52 Breed Notes – December 2022

My last note for 2022 and with lockdowns over the show calendar has returned to a semblance of normality. Show entries haven’t really improved and have been consistently low throughout the year. As have the number of puppies born this year; Doom & Gloom doesn’t really sum up this year, but more of that in my next set of notes.

Nine Keesies won their crowns this year; the three Kichigai siblings – Mel Harris’ Kichigai Boy Is Back In Town for Watchkees, Karin’s Kichigai’s Uptown Girl and Wendy McKean’s Kichigai It Takes Two at Yawren with Wendy also making up her litter mate Kichigai This Girl Is Mine at Yawren. Val Tew’s young Russian import Art Pride Bomb Explosive Beauty (Imp Rus) quickly gained her crown and David Matthews handled 2 Keesies to their titles, his sister Tracy Lee’s Winklestar Aurora at Valindale and David Peck’s Keitakees Someone To Love at Byquy. Dawn Gregory with Amikirs Lovealicious and then at the last show of the year, Debbie Hopkins Belgium import, Int Ch Quasars Brilliant Light Van Het Earlskamp Serenaubach.

We also got used to holding Zoom meetings and virtual committee meetings are now the norm. OK they aren’t the same as actually meeting up for a chat; but from a financial point of view they’re a no brainer as people don’t have to spend the time (& fuel) driving to the venue and the club’s don’t have to pay room hire. Unfortunately, the Kennel Club, in its wisdom, are saying that AGMs must now revert to physical meetings unless the Club Rules have been amended to accommodate an option of holding AGMs virtually.

Since any such amendment would need to be adopted by the members at an AGM (& then accepted by the Kennel Club) the NoEKC’s 2023 AGM will have to be held in conjunction with the February Open Show at Netherton Village Hall (WF4 4LT) No marks for guessing one of the items on the agenda!! For those of you wondering the schedule for our February show (on-line entries only via Cavalier Impressions) will be available shortly.

We have now passed the Solstice; days are starting to gradually get longer and Trophy Steward Gill Brunt would like all your claims for the Club’s annual trophies by the 10th January 2023. Full details of how to claim & forms can be downloaded from the Club’s website or email her at gillianbrunt123@gmail.com.

You should have received by now your winter edition of Walkee Talkees, plus all the NoEKC annual ‘club stuff’ which was sent out just after the Club’s Ch show. Included was all the information you need on how to pay your subs electronically (Joint membership is £13 and Single £9) which are due on the 1st January 2023. Due to continuing postal strikes and the subsequent massive backlog, please send things electronically where-ever possible.

I have just heard that Danny Udani died the week before Christmas. He made up several champions in the 1970’s & 80’s including Ch Waakzaam Wursling, the dam of his first homebred champion. His proudest moment must have been when his Azad Asha won the BCC with BIS at the Keeshond Club’s Ch Show in 1976 aged 10 months from judge Cathie Sutton. Danny then took time out for his family before returning to the ring in the late 90’s with Gavimir Bay Rum; Baron was I think, his last Keesie. Latterly he was to be seen by the Keesie ring at Blackpool’s Ch show having a catch up with friends.

All that remains now is for me to wish you and all your four legged friends a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year.

Anji Marfleet