2009

12th December 2009 - Clumber Spaniels: breed specialist Margaret Cordwell judged Clumber Spaniels at LKA and The Stig (Jubilwell Riff Raff for Maursett) finished the year in style by winning the Limit Dog class.

He's certainly demonstrating a great deal of consistency as he wins his way through the classes. He has had a great run in 2009, starting with his win at the first Champ show of the year (Manchester) through to LKA - many thanks to the judges who have thought so highly of The Stig (his offspring have also had a very successful year too).

22nd November 2009. Tony acts as an Assessor at the first Bracco Italiano Society's Breed Specific Seminar. Meanwhile, Maureen is judging at Leicestershire Gundog Society's Open Show.

21st November 2009: Tony was delighted to be invited to judge Hounds, Terriers and Best in Show at the Amman Valley Canine Society's Open Show and he was delighted with a spectacular entry. His report is as follows:

Whilst the rain outside was rather depressing, the atmosphere in the hall was tremendous and all credit must go to the Committee for their hard work behind the scenes and to the exhibitors for making this day such an enjoyable one. I was most impressed with the overall quality of the exhibits and the line up for my Best in Show was outstanding – nearly 40 dogs remained for the final selection which was a great honour to judge. I was able to shortlist some exceptional dogs. Tony awarded Best in Show to Rees & Scott’s Pharaoh Hound, Ch & Am Ch K’Azar Ggtu Ty at Talkaccatur. A super dog presented in excellent condition. Keen, alert expression, chiselled face, good eyes and correct ear set. Strong, well muscled, and moved elegantly but with power. Res Best in Show went to Rose & Williams’ Pointer, Ridanflight Rangiora. Fabulous bitch in prime condition with tremendous muscle, so important these days, with attention being given to dogs being fit for purpose. Beautiful dish face, good dark eye, correct bite, good topline held on the move. Another super line up turned out for the Best Puppy award, with my Best Puppy in Show going to Lawler’s ESS Roqfolly Devil’s Disciple. Good conformation and characteristic expression from a very pleasing head, good neck and correct overall size giving a stunning appearance. Moved true for and aft and clearly will have a tremendous and exciting career ahead which I will follow with interest. Reserve Best Puppy in Show was Stafford’s Bichon Frise Vanitonia Takin Back My Love at Louisianna. Those who know me well, know that I have a soft spot for this breed and this one did not disappoint. Good head and eyes, overall conformation was excellent and consequently moves with drive. This young, quality bitch, so typical from this kennel, demonstrated great enthusiasm at this tender age even at the end of a long day at the show.

14th November 2009 - Clumber Spaniels: what a day for the Maursett Mob as breed specialist Walter Lucas (Lubyrnetyre) judged the breed at the Gundog Breeds Association of Scotland Championship Show. Gerry and Lyndsey Steele's Maursett Morna of Stonielea (Morna) won Best Puppy, Best Bitch topping this off with Best of Breed, where she took on another one of our breeding who had gone Best Dog. Our congratulations to Gerry and Lyndsey who must have been as delighted as we were.

German Wirehaired Pointers: meanwhile, the show planners were kind to us as we were able to watch the Bracco Italiano judging in one adjacent ring and the GWP judging in the other. It was fantastic to see Mrs J Ford, a breed specialist judge, select Normbar Lindsay (owned by Norma Ellis) as Best GWP Puppy and then to hear that she went on to get Group 4 in the Puppy Group - Lindsay is a granddaughter of our own Sh Ch Normbar Coleen of Maursett and daughter of Sh Ch Maursett Marelda via Normbar.

30th October 2009 - Tony is appointed by the General Committee of The Kennel Club as the new representative on the Kennel Club Shows Liaison Council for Area 5 - North East. Tony is looking forward to his new role and to hearing from any show societies who may have issues they wish him to bring to the notice of the Liaison Council (he can be contacted securely through the Contact Us page on this site). The Liaison Council considers matters arising, discussion items and proposed amendments to Regulations.

Apologies for the lack of earlier news in 2009 - unfortunately, Tony was admiited in hospital for major surgery and he was seriously ill for several months.