswood Scilla won the Open Bitch class, went on to win Best of Breed, Best in Group, and then on to Reserve Best in Show. So warm congratulations to Scilla, who is owned by her breeder – Sue Hird, together with D Blatchford and John Francis, and it is John who shows her.

A nice entry of over 20 hounds at Suffolk Agricultural Association open show, where Mrs Maggie Holder was judging 3 classes. Best of Breed was Mary Churchill’s Lealla Kentra, who went on to win Group 4 with Paul Singleton the judge. Joyce Bond’s Pyefleet Silas won Junior Dog or Bitch class, and was Best Puppy.

Southern Counties was judged by Mrs Caroline Van Zanten-Boomgaard from Holland – awarding CCs for the first time, and a good entry to go with the lovely weather. The only snag was before judging started, when the commentator changed the batteries in the loudspeaker and the machine emitted dreadfully loud crackles which upset one or two youngsters – all part of the learning curve of course. Standing alone to win Open Dog was Rhodes & Morton’s Ch Gentom Peacemaker who went on to win the Dog CC, Best of Breed and then won Group 3 so congratulations to Jean & Tom, and DJ who shows Peace.

Mrs Merrick showed her Clanardwood Sovereign to win Limit Dog, and won the Reserve CC. Winning the Reserve Bitch CC was Sarah & Heather Helps’ Beardswood Octavia from the Limit class. A nice win for Margaret Gomm, whose Canerikie Cookie Crusher to Wildtor won Open Bitch, and then went on to win the Bitch Ticket. Many congratulations to Margaret, and to Joss Duddell who shows her for Margaret as this win makes her a Champion. Bred by Joss in September 2005, and sired by Ch Terichline Xplorer out of Gentom Norma Jean. Wolfscastle Draig won Puppy Dog & went Best Puppy for breeder-owners Kim Owen & Zoe Brodie. And we celebrated Val Meer’s birthday with a Vanessa Lucas cake! Val has spotted an error in my notes, for which apologies.

Rightly pointing out that Mrs Shirley Rawlings has given CCs before, at Bath 2007. Glad to know there is someone out there, Val!

Mrs Lesley Spence judged at Three Counties Ch Show, where some of the dog classes were short on entries. Best of Breed was Ch Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle, winning from the Open class for Owen & Brodie. Ebonys Choice won the Bitch Ticket, and went on to win Group 4. Margaret Gomm’s newly crowned Ch, Canerikie Cookie Crusher to Wildtor won the Reserve CC. Heather & Sarah Helps’ Ch Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood won the Dog CC, with Mick & Glenis Peach’s Kilbourne Hamlet winning the Reserve Dog CC having stood alone to win the Junior class. Best Puppy was the Peach’s Kilbourne Brigadier.

Truly disappointing for me to be celebrating my sister’s Golden Wedding anniversary on the same day as Hound Club of East Anglia open show – always a good occasion, and a Deerhound Club supported entry show. Mrs Chris Wilson (Hamiltonhill) judged an entry of some 50 hounds (although I know I wasn’t there, so some absentees). Good support from the deerhound world, with the catalogue cover having a nice head study of deerhounds, and the back cover occupied by the Ollandsheart hounds, and the inside cover listing several donors.

Best of Breed was Derrick & Sheila Hawkins’ Kwaricott Archimago JW, and Res BOB was Penny Trotman & Kay Dockree’s Regalflight Princequillo of Penherald. Best Puppy was Joyce Bond’s bitch, Regalflight Tana. A nice set of wins for Joyce Bond’s Ch Regalflight Stormbird who is the sire of the three top winners.

The Festival of Hunting is at Peterborough on Wednesday 21st July. Several people have said they would like to participate with their Deerhounds, although it is essentially a Foxhound Show. Please let me know if you would like to support this celebration of hunting hounds.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

2nd July 2010

Apologies to Kay Barret, and a thank you to Penny Trotman who kindly rang me to say, alas, that her Regalflight Princequillo of Penherald had not won Res BOB at Hound Club of East Anglia. Kay's Stranwith Morag had won the Limit Class, and she went on to win Res BOB.

I do like Border Union Ch Show at Kelso - I just wish it wasn't such a far cry from Essex! Hector Heathcote was there, and said he'd been judging at Southampton the day before - I at least had all day to drive up to Kelso. Hector judged the AV Hound classes, and his best AV Hound was Trentdale Glamis of Lyndorthwin owned by Ms K Tresh. Still in Southampton, Michael Quinney judged some other classes, with AV Bred by Exhibitor being won by Vanessa Lucas & Cliff Dargonne's Packway Aconcagua. Mr Kim Owen (Wolfscastle) judged the breed classes, and his BOB was Toby & Gill Smith's Rosslyn Pollie, with Packway Aconcagua the Res BOB.

But back to Border Union, where Dr Marjorie McKinnon (Fingon) was judging. Having been perishing overnight, I was glad I'd not been camping and despite the cold the midges were out and biting! Show day proved fine and warm, and by the end of judging it was getting too warm. The younger dog classes were sparsely supported, but there were 10 entered in Puppy Bitch. Best Puppy was Clare & Elize Cartmell's dog, Cusidh Gaidhealtachd. The Reserve Dog CC was won by Kay Barret's Ch Stranwith Ebenezer, with the Reserve Bitch CC being won by Glenda Carr's Kilbourne Oh Suzzanna with Marandike. Winning Open Bitch was Kath Westall-Ives' Stranwith May who went on to win the Bitch CC - her first, so many congratulations to May. Bred in May 05 by Kay Barrett, she is by Ch Shielhill Bran to Kilbourne out of Gentom Maura at Stranwith. Winning Limit Dog was Sheila and Derrick Hawkins' Kwaricott Archimago JW, and 'Teddy' went on to win the Dog Ticket - his first, so more congratulations to his owner-breeders. Whelped in January 07, he is by Ch Regalflight Stormbird out of Hillmorton Delia at Kwaricott. 'Teddy' went on to win Best of Breed, and stayed in until the last cut in the Group - judged by Frank Kane.

One unexpected but welcome visitor to the ringside was Cecelia Arnold who was over on holiday from California, heard there was a dog show and came along - so good to have a natter with her.

M J Girling, 01206 302072

m.girling623@btinternet.com

9th July 2010

The news of the untimely death on 25th June 2010 of Sheena McCall Reynolds has left everyone who loved her in a state of shock and sorrow. She was only 63, and although she managed to get to Crufts this year her beautiful features were prematurely aged and it was obviously a struggle for her to get about. Not only had she fought breast cancer, but also rheumatoid arthritis which must have caused her anguish as she was an artist of great delicacy and deftness of touch, and her hands were sorely afflicted.

I remember going to the blessing of her marriage to John Reynolds in the early 1980s, and in due course Lucy and Victoria arrived. They lived on a fenland farm at Waterbeach near Cambridge, and hosted some very enjoyable deerhound coursing meetings. Latterly Sheena lived on her own outside Cambridge, but was ideally situated to get to greyhound coursing meetings – enjoying the social side of meeting everyone, and loving to see the beauty of the greyhounds running.

Sheena had deerhounds since the 1970s, starting with Upend Otho (from Mrs Barbara Butler). Sheena gave me a small oil painting she did of Ch Ossie of Portsonachan (sire of Otho) – a fine hound in the foreground with a magical castle in the distance. At the York Breed Show in 1993, she won Reserve Best Dog with Greian Gallan of Terichline (Miss Hartley’s Rotherwood Chad was Best Dog and shown by me). Sheena awarded Challenge Certificates in the breed, and had also judged at a Breed Show. She had various other hounds and of course the inimitable ‘Dimpsey’ who was a deerhound in miniature (Whippet x Bedlington). Latterly Whippets were her chums.

Sheena has been generous to the Deerhound Club, her artistic talents freely given with breed show logos and designs over many years. She provided the logo for this year’s breed show at Cheltenham, with Cleve Hill in the distance. Many will have a copy of the prints she did of famous Ardkinglas hounds (Miss Noble) and Rotherwood hounds (Miss Hartley). Deerhound owners commissioned her to draw a head study of their hound – my pastel drawing of Elspeth is a joy to behold, it is the hound herself. Virginia Hawke in Australia was thrilled with Sheena’s portraits of a dozen or more of the Nelungaloo hounds (and a kangaroo on the far horizon). She drew other breeds of dogs, as well as horses and polo ponies – a very talented artist who exhibited at galleries in London, as well as the Kennel Club Art Gallery. Sheena must be the most important deerhound artist for at least the past hundred years.

She was such an engaging and attractive person. Thoroughly down to earth, but with a spiritual air about her. She spent her last two months in Addenbrookes Hospital where they fought to save her life. We send our very sincere sympathy to Sheena’s Mother, Pippy McCall, and to her brothers and to her daughters. Sue Piggott visited her in hospital and Sheena said ‘you just don’t know what’s around the corner’. Dear Sheena, we will all miss you. You have left us a wonderful legacy of superb drawings of Deerhounds to ensure we will not forget you.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

16th July 2010

It was warm – some reports it was hot - at Blackpool, where Mrs Bothwell was awarding CCs in the breed for the first time, having successfully completed the Judges Development Programme. Best Veteran was Eyke Shannon’s Lealla Joka – her other entry Lealla Is Fearr was 2nd, and no Vet Dog present. Mick and Glenis Peach’s Ain’t Miss Behavin at Kilbourne stood alone to win Puppy Bitch, and won Best Puppy. Standing alone to win Open Dog was Ch Gentom Peacemaker, who went on to win the Res CC for Tom & Jean Rhodes, and DJ Morton.

The Res Bitch CC was won by Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote’s Hyndsight Into the Mystic from Limit. The Dog Ticket was won by Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote’s Hyndsight Dark Sky, winning from the Postgraduate class. I think this is his first CC, so congratulations to his owners who bred him in September 08 Ch Greyflax the Mighty Quinn out of Ch Hyndsight Heaven Can Wait. Litter sister Hyndsight Into the Mystic won the Reserve CC from Limit Bitch. Best of Breed was Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote’s Hyndsight Who’s That Girl, who won the Open Bitch class, and the Bitch Ticket. So a super day for the Hyndsight hounds, and the first time breeder/owners have done ‘the double’ for quite a while.

CCs were back at Windsor for the first time for many years, and breed specialist Mrs Patricia Allwright was the judge. I remember the showground can be a sun-trap, and so it proved so I felt I’d made the right decision not to tackle the M25, but was very disappointed not to be there. Pat spoke about Sheena Reynolds, and exhibitors held a minutes silence in memory of Sheena. Best Veteran was Vanessa Lucas & Cliff Dargonne’s Sorisdale Mackechnie for Packway. Winning Best Puppy from the Bitch class was Heather & Sarah Helps’ Beardswood Panthera. Best of Breed was the Helps’ Ch Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood, who won the Open dog class, and the CC. Winning the Reserve CC from Limit Dog was Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythe Spirit. The Res Bitch CC was won by Kim Owen & Zoe Brodie’s Ch Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle. The Bitch CC was won by Glenn & Nicola Bailey’s Greyflax Milly Molly Mandy who won from the Open class.

Sheena’s funeral was held on 5th July at Bramley, near Guildford. The lovely church was packed with friends of all ages and from all walks of life, including a contingent of deerhound friends. A traditional funeral, with tributes from her brothers Simon and Andrew McCall. Sheena’s eldest daughter, Claire MacLeod gave a reading and her voice (and her face) was so like Sheena’s, it was uncanny. Claire was adopted, but had made contact with the family some years ago and is a full member of the McCall clan. Sheena’s mother only recently celebrated her 90th birthday, but bravely came and talked to everyone at the refreshments after the service. The organist, Ann Greenridge, played the hymns magnificently and the singing was wonderfully uplifting – I think we gave dear Sheena a good send off. The family ask that donations, if desired, go to “Teenage Cancer Trust at Addenbrookes” c/o Cranleigh Funerals, Sussex House, Ewhurst Road, Cranleigh GU6 7AE (01483 275 758).

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

23rd July 2010

A charming letter from Sheena Reynolds’ mother, Mrs ‘Pippy’ McCall - thanking Sheena’s deerhound friends for attending her funeral and apologising as she doesn’t have your name and address to write to you personally. I’d be happy to pass on Mrs McCall’s address if you would like to write to her.

And late news from Jean Rhodes: Tom had his heart operation yesterday (St Swithins – 15th July), it seemed to take a long time but in part this must be because of Tom’s various problems with lying flat etc. Jean was very upbeat about his recovery, although he was barely conscious he managed to give her the ‘thumbs up’ sign. Tom is one of those unsung heroes who beaver away on behalf of the Deerhound Club, and I know we will all want to send him our very best wishes for a full recovery and a return to better health. And Jean will need our support too, as I imagine once he starts to feel better Tom may not be the perfect patient. Lots of good wishes to Team Rhodes, and please listen to the doctor’s advice Tom!

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

30th July 2010

News of a Deerhound Club education day on Sunday 12th September, at Geilston Hall, Cardross, Argyll. Proposed programme includes a history of the Deerhound, living with Deerhounds, a group quiz, the breed Standard (as Jean Blandford understands it), and then a question time Panel followed by Dr Ann MacNeill answering questions on dogs and criminal law in Scotland. Club members £10, non-members £12 (includes food etc!).

Deadline of 5th September – contact either Jean Blandford (01546 510327) or Nell McBean (01389 841337).

Many thanks to everyone who turned out to make a nice showing of Deerhounds at the Festival of Hunting in Peterborough, where quite a lot of interest was shown in the breed.

We paraded with some of the other sight hounds (no saluki presence this year which was a shame). It is essentially a foxhound day with harriers, mink hounds, bloodhounds and all the other scent-hunting hounds present, and a lovely country atmosphere. ‘Our’ John and his golden eagle were also in attendance, and thankfully it wasn’t too hot. I took a couple of pals, one of whom lost her handbag – left on a hook at a comfort stop, and not discovered until we got to the E of England showground.

I left Joan and her friend to telephone, stop cards, tell the police etc. But coming back we retraced our steps just on the off-chance that the bag was still hanging on the hook. Not a chance! Then it was decided to ring Joan’s mobile phone – it was answered! The owner of the peripatetic restaurant (a new name to me) had been handed the bag, and had taken it back home at the end of his working day and had tried to make contact via previous numbers rung on Joan’s mobile. Something of a detour to collect the bag, and quite amazingly everything seemed to be there! We were all very heartened to find that there are still very honest people on the road.

For the first time in living memory (well, that’s my memory!) the East of England Ch Show was held over a weekend, with a huge number of ‘other dog’ activities also underway. We have always been in the ring on the first day of the Show – Tuesday. This year we were on the second day, and it promised to be very hot although there was some air getting through the fixed structure marquee.

Best of Breed was Jean and Tom Rhodes and DJ Morton’s Open dog winner, Ch Gentom Peacemaker, with the Reserve CC being won by Derrick and Sheila Hawkins’ Kwaricott Archimago JW who won from Limit Dog. Kilbourne Jenifer Jupiter to Greyflax won the Bitch CC for Glenn and Nicola Bailey, with Penny Trotman’s Stainlonan Kulang of Penherald winning the Reserve CC from Postgraduate Bitch. All Guns Blazing for Ladygrove won Puppy Dog, and went on to win Best Puppy for Tony and Sue Phillips.

Best Brace was Ian and Pam Bunce’s couple, which I judged outside ‘standing’ – by then it was far too hot to expect any action and those exhibitors who had made the journey wanted to be getting home. I really appreciated so many people and hounds turning up, as it was promised to be a very hot day. I waited to see how Peacemaker went in the Group, and of course we were the last of the three Groups.

He acquitted himself well, but to no avail. And then it was off home, 6 pm and the tarmac was exceedingly hot and threw up a terrific amount of heat but hopefully everyone got back without too much trauma.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

6th August 2010

An early start for everyone to get to Leeds Ch Show at Harewood House, where we were first in the ring at 9.30a.m. Mr Keith Thornton was awarding us CCs for the first time, and only the two Junior classes were poorly supported. I must say he set a cracking pace, and everyone had more than enough opportunity to show their paces – initially I was going to ask why another breed had been allocated a double-ring, but ours seemed quite big enough after several circuits! Weather was warm, but we finished in good time so hopefully people got home without getting baked in transit.

A super day for Sue Phillips who was showing Ann Morgan’s Ladygrove Calamity Jane at Amiro – I think Mrs Morgan was involved in Spaniel duties somewhere else. Calamity Jane won Post graduate Bitch, and went on to win the Bitch Ticket and then carried on to take Best of Breed. Bred by Tony and Sue Phillips in May 07, Calamity Jane is by Ch Wild West Von de Oelmuhle (Imp Germany) out of Sue’s Ladygrove Spook. Congratulations on a first CC. Winning the Reserve Bitch CC from Junior Bitch was Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Greyflax Crystal. ‘

Sam’ Taylor’s Kilbourne James Dene to Ormanstar won the Reserve Dog CC from 2nd in Limit. Jean & Robin Spencer’s Gentom Renown was the winner of Limit Dog and he went on to win the Dog CC. Renown was bred by Jean & Tom Rhodes in November 07, by Readwald Thor to Kilbourne out of Gentom Ovation. And congratulations to him on winning his first Ticket. A nice piece of news to telephone from the showground to Tom Rhodes who had unfortunately been re-admitted to hospital – so we hope Tom is now making good progress. Sue & Tony Phillips puppy All Guns Blazing for Ladygrove won Puppy Dog, and went on to win Best Puppy.

News from Sue Piggott the Hon. Secretary of The South Eastern Hound Club. Their Premier Garden Party show on Sunday 5th September at Hickstead Showground can now accommodate camping from Friday 3rd September to Wednesday 8th September, so campers can go straight on to Richmond. Schedules at Fosse Data or see website for details – entries close 9th August. I am sure Chris & Joy Wilkinson will be getting in touch about the deerhound picnic at the show in due course – I hope so anyway, as it is good fun.

SE Hound Club are running two seminars: the first, on Sunday 24th October, is a very different kind of seminar entitled "A Stockman's Eye" and covers equine and canine structure, movement and conformation. A range of horse and dog breeds will demonstrate the similarities and differences, concentrating on good movement. The event will be held in Godalming, Surrey and the speaker is Pat Sutton, of the famous Rossut Beagle kennels.

The second, is the Kennel Club Show Management Seminar on Sunday 28th November, in Kingswood, Surrey. Of real benefit to Secretaries, Committee Members and Exhibitors in any breed wanting an insight into the running of Companion, Open or Championship Shows. A really informative day with the opportunity to meet and discuss with other breed and show societies.
Both these seminars are open to all breeds and groups. Full details of both seminars, and booking forms, are on the website: www.southeasternhound.co.uk or call 01892 662842 for "A Stockman's Eye" or 01474 814796 for the KC Show Management. Sue Piggott will be happy to field queries if you need even more information - greyzicon@talktalk.net.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

13th August 2010

The East of England Ladies Kennel Society open show took place on The Rowley Mile course at Newmarket racecourse. Liza Faircloth (Calbraidh) judged the breed classes, with an entry of towards 20 hounds and Rosie Sharp was our steward.

Liza’s BOB came from the Open class, with Mary Churchill’s Lealla Kentra running out the class winner. Res BOB was Joyce Bond’s Pyefleet Silas who won the Puppy class and went on to win Best Puppy. Silas also won Group 4 in the Hound Puppy Group. It was a lovely day, not too hot and our ring and surrounding area was almost exclusively ‘ours’.

Rather fun for me, as there were six puppies from the same litter as Pyefleet Silas in the puppy class, although one of my entries would rather not have been present! Luckily two teenage girls asked if they could take my pups on a walk-about, so they caught up with valuable socialising skills and I think had much more fun with the girls than they would have had sitting on the grass with me.

I don’t have an up to the minute report on the progress of Tom Rhodes, but Jean was telling me that all the cards and kind inquiries they have received have been hugely supportive and helpful. They are both very grateful. I know everyone will wish Tom safely home – but not until you are well enough to cope, please Tom.

What’s in a name? I’m not sure, but I have a bitch who made her show debut at six months old, and then lost half her tail (we blame her brother who was exceedingly fond of chasing and catching Pyefleet Quill by her tail).

Last night Quill was not to be moved from the middle of the meadow, and she was doing her determined best to get into a poor old Hedgehog.

I know she found it in the hedge, so must have carried it some distance but she seemed quite oblivious to the prickles/quills. None of the other dogs showed the slightest interest, and this morning I was relieved to find all the evidence had vanished – I know foxes will sometimes tackle a hedgehog.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

20th August 2010

No CCs on offer at Paignton & District Fanciers Association where Robin Searle judged the dozen Deerhounds present. Best of Breed and Best Dog was Miss L Morgan’s Hyndsight Meteor, with Mrs Southcott’s Bradleyabbi Ardenner the Best Bitch. Nicola Bye’s Nixophel Greyflint won Best Puppy.

Dr Sarah Helps (Beardswood) judged an entry of some 120 hounds at Hound Show – it is the Deerhound Club’s ‘Club Show’. The Deerhound Club offers prize money to 5th place in all classes, and there are also some lovely trophies. Winning the Lady Sheila Trophy was the BOB, CC and Open Dog winner, Ch Gentom Peacemaker shown by DJ Morton, and owned with his grandparents Jean and Tom Rhodes.

I am delighted to learn that Tom is making steady progress. He has been allowed home, but has to report to his surgeon in hospital every other day but that seems a small price to pay for what was a pretty major piece of surgery. The James Cummings engraved glass for BOS was won by Claire & Elize Cartmell’s Ch Drawing Down the Moon to Cusidh, who won the Bitch CC from Open. The Miss Ellis Picture was won by Sandy Platt’s Charbonnel Fliss, who also won the Best Post Graduate prize and the Reserve Bitch CC. Sue and Tony Phillips’ All Guns Blazing for Ladygrove won Puppy Dog, and went on to win a trophy for Best Puppy.

The Cartmell’s Cusidh Righ Innse Gall won the Yearling Dog class, and also the Springfort Novice Trophy – beating their Yearling Bitch winner Cusidh Perchance to Dream. Lynette Seymour-Jackson’s Ghiltan Hero won the Melody Trophy after winning Special Beginners Dog class. Helga Janson’s Greyflax Lady of the Lake for Nixophel won the Cinnamon Veteran Trophy. Kay Barret’s Ch Stranwith Ebenezer won the Reserve Dog CC. There were two contestants for the ‘Best Breeder in Breed’ – four puppies in the Pyefleet group, with the four Cusidh hounds winning the day. Good fun anyway.

Although we didn’t celebrate Kenneth Cassels’ forthcoming 91st birthday this year, he enjoyed sitting at ringside. Well, all went well until the end of the Dog judging when a Scotch Mist turned into a brief but violent precipitation! Some dashed for the indoor ring, with Clare Churchill - one of our Stewards - trying to keep the paper-work dry and by the time I’d found an umbrella for Kenneth, I think he was fairly damp. And then it stopped and we all carried on outside, but some people were definitely cold and wet by then! We were in a new ring, right at the far end of the showground and a very spacious area, even if the surface was a bit nubbly. It was exclusively our own arena. On reflection, I realised I’d not seen anyone from another breed, nor watched any other judging, and completely missed the Packs of Hounds Parade. But that was my fault.

The day after HoundShow, Mr John Wiggan was judging at Cheltenham. John Francis & Dee Blatchford & Sue Hird’s Cloweswood Scilla was BOB winning from the Open class.

The forthcoming feast at SE Hound on 5th September – Liza and Julian Faircloth have very kindly offered to mastermind the food this year. They would be very grateful if you could let them know what you are able to bring – food various, liquid refreshments, etc. Please let them know in good time, lizafaircloth@btconnect.com or 01628 520123 – and if you have a gazebo, that might be just what is wanted. Liza says “We also need a volunteer to organise the car parking, one person is being asked for from each breed, so you will only have to look after the Deerhound people – please can someone with a sense of authority (and humour) come forward.”

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

27th August 2010

Bournemouth was on Monday this year, and it was so bitterly cold in Essex that I thought it must be nice for the dogs! In fact, it was warm work, and exhibitors were exhorted to keep drinking water and keep dogs in the shade etc. Mrs Nicola Bailey (Greyflax) judged, and drew an entry of over 60 hounds. Best – and only - Veteran was Vanessa Lucas & Cliff Dargonne's Sorisdale Mackechnie for Packway. Best Puppy was Mick and Glenis Peach's Ain't Miss Behavin at Kilbourne, winning from PB. Godden & Peach's Brackenland Tan at Kilbourne won the Reserve Bitch CC from Limit, with the Reserve Dog CC going to Limit class winner Robin & Jean Spencer and Tom & Jean Rhodes' Gentom Renown. Winning Open Dog was Penny Trotman & Kay Dockree's Regalflight Princequillo of Penherald, and Princequillo went on to win the Dog Ticket. Congratulations to all concerned, as this is his first CC. Bred by Joyce Bond in July 2006, he is by Ch Regalflight Stormbird out of Regalflight Lailani – and it is also the first CC that Penny has won in the breed. Winning the Bitch CC and going on to take BOB was Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote's Hyndsight Who's That Girl, who won from Open Bitch. She is home bred - November 07, by Hyndsight Keep the Faith out of Hyndsight Shadow of a Doubt and was shown to victory by Hector Heathcote.

Good to hear from Tom Rhodes, who is still reporting back to the hospital and closely monitored by Jean and daughter Jane. Tom's email: “I just wanted to say thank you to all our friends in the Deerhound world whose support by way of letters, cards and calls have made my incarceration bearable and has meant such a lot to Jean who has found it a bit of a struggle to keep on top of things, but thanks to the kids and grandkids she has managed.” Tom is aiming to be at the Limited Show, so here's hoping!

Discover Dogs in London 2010 – the dates are Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th November, at Earls Court One. As always, if anyone would like to take a deerhound (or two) along on either day, I should be delighted to hear from you. I am hoping the regulars will still be free, but having some extra helpers/hounds makes life easier for everyone.

Bank Holiday Monday, 30th August – is the occasion of the Companion Dog Show we run in Brightlingsea. Part of the Horticultural Show, the dog show supports Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. If other plans fail, I should be delighted to take your entry on the field from 12 noon. Judging starts at 12.30, usual pedigree classes followed by novelty classes and this year judged by Newfoundland specialist Mr D Bedford.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

3rd September 2010

Apparently Deerhounds were third in the ring at the Welsh Kennel Club, where Mrs Marston-Pollock was awarding her first set of Deerhound CCs. heard mention of rain, but apart from the ‘young’ classes, most classes were well supported. Winning Best of Breed, and the Dog Ticket from Open was Heather & Sarah Helps’ Ch Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood, with Kay Barret’s Stranwith Symphony winning Res Dog CC from Limit. The winning bitch was Kim Owen & Zoe Brodie’s Ch Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle, and the winner of Junior Bitch also won the Res CC for Glenn & Nicola Bailey with their Greyflax Crystal. Best Puppy was Elaine Day’s Celticmoon Shadowmancer - from Puppy Bitch.

I was sad to get a phone call from Nicola Bailey, saying their Champion, Greyflax a Kind of Magic JW had died. Born in July 04 by Ch Shielhill Bran to Kilbourne out of Ch Greyflax Skylark, Nicola said it was the first time any of her hounds had suffered from bone cancer and Music’s demise was very swift, and very sad for them. Music had a successful show career, winning her Junior Warrant at 14 months of age and going on to win six CCs. She also won BOB at Crufts in 2008, and was also competing against her half-sister, Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset: they shared the top puppy spot in 2005. Lots of good memories.

Good to get news from Charlie & Moira Spence who have had a rotten summer weather-wise in Banffshire, they are still trying to make their hay, let alone start harvest. But they have managed to get to Bon Accord show in Aberdeen, where Brylach Nandina won BOB, and then again at the Highland CA in Inverness, where Nandina won BOB and then went on to Hound Group 4.

City of Birmingham are holding three talks at their upcoming show – on canine oncology, ophthalmology and genetics. But I have to ask you to check the canine press for details, as my machine is unable to open the publicity flyer.

M J Girling, 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

Gill Smith was most aggrieved to discover - at the 11th hour - that the National Trust had cancelled the Lodge Park event some two months ago. Alas, they omitted to tell anyone from the deerhound world. It was pure chance that a member of the public mentioned they were looking forward to the Deerhound Day, only to find it was a non-starter. Very sincere apologies if anyone turned up – please tell the National Trust.

A message from Leo and Robin Paisey to say “we have lost our wonderful woolly girl Alli, albeit at a great age! Anmialchu Benalligin was bred by Iain and Chris Gow in November 1998 (Chapeltower Albert x Chapeltower Amelia). Everything was peaceful always a blessing - she just graciously took to her bed last Friday and we and vets felt that was it, at nearly 12 years old. Many will remember her as a stalwart of Crufts Discover Dogs for many years - children and adults alike loved her furry coat and 'muppet hairdo' and we could explain all about the woollies! She always kept a special greeting for the Gows at Crufts when they kindly gave her a Gaelic call!”

And a note from Karen Patterson, saying that she and Steve have lost their last deerhound – Deerglen Isla, who died at the end of July. Homebred in May 1997, by Findronach Heather out of Leoch Enochdu, Isla was the longest lived of the Patterson’s hounds (over 13) and now lies with Deerglen Ghigha, Terichline Lindsay and Killoeter Oona – memories of coursing at Dava. Isla had a few health scares, with a pyometra and haemhorragic enteritis but latterly pottered about, until a final bout of digging industriously underneath a hedge she fell over and struggled to get up, and then couldn’t move without help. Karen says they still have two rescue greyhounds, but they do miss Isla’s quiet personality and quirky characteristics.

I was very sad to get an email on 1st September from Geoff Birdsall, telling me that Mrs Barbara Thompson Birdsall had died: “My dear Mother’s journey has ended. We and the dogs were with her to the very end and beyond. Give your dogs an extra pat in her memory.” Barbara was an American friend of Miss Noble’s, and then became an extremely kind and generous friend to me. She had deerhounds over many years including (American) Ch Pyefleet Norah, who I think chewed every piece of furniture in the house but was much loved.

Latterly Barbara had a ‘run on’ puppy – now a senior veteran, from Margaret Sudekum together with a little Sheltie – Phoebe. Sue Piggott and I enjoyed wonderful hospitality from Barbara and her family when we were in Maine this May, and then we celebrated Barbara’s 88th birthday at the Specialty in Vermont. A confirmed nicotine addict, her breathing was awful but her determination, wicked sense of humour, story telling skills and upright carriage remained undimmed, as did her generosity to her British guests. You couldn’t fool Barbara, but I think she fooled us into thinking she wasn’t as ill as in fact she was. What a character.

Congratulations to Kilbourne Oh Suzzanna at Marandike who won BOB and Group 4 at Monmouthshire Agricultural Open Show. And then it was off to the August SKC, with Mr Jeff Horswell judging. It proved to be a home-bred Junior Warrant ‘winners’ day, with Derrick and Sheila Hawkins’ Kwaricott Archimago JW winning the Dog Ticket from Open Dog, and Helga Jansons’ Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JWwinning the Bitch CC and going on to take Best of Breed. The Reserve Dog CC was won by Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote’s Hyndsight Dark Sky, with the Reserve Bitch Ticket going to Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Greyflax Crystal. Duncan & Bridget Robertson’s Gentiehun Thyme won Best Puppy from the Puppy Bitch class.

Bank Holiday Monday, and Suffolk KA open show with Mrs Linda Aldous judging 3 Deerhound classes. BOB was Helga Jansons Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW ShCM, with Mary Churchill’s Lealla Lephin winning Res BOB from Junior. Best Puppy was Julie Williams’ Pyefleet Solomon and they went on to win Puppy Group 3. Helga and Amethyst went on to win Best in Group, and crowned their day by winning Best in Show with Mrs Chapman the judge. Very warm congratulations to Amethyst, who was earning the BIS accolade for the first time - and as anyone who knows Helga will appreciate, she too was very excited by the win.

M J Girling (01206 302072)
m.girling623@btinternet.com

17th September 2010

If you wish to be considered for inclusion on the Deerhound Club judges list B and/or C the application form can be downloaded from the Deerhound Club web site www.deerhound.co.uk. Go to the Judges tab and find the Judges Update Form. Please return completed forms by 1st October 2010 either by email judgeslist@deerhound.co.uk or post to the Judges List Co-ordinator, Miss M J Girling, Lodge Farm, Brightlingsea, Essex CO7 0QJ. You should have been contacted if you are already on the B or C Deerhound Club list.

Miss Elaine Medlicott judged at City of Birmingham, a Champ Show but no CCs on offer for Deerhounds this year. Best Puppy in Breed was Nicola Bye's Nixophel Greyflint, with the Best of Breed being won by Kay Barret's Stranwith Symphony who appears to have stood alone to win Open Dog. Helga Jansons' Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW ShCM won Open Bitch, and was Best Bitch.

South Eastern Hound Club held their 43rd Open Show at Hickstead Showground (West Sussex) on 5th September, a Deerhound Club supported entry show so prize monies on offer. Mrs Rosie Sharp (Ashtonbook) was judging an entry of some 30 hounds across six classes: judging was slightly delayed to allow a brief shower of rain to pass over and then it proved to be a nice day. Rosie's BOB was Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote's Hyndsight Who's that Girl, with their Hyndsight Dark Sky winning Reserve BOB. Best Puppy was Ian and Pam Bunce's Pantawick Aethelwyne. It's a show I particularly like, but I ran out of time and am reliably informed the picnic was even bigger and better than usual with Liza and Julian Faircloth in charge of the food and gazebo-run. Mrs Northwood-Webb celebrated her birthday, Vanessa Lucas is well known for her cake baking skills, but alas on this occasion the Carrot Cake turned out to be ‘cake & candles' but apparently a very jolly atmosphere prevailed. Liza Faircloth writes: “Would you say a thank you on mine and Julian's behalf to Cliff and Ness for the hands on help and car parking and to all those that brought with them lovely contributions as well as Hampshire grown wine! We got there by the grace of god as our dog car died on the Thursday and we managed to buy a new car on the Saturday and drove it to the show on Sunday! A little stressful but hey ho!” Mrs Ann Birrell was judging the Caroline Dowsett Memorial Stakes and although several deerhounds were entered I don't think any ran out the winner.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

8th October 2010

A very enjoyable Deerhound Club Members’ single breed Limited Show was held at The Canine Academy, Tollerton on 26th September – and although it was a bit chilly, the weather held for us and we were judged outside in a good-sized ring. Over 100 entries, although the usual absentee entry.

The Dog entry was judged by Mrs Jacqui Murray, with the Bitches being judged by Mrs Jan Cheshire. Mr Ian Kirsopp was the Referee, and judge of the three ‘Special’ classes held at the end of the show.

Winning Best in Show and The Noble Inkwell was Kay Barret’s Stranwith Morag from Open Bitch. Reserve Best Bitch was the Special Yearling Bitch winner, Heather & Sarah Helps’ Rosslyn Pippa of Beardswood – last year Pippa was Best Puppy at this show. John Wigan’s Anmialchu Beinn Buachaille had won Res Best Dog in 2009 but this year he went one better, winning Veteran Dog and then going on to take Best Dog – as well as Reserve Best in Show (The Aurora Rose Bowl) and BOS (The Ardkinglas Quaich).

Beinn Buachaille was sired in February 2001 by Ardkinglas Wallace out of Chapeltower Amelia, so he really is a Veteran. The AMEN Puppy Cup for Best Puppy in Show was won by Kay Barret’s Stranwith Ariadne who was making a very successful show debut. The Special Not Bred by Exhibitor had an entry of 24 – down to 14 for Mr Kirsopp to judge, with Glenda and Mr Carr’s Kilbourne Oh Suzzanna with Marandike winning the class. The Special Bred by Exhibitor was won by Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Greyflax Crystal, and the Special New Members class was won by Mrs Keeling’s Claonaiglen Ehervie.

The catering was master-minded by the Show Manager Sue Reynolds, and her kitchen slaves included Joss Duddell, Gill Smith and Hazel Williams and I thought the food was jolly good, with hot soup especially welcome. Joan Wragg had made something ‘hot’ to go with the baked spuds which were popular. A variety of helpful Stewards, including Clare Churchill, Elize Cartmell, Jeannie Morrissey and Pip Buswell, with Anne and Norman Davey marking catalogues.

(If you do want to judge any breed, it is a KC pre-requisite that you undertake a certain amount of stewarding before you can proceed to the A List.) Thank you all very much indeed for helping make the day a good one. Kath Westall-Ives (aka Kath Teapot Smith) – helped me sell raffle tickets, and a big thank you to everyone who contributed prizes and bought the tickets. Over 30 members donated towards the rosettes, and Mick & Glenis Peach kindly offered a prize for Best Puppy in Show.

The Show Secretary was Mrs Pamela Bunce, who did a grand job and successfully survived her first show. Well done Pam, and a big thank you to Ian Bunce who was a tower of strength on the day. I missed DJ Morton welcoming us for our first coffee and bacon roll of the day (I cannot blame him for missing the show), but it was exceedingly good to see Tom Rhodes at ring side, with Jean at the helm of the car. Well done Tom! Jeff and Barbara Poole were busy with photographs which can be accessed at: http://www.limitshow.bj-photography.com - ‘On the Move’ is a must.

A note from Mrs Val Meer who was the judge at Coulsdon CC at Ardingly, where Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon BlytheSpirit was BOB, and Chris Wilson’s Hamiltonhill Fred D Mercury was Res BOB.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

29th October 2010

I was sorry to hear from Gaynor Carr at the Limited Show that Keri Llewellyn (Matahari) had a terrible accident when her horse bolted, threw her onto the road and she suffered a punctured lung and several broken ribs. Luckily Keri had a mobile phone on her, and was able to get help. The horse was fine, and was taken back to the stables.

Keri was taken to hospital, but is now back home recovering under the watchful eye of her Mother. To make matters worse, on the day of the accident the dogs were taken to a friend’s boarding kennels and very sadly, the next morning Kilbourne Macallan at Matahari was found dead in his bed appearing to have died peacefully in his sleep. Gaynor will not be alone in wishing Keri a speedy recovery, and sending love on the loss of her dear friend and great show dog Mac.

I had an email from Rona Kermack saying she had lost her beloved Mousa in April. Mousa was a woolly Deerhound, and Rona says it is very quiet without her as she was such a great character with a huge personality. I remember meeting Mousa at home, and she was indeed a charming and keen-to-meet-you Deerhound. It was cardiomyopathy. Rona’s other hound - Lottie (Beardswood Lustre) has decided she can retire from showing due to her advancing years. Rona says her Dad, Neil is holding his own but the arthritis is not good, and she is trying to persuade him to get a hearing aid. Good luck Rona!

A couple of classes at Lowestoft - judged by Mr Doug Hall. I understand the ring for Toys was larger than the Deerhound ring - a shame, as it was the first time they had put on classes for us. Eyke Shannon’s Lealla Is Fearr (aka Dizzy) won BOB and went on to win Group 4. Veronica Buckley’s Pyefleet Spirit of Sarah won Graduate and Best Puppy, and Spirit then went on to win Puppy Group 3.

Rod Gillie’s Dorrator Gethen was BOB at Hound Association of Scotland open, with Mrs V McCormack the judge. Mrs J Cross judged Liskeard open, and BOB was Nicola Bye’s Nixophel Greyflint who went on to win Group 4. Sireadh Corsa at Meneghy was Best Puppy, and went on to win Group 3.

Mrs Marie Bryce-Smith judged at South Wales, and her BOB was Margaret Gomm’s (Ch) Canerikie Cookie Crusher to Wildtor, who won the Bitch CC from Open. Limit Bitch winner Hyndsight into the Mystic won the Reserve CC for Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote. Their Hyndsight Dark Sky won the Dog CC from Limit Dog, with 2nd in Limit Dog. Mr & Mrs Merrick’s Clanardwood Sovereign won the Res CC. Best Puppy was Kim Owen & Zoe Brodie’s Wolfscastle Draig.

Sarah Helps was telling me that the Uffington White Horse need not be a horse - it may be a running dog! And of course, if it were it would have to be a Deerhound. Unless, of course, it is actually an image of a Dragon - Dragon Hill is near, and myth and legend would have you believe that despite having been called a White Horse for a long time, it was originally a primitive Dragon. If I get any messages from beyond I’ll let you know!

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

5th November 2010

When the flyer came round about South Eastern Hound Club’s ‘A Stockman’s Eye’ on 24th October I thought I’d try and get to it. Godalming isn’t exactly handy for me, but the speaker was Pat Sutton (Rossut Beagles) and it was advertised as an equine and canine Structure, Movement and Conformation seminar. Worth every penny and Pat Sutton had gone to a lot of trouble to find various dogs - pairs of the same breed and also various horses and ponies to demonstrate the importance of construction. A good audience – warned beforehand to wrap up warm as the sand-covered indoor riding school was well ventilated.

Construction is a fact: a stockman has a natural eye, and can ‘see’ construction. Others have to learn about balance, but construction and the basic skeleton that is then dressed with muscle etc. is the key to knowing what you are seeing. And we watched intently while a couple of dogs trotted up and down and then saw how the different breeds moved. On one horse, each hoof had a different ‘sock’ so you could see the placement. And of course the movement and structure depended on the work that the dog or horse had evolved to undertake. A lunch break with welcome hot soup and good deerhound company, most of us wanting to be outside in the sun. I was quietly entertained by a couple of saluki – they are so beautiful but… Having been coursing at the combined deerhound and saluki meeting at Dava for many years, we were always being told that the saluki has a web foot to enable it to run on sand.

And no points for guessing which breed played up, and decided they didn’t like trotting on sand! Full marks to Pat Sutton who hosted and ran the show. She is such an articulate and knowledgeable speaker, fielding questions and answering in plain language – a fascinating experience. I think she is a KC trainer, but today there were no certificates of attendance but an opportunity to watch, listen and learn.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

12th November 2010

At Grantham Open show, Mr Roberts awarded Helga Jansons’ Nixophel Crystal Amethyst Best AVNSC, and Amethyst went on to win Best in Group. And at Tamworth, Cloweswood Scilla won BOB, and then went on to win Best in Group for John Francis, D Blatchford and Sue Hird.
At Midland Counties David Adams awarded Tickets in the breed for the first time. BOB was Tom & Jean Rhodes and DJ Morton’s Ch Gentom Peacemaker, who won through from Open to take the Dog CC.

I was delighted to learn that Peace went on to win Group 2, with Mr Brace judging. Well done Team Gentom – what with Tom’s recovery from surgery, and keeping Peace fit and looking good, winning Group 2 is a great achievement. Winning the Reserve Dog Ticket was Heather and Sarah Helps’ Ch Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood. Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie’s Ch Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle won Open Bitch, and went on to win the Bitch Ticket. Hyndsight Who’s That Girl stood 2nd in Open Bitch, and won the Reserve CC for Sue Finnett & Natalie Heathcote. The Puppy Bitch winner, O’Brien & Quinn’s Hoddingrey Terrona was Best Puppy.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

26th November 2010

Mrs Ines judged 3 classes at East Kent, with Chris Wilson’s Hamiltonhill Fred D Mercury winning BOB from Post Graduate, and the Faircloth’s Beardswood Niamh at Calbraidh winning Reserve BOB from the Open class. Mrs Chris (Hamiltonhill) Wilson judged three classes at Crystal Palace, and Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythespirit was BOB, with the Meer’s Kilbourne Harvey at Lordswell Reserve BOB; Best Puppy in Breed was Lesley Spence’s Hyndsight Ripley into Shagiead.

At Huntingdon open – held at Keysoe, three classes were judged by Mr David Cavill. BOB was Mary Ann Stuart & Kim Holt’s Regalflight Blizzard at Ollandsheart, and Blizzard (aka ‘Lizzie’) went on to win Group 4 – much to the delight of The Girls, as this is Blizzard’s first BOB. Res BOB was Helga Jansons’ Ch Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW ShCM, Best Puppy was Mary Ann & Kim’s Regalflight Tomahawk at Ollandsheart. Helga and Crystal Amethyst went on to win the Champion Stakes, judged by Mr Keith Nathan.

A sorrowful phone call from The Two Michaels, who had Pyefleet Omar – born 1st April 2000, Terichline Razzmataz x Pyefleet Loyal. Omar was much loved, very overweight and friend of the whole village. Mike was telling me how touched they had been to get cards and phone calls from people in the parish, and Omar had his own plate in the pub!

Apparently he had a recurring abcess (or something) in his foot, but on this occasion it seems to have been the source of his demise. But he was over 10, so a good age and he was a wonderfully spoilt pet. The Two Michaels initially thought they would wait to replace him, but within three days had to rush up to Scotland to find a replacement – coming back with a dog & a bitch puppy.

Then a phone call from Vanessa Lucas to say she and Cliff had had to have Packway Aconcagua put down. Home bred in April 05, by Ch Terichline Xplorer out of Sorisdale Mackechnie for Packway, ‘Murdo’ had enjoyed his show and lure chasing life. Alas, about a year ago he developed bladder stones and underwent surgery. Ness said it had taken Murdo the best part of a year to fully recover, and she had vowed not to put him through another such operation. So it must have been very sad for them all when the stones came back, and I am sure they made the right, albeit very painful decision.

My Pyefleet Percy has died. He was eight (Killoeter Barra x Pyefleet Nimo), and was the last of my hounds to have enjoyed organised hare coursing, and I took it as a compliment when he was described as ‘workmanlike’. A keen hunter – including vermin, his enthusiasm did sometimes cause great anxiety. He did me well in the show ring, picking up some Reserve CCs, winning a Reserve Best Dog at Maidstone 2006 Breed Show, and also winning Best Puppy Dog at a Deerhound Limited Show when his sister, Pyefleet Polkadot won Best Puppy.

Percy was the first male I owned from the cradle to the grave, and he was an awfully decent sort of chap – lovely manners. He had a nice style with the bitches, having been mated none of them missed. He was off colour about two months ago, when the vet went over him and could find nothing wrong – I was off on holiday, so a course of antiobiotics as a safeguard. Then last week he went off his food, and the vet found that his heart had ‘gone’. He didn’t seem to be in pain, kept drinking and walking short distances to talk to the gang, and on Remembrance Sunday morning I came down to find him on a mat by the door.

He put his head up to say hello, and puff – he was gone. We had dug a grave already, and when we went to bury him we found a tiny wee mouse had dropped in and died overnight, so dear Percy had a mouse for company, together with a marrow bone.

I don’t watch much TV, so haven’t seen the John Lewis Christmas advertisement which features a deerhound gazing wistfully as his young master left him in his kennel, surrounded by snow. Of course it is an advertisement: filmed in the summer, the snow is in fact ‘paper snow’ and the kennel suited the moment and is not his normal residence! BUT a campaign has been started on Facebook, complaining that the dog has been left out in the snow, and that the kennel is too small.

Amazing how an advertisement is able to generate such indignation – and it is only paper ‘snow’! I had an anonymous message left on my telephone asking if I would mention the campaign in the breed notes. So I mention it, but I do not participate in Facebook and I wish someone had checked their facts. And rather sadly, I gather John Lewis may now have ‘pulled’ the advert.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

3rd December 2010

A message from Nell MacBean, the Cup Steward: “Could members of the Deerhound Club please send in their wins for the following Trophies: THE DEERHOLT - wins of Best of Breed at Open Shows scheduling five or more breed classes. Champions are not eligible. THE ST. ANDREWS CHALLENGE CUP - wins in Variety Classes - placings at Open and Championship Shows to be listed. THE PENTLANDS TROPHY - placings at Open and Championship Shows to be listed; confined to members who have not owned a Champion in the breed. THE NEW MEMBERS CUP - wins at Championship Shows - the owner having joined the Deerhound Club in 2009. Please send BOB wins and placings to the Cup Steward: Mrs N MacBean, Killoeter Cottage, The Red Road, Cardross, Argyll and Bute G82 5HH by 20th January. Thank you.”

A nice note from the Kennel Club, sending their sincere thanks to the deerhounds (and their owners) who took part at the Earls Court London ‘Discover Dogs’. Apparently it was a great success, with an atmosphere that was positive, happy and upbeat.

The Paisey family continue to support Swansea & District Canine Club and Robin is the Hon. Secretary for the show at Neath Sports Centre on Saturday, 12th February (01792 310622). Dee Blatchford (Peopleton) is judging the Hound breeds, including the five Deerhound classes. Angela Aston is giving a specially engraved silver spoon for BOB, while the Paisey family have donated rosettes for the main deerhound winners.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

10th December 2010

Hound Club of East Anglia drew a super entry of towards 50 deerhounds across five classes for Mrs Jenny (Jamalison) Grimshaw to judge. The weather wasn’t brilliant, but the snow had not really asserted itself so it was a shock to everyone when the message came through that Jenny had been taken ill in transit.

She and Geoff ended up going by ambulance to Rugby Hospital, Jenny suffering from what sounded like pains associated with a heart attack. Various tests eventually confirmed it was not a heart attack, and the diagnosis now is that Jenny has an ulcer – apparently it is not uncommon for the pain of an ulcer to mimic a heart attack. Not especially good news, but infinitely preferable to have an ulcer rather than a wonky heart. Jenny has nothing but praise for the NHS.

Everyone at the show was worried and anxious, and Lynette Seymour-Jackson organised get well cards. Jenny sends her sincere apologies to the exhibitors, and thanks them for the lovely cards.

A nice touch of serendipity: you know how kind Anne and Norman Davey are at coming to events to offer to steward, help, and generally assist proceedings. Daughter Janine also comes to help – preferring to run the raffle or tombola. Quick thinking by the Show Secretary saw Anne Davey swiftly transformed from steward to Deerhound Judge. Most classes were well filled, with towards 40 hounds actually present.

Main winners were Joyce Bond’s Regalflight Moth from the Open class who won BOB, with Penny Trotman’s Stainlonan Kulang of Penherald winning Limit and going Res BOB. Best Puppy was Chris and Joy Wilkinson’s home-bred Sireadh Chase. Many thanks to Eyke Shannon who very kindly donated 1st – 3rd prize money in all the deerhound classes.

Whether people stayed on for the various Stakes classes I don’t know – some of us met up for a swift natter and food, as there is always a friendly atmosphere at the HCEA shows. Then we were on the road back home in case the weather worsened.

The Deerhound Club offers various items for sale, including the 2011 Calendar – contact Joyce Bond (01284 729 142). Full details at www.deerhound.co.uk

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.co.uk