07/08 Breed Notes – NoEKC Open 2023

I’m sure that the weather forecasts must have alarmed many members last weekend; but fortunately storm Otto had blown himself away by Sunday, which was a (relatively) mild and sunny day.

The Club has often had to change the date of its Open Show and AGM in February; usually due to the villages’ panto or because the local school’s half term dates have changed. This year we were informed that yet again the panto was taking precedence and as they had no other dates available; we had to had to change both venue and date with very short notice. Fortunately Netherton Village Hall were very accommodating and welcoming as they managed to change the date of their monthly table top sale, so that our show was only held a week later.

The meeting was opened at just after 11.45am by Chairman Colin Barton. All the various reports had been sent to members previously so were taken as read, which makes the meeting much shorter! Colin then presented the Club’s Annual Trophies on behalf of Christina and then the Congratulation rosettes, which the Club gives to members who have recently made up a Champion, were handed out. For those members who ‘won’ a rosette but weren’t at the AGM, they will be handed out at Crufts.

The motion to apply to the Kennel Club to hold future AGM’s virtually was passed. There was some discussion from the floor about the eye testing which was held at both club’s Ch shows last year and a question about rescue; both questions were answered in the reports. But with no contentious items on the agenda, it was all done and dusted for another year by 12.10pm – just in time for lunch. The Keeshond Welfare report from Caron Bell & Val Tew was read out by Colin after the meeting had closed.

The judging started at 1.00pm with the Special Award Classes judged by Barbara Wallis-Bagga. Winner of Special Junior Dog or Bitch was Ann Burnett’s Torrikees We Will Rock You, Special Post Graduate Dog or Bitch Susi Gardner’s Keitakees Small Town Boy with Manzanakees and Special Open Dog or Bitch Gill Brunt’s Divnyi Drug Dar (Imp Rus)

Arriving just in time to judge our main show was Claire Mills, who had a somewhat fraught journey in an electric car which desperately needed charging. Claire had drawn an entry of 30 dogs with only 2 absentees; with no entries Minor Puppy Dog, both Puppy & Yearling classes and Junior Bitch.
Best Dog with Best Veteran in Show was Natasha Hickson’s Ch Kichigai’s Only The Lonley (Bert von Ricara (imp Den) x Kichigai Special Edition) with Reserve Best Dog going to Mel Harris’ Amikirs Lover Boy for Watchkees (Ch Neradmik All About The Boy for Watchkees x Ch Amikirs Bubblelicious) from the Not Bred by class.

Best Bitch and Best in Show was Dawn Gregory’s Amikirs Lovealicious (Ch Neradmik All About The Boy for Watchkees x Ch Amikirs Bubblelicious) from Special Breeders and Reserve Best Bitch and Reserve Best in Show was the open winner Ch Winklestar Aurora at Valindale (Vivids Majestic Prince of Winklestar (IMP USA) x Winklestar Serendipity) handled by Tracy Lee.

Best Puppy was Andy & Jean Fitches’ Sofia Loren Della Ginevrina (Imp It) (Carpe Diem Della Ginevrina x You Are My Everything Della Ginevrina)

The Lucky Catalogue Prize number was won by Susi Gardner. Kathryn Coleman is now in charge of running of the kitchen and helped by twin Rosie and Nicola and Christina Barton (who were handing over) were kept busy selling butties and cakes and took £90 and the raffle made £102. Many thanks to everyone who donated prizes, helped out during the show and with the setting up and clearing away, it is much appreciated.

Sunday 12th March saw the first central Scotland keesie walk of 2023, held this time at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh. The weather was dry yet again which made for fantastic Keesie walking conditions. There was a fantastic turnout of 10 keesies (with a few spaniel and labradoodle additions!) Returning to the Keesie walks were Talyn, Jura, Mika, Ruby, Tara, Sana, Star and Zola. First time attendees were Chilli and Pepper with owner Sally!

The walk started shortly after 11am, setting off from Portobello promenade and making our way up and down the beach. Once back to where we had started it was close to 1pm and time for everyone to have some lunch. Many brought picnics to have on the beach; whilst others went for a visit to one of the many dog friendly cafes on the promenade.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

Anji Marfleet