12^th December 2023

The last championship show of the season saw LKA at it’s new venue. I thought it went down well - great car parking staff and a far shorter walk in to the venue, plus of course docked breeds could enter. The only draw back for us was being so late in the ring.  An empty ring was eventually found for us, but that was at about 3pm.  Still it gave us all time to shop, eat and catch up with everyone.

Richard Bott was awarding CCs in our breed for the first time and had a great entry which was unfortunately decimated due to people being ill (more about that later) and kennel cough. It was a bit of a family affair, with Dee Carter Hunt and Adam Gardner’s Vanitonia Something Extra gaining his first CC and Best Puppy and subsequently Puppy Group 3 under Keith Young, with litter brother Vanitonia Swashbuckler of Glenariff owned by Caroline Reynolds, picking up the Reserve Dog CC.  These two boys are by Sh Ch Vanitonia The Force Awakens out of Maursett Morveen of Vanitonia.

BCC (social media prevents me from using the proper word!) was Sh Ch Vanitonia Secret Episode owned by Blake Crocker, Ashleigh Frost and Mr and Mrs Cahill;  she is by Sh Ch Anbrook Burma Star at Brazenhill out of Vanitonia Ginny for Short. Bringing up the rear was our own Maursett Masikean,  gaining her third Reserve CC .  She is by our Sh Ch Maursett Mathos JW and out of Sh Ch Maursett Mercy (who happens to be litter sister to Maursett Morveen of Vanitonia).

The atmosphere round the benches and ring was jovial.  This was in no small part due to the cheeky comments made about me by my darling daughter along with her partner in crime Lauren Wilson;  there was even the odd comment from Alistair Kirkman thrown in for good measure, lol!

Talking about Lauren, she and mum Sue had a good day out at Crystal Palace Canine Association under judge Blake Crocker, where they went Best AVNSC Puppy then won the Puppy Group.

Now, I am afraid, onto the sick list. First off, Clumber Spaniel Club President Ian Layfield has been laid low after having a heart attack.  All being well, he has been sorted out and should be back fighting fit very quickly. Jonathan Thompson has also been poorly I understand so was missing from the show. Joining this unfortunate list is Rachel Wareham who has been in hospital for over a week and therefore missing too from the show. Get well soon to all three and I am sure they would welcome a card. 

The Clumber Club are holding a Breed Assessment Day on Sunday 25^th February at Shirland Village Hall.  Full details are available from the Clumber Spaniel Club’s Hon Secretary, Secretary Eunice King, by telephone on 01246 476059 or by email at the following:

secretary@clumberspanielclub.org.uk

The Club are also wanting dogs on the day to take part in the hands-on section of the day, so do please contact Eunice if you can help.

We have a change of judge for Birmingham National - Eunice King is now our judge instead of Mick Howes.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

13^th November 2023

Gundog Breeds of Scotland no longer has CCs for us – I was the last one to judge them with CCs there many years ago. Once again, Lee Cox came raiding over border going Best of Breed under judge Alessandro Zeppi and then Best in Show under Hilary Male. That is two Best in Shows in Scotland this year for Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist - they will be taking his passport off him. BB and also Best Puppy was the Dawson’s Beskerby Flora Finching.

The Clumber Spaniel breed lunch at the Kennel Club is going to be on Wednesday 3^rd April cost £48.50. Full details are available from the Clumber Spaniel Club’s Secretary, Eunice King, via email at the following address:

secretary@clumberspanielclub.org.uk

Now, on to judges for next year, (with the year and where they last judged showing).  There are still a couple missing, but here are the ones I have right now:

• ·       Manchester - Gordon Harran (SWKA 2019)

• ·       Crufts – Ian Layfield (SWKA 2018)

• ·       Clumber Club Open Show – Alistair Moss

• ·       WELKS – Hilary Male (1^st time)

• ·       Birmingham National – Mick Howes (Bath 2022)

• ·       SKC – Jane Howarth (GSOW 2022)

• ·       Bath – Jeff Horswell (SKC 2017)

• ·       Windsor – Keith Young (Manchester 2016)

• ·       Leeds – Moray Armstrong (GSOW 2016)

• ·       National Gundog – John Newsham (Manchester 2020)

• ·       WKC – Jenny Miller (Bournemouth 2015)

• ·       Darlington – Graham Underwood (National Gundog 2019)

• ·       Clumber Club show 1 - Lee Cox (3 Counties 2022)

• ·       Show 2 - Colin Woodward (East of England 2018)

• ·       LKA - Richard Morris (1^st time)

That makes just five breed specialists, with nine all-rounders in total for next year with just City of Birmingham, Richmond and South Wales Kennel yet to be announced.

Apologies for getting a name wrong in my critique for the Clumber Spaniel Club Ch Show. Third in Limit Bitch should read Gracedieu Stars and Stripes, not Gracedieu Brooklyn Bridge, This has been amended, but of course the critiques remain correct.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

7th November 2023

No classes for us at Midland Counties, but three Clumbers were entered in the AVNSC classes under Richard Bott. It was another  great day for Vanitonia, with Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist gaining the Best Dog Award,  Best AVNSC before winning the Gundog Group under Chris Bexon. Reserve Best Dog was Dave Tilston’s Stonielea Toast.  In the girls, BB (and Best Puppy) was Ricky Furnell’s Bebecova Scarlet Witch.

The Club is thinking of organising a lunch at the Kennel Club if there is sufficient interest. This is in the format that the Kennel Club have introduced in recent years for other breeds and would include being able to visit the KC’s extensive library and a viewing of some of the amazing works of art on display in Clarges Street (a painting of Clumber Spaniels is being exhibited at present). Anyone who is interesting in attending should contact the Clumber Spaniel Club’s Secretary, Eunice King, at the following address: secretary@clumberspanielclub.org.uk

Entries for the last Championship show of the year LKA are closing soon (indeed, as I write these notes, I see the closing date has been extended until noon on the 14^th November 2023 for online entries).  This year, LKA is being held at Stafford with Richard Bott awarding CCs in Clumbers for the first time. Where has this year gone? It seems that the older I get, the faster they fly by – as if to verify that point, I see entries for the National are now online to enter for the May 2024 show!

I hope you all weathered the storm Ciarán. I checked in with Ginny Heaume who lives in Guernsey, as the Channel Islands were badly hit. She said the winds were scary, but that they were all okay.

Linda Thorogood took Stoker, Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now at Harrifield, to East Kent Canine Society and he was Best AVNSC and Gundog Group 3 under judge Megan Dodd.

Hannah and I were at the North of England Tibetan Spaniel Club’s Championship Show on Saturday, and it was really well run and friendly. Prize money, as well as goodie bags for all winners, fabulous rosettes, a huge raffle and guess the weight of the Christmas cake plus a Breed shop that was packed with goodies. At the end of the show, beautiful certificates were given to all the dogs that had gained their title the previous year.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

23rd October 2023

At South Wales Kennel Association, Michelle Meredith (Andchelle) was our judge; though no longer in the breed, Michelle bred and made up numerous show champions, including our first Sh Ch Andchelle My Fair Lady from Maursett.

It was a great day for Vanitonia, with Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist gaining the Dog CC and going Best of Breed then taking Group 2 under Doreen Smille Gray. Bitch CC was Sh Ch Vanitonia Secret Episode owned by Blake Crocker, Ashleigh Frost and Mr and Mrs Cahill. The Reserve Bitch CC was our own Sh Ch Maursett Marnie. Best Puppy was Vanitonia Something Extra owned by Dee Carter Hunt and Adan Gardner, who also was awarded the Res Dog CC and, under Nick Gourley, won the Puppy Group. Well done to all the winners.

Well, it has arrived! Hannah and Dave are now proud owners of a bundle of fur known as Rodri the Tibetan Spaniel (posh name Oldcharm Can you Love Me at Maursett TAF). Although two weeks younger than our two, soon to be one, Clumber girls he has, shall we say, attitude! He has been here five minutes and now rules the roost.

The Clumber Spaniel Club is running a Breed Assessment Day (Hands on) at Shirland Village Hall on Saturday 4^th November 2023. You must have passed the BAD and MCE to be able to attend. Full details from:

Mrs Eunice King

Hon Secretary – The Clumber Spaniel Club

57 Elliott Drive

Inkersall

Chesterfield

Derbyshire S43 3DZ

Telephone: 01246 476059  

E-mail - secretary@clumberspanielclub.org.uk

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

12th October 2023
 

While were all at the Clumber Club Show last weekend, a little Mob of Maursetts went off to Mid Western Gundog and Paul and Sue Whitehouse’s Sh Ch Maursett Malachie at Malvonia (Garfield) was Best of Breed under Howard Ogden before going on to take 3rd Best in Show. Fast forward to following weekend and Garfield, having gone Best of Breed under Sharon Rossiter, then won the Gundog Group under Russell Mosedale, at Birmingham Gundog and Terrier. He was then up for Best in Show which was being judged jointly by Russell Mosedale and Joe Ashe, with Jenny Miller as referee, and Garfield was then declared Best in Show.

North of the border, it was Jacquelyn and Stuart Nicholson’s Danish import Clumbus Jolly Jumper of Taranstigh taking high honours going Best AVNSC then Group 4 under Bill Molton at Paisley and District.

Heading back south and Linda Thorogood went to Guildford and District with Anbrook Don’t Stop Me at Harrifield and was Best AVNSC the Group 3 under Ray Strudwick.

Paul and Hilda Monaghan’s Kenesqui Nice at Tweedsmuir had a good day out at East Anglian Gundog going Best Puppy, Best of Breed judged by Daisy Toublic (Cobhay) and then Best Puppy in Show 4.

Well done folks a great weekend for the breed.

It was our last set of CCs at Gundog Society of Wales and Carol Coode was judging. Dog CC was Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist, with Lynda Thorogood gaining the Res CC with Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now at Harrifield. In bitches, it was another CC with Best of Breed for Sh Ch Vanitonia Secret Episode owned by Blake Crocker, Ashleigh Frost and Mr and Mrs Cahill. Res Bitch CC, a first, for Abbyford Lady Merry of Ivale owned by Martyn and Jo Lovell. Best Puppy was Vanitonia Something Extra owned by Dee Carter Hunt and Adan Gardner. Well done to all the winners.

Tony, Hannah and I went off to attend the Breed Assessment Day run by the North of England Tibetan Spaniel Club, just to learn a little about the breed. After an extremely informative morning session and being able to go over some of the breed we were talked into doing the MCE which we passed.

We had an excellent lunch and then once again got talked into doing the hands-on assessment, which once again we all passed. I must say the quality of the information and the beautiful presentation pack plus a bag of goodies was excellent.
The extended standard was given with clarity and explained so much about why the breed is as it is - quality information relayed succinctly and a great, friendly bunch of officers and committee. We thoroughly enjoyed our day.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor
 

4th October 2023

The weather held fine for the Clumber Spaniel Club Championship Show last Sunday, albeit somewhat o.  That meant we were able to have the judging outside, which is always a plus. It was your truly judging the breed, and Michelle Dawson judged the Special Classes.

As usual, there was a good atmosphere ringside with plenty of laughter and the committee doing a sterling job. Dog CC and Best in Show was Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist, Res Dog CC was Jacquelyn and Stuart Nicholson’s Danish import Clumbus Jolly Jumper of Taranstigh.  In the bitches, it was another CC, Reserve Best in Show and Best Opposite Sex for Dave and Sue Boden’s Sh Ch Suelynda Kreme Della Kreme, with Gerry and Lyndsey Steele’s Stonilea Williams Legacy collecting her first Reserve CC. I awarded Best Puppy in Show to Paul and Hilda Monaghan’s Kenesqui Nice at Tweedsmuir.

The committee in the kitchen were ably assisted by Kath Kirkman and it was good to catch up with her for a chat and some good banter.

I was sorry to hear that Blake Crocker, Ashleigh and their baby son had been unwell and therefore unable to attend the show.  I do hope they have all recovered. It is bad enough when adults are ill, but when it is babies and children it is so very hard.

Talking of poorly people, him indoors is now onto his second lot of antibiotics and steroids to try and shift the nasty chest infection that he has; don’t worry it’s not the dreaded Covid, he has been testing regularly and is clear of that particular nasty.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

15th September 2023

Last Friday saw Christine Morgan awarding CCs in Clumbers for the first time. Once again there were a number of absentees, with only 9 dogs and 6 bitches present. Dog CC and yet again a new show Champion was Ricky Furnell’s Vanitonia Rio Sonora to Bebecova, whilst his litter sister the newly crowned Vanitonia Secret Episode owned by Blake Crocker, Ashleigh Frost and Shaun and Stephanie Cahill collected her fourth CC and Best of Breed. Ashleigh handled her in the group and a great job she made of it too, you may have lost a job Blake!  The Reserve Dog CC and Best Puppy was awarded to Clumbraise Your Song imported from Norway by Jo and Martyn Lovell. The Reserve Bitch CC once again went to Sue and Lauren Wilson’s Winhampton Pandoras Box.

We move on to this Friday (15^th September) where Sarah Sevastopulo was our judge at Darlington and had 16 dogs and 6 bitches present. A first CC and Best of Breed for Jacquelyn and Stuart Nicholson’s Danish import Clumbus Jolly Jumper of Taranstigh, with Linda Thorogood collecting another Reserve CC with Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now at Harrifield. In bitches, it was a fourth CC foe Dave and Sue Boden’s Sh Ch Suelynda Kreme Della Kreme with Jacqeline Pickering’s Dutch import Wymeswold Verdejo at Greencourt collecting the Reserve CC. Paul and Hilda Monaghan won another Best Puppy in Breed with Kenesqui Nice at Tweedsmuir, out of a whopping 10 puppies present.

Our seven little darlings are now five weeks old and have been evicted to the puppy kennel. They already have developed their own personalities and really are time wasters at this age.

We only have 4 sets of CCs left for this year, the Clumber Spaniel Club Show, South Wales Kennel, Gundog Society of Wales and then the nearly two months gap until LKA which has of course moved to Stafford from this year.  Next year we lose three sets of CCs, but do gain an extra Breed Club Championship Show held in conjunction with a Championship show. Once again, we have a big gap, Bath at the end of May then two months until Leeds at the end of July, as we have lost Three Counties and East of England. The other loss is Gundog Society of Wales. I think this strategy by the Kennel Club should perhaps be revisited, as reducing the number of shows with big gaps does not encourage new exhibitors into the breed in my opinion.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

4^th September 2023

Well, here we are yet another month has gone and we heading into autumn.

Birmingham saw Pam Blay award CCs in our breed for the first time and she had a cracking entry, but unfortunately a high absentee rate - we were guilty, I am afraid, as all our girls decided to come into season with only Hannah and Dave’s Pearl not yet in. There was still a quality entry and it was another CC and BOB for Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist owned by Lee Cox, with his younger brother Vanitonia Something Extra going Best Puppy and Gundog Puppy Group 2 at just 6 months old (he is owned by Lee’s mum Dee Carter Hunt and Adam Gardener). The bitch CC, the all important third, was awarded to Vanitonia Secret Episode owned by Blake Crocker, Ashleigh Frost and Shaun and Stephanie Cahill. The Reserve CCs went to Maursett Muttley at Molvonia owned by Paul and Sue Whitehouse and Big Boom’s Viking Liv Beskerby owned by Ian, Pam and Michelle Dawson.  Best Junior was Stonielea Toast owned by David Tilston and Best Special Beginners was Rachel Wareham’s Prestij Nachii Mandarin Shik.

Darlington has drawn an entry of 24 for Sarah Sevastapulo.  Clumbers are in Ring 12 at 9am; unfortunately, we are looking after our grandsons and have to get them to school and college, so have had to give a miss to what is our local show.     

Linda Thorogood tells me that she had a good day at Hampshire Gundog with Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now At Harrifield, (Stoker) going Best of Breed under Jackie Crawford and then BIS 4 under Carol Coode.    

We seem to be enjoying a brief Indian summer right now.  Unfortunately, due to health issues, I cannot sit out and enjoy the glorious weather, not that I have a great deal of spare time at the moment. The seven little darlings are now on solid food and I seem to spend all my time putting it in one end and clearing it up from the other! The pups are also at the “we can help you stage”.  It is a wonder I have not stood one and I do end up exhausted by the time fresh bedding and puppy pads are in place!              

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

23rd August 2023

Welsh Kennel Club saw Jacqui Ward awarding CCs in the breed.  It was a bit of a disappointing entry - presumably the distance will have put a number of people off, we have puppies so are not at any shows this month.

Anyway, as long as there is quality there then all is well and Jacqui withheld last time she judged us so her top winners will certainly have been of the quality required.   She found her Dog CC and Best of Breed in  Ricky Furnell’s Vanitonia Rio Sonaro to Bebecova, his second, with Paul and Sue Whitehouse’s Sh Ch Maursett Mallachie at Molvonia picking up the Reserve Dog CC. In the bitches – and not to be outdone by her kennel mate - Bebecova Scarlet Witch collected her first CC and Best Puppy.  The Reserve bitch CC was another Puppy - James Taylor and Mike Hilton’s Delsaux Fly me to the Moon. A little mention for new Clumber exhibitors David and Kim Tilson with their first Clumber dog Stonielea Toast (aka Quinn) who, as well as winning his class, went to win the Junior Vulnerable Breed class.  Well done – just a shame David did not get round to collecting his £25 winnings for the Vulnerable breed class.

Driffield without CCs has 12 dogs making 12 entries we are second in Ring 20 after 15 Sussex Spaniels making 17 entries, judging starts at 9am.

The City of Birmingham championship show sees Pam Blay awarding CCs in Clumbers and she has drawn a good entry of 39 making 41 entries.  Clumbers are first in Ring 3, Hall 2 at 9am.  Another early start for many of us.

Meanwhile, it is always good to receive news of successes at Open Shows.  I had a note from Karen Cornwall who had a good day at Scunthorpe Canine Association’s open show with her puppy, Creeaark Jensen, who went Gundog Puppy Group 2 from the AVNSC classes under judge Roger Perkins.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

14th August 2023

Sorry for the delay in in these notes, but the patter of tiny paws has arrived rendering me resembling a zombie. Normal service will resume in a few weeks.

National Gundog last Sunday saw Gina Bowers stand in for Linda McGillivary (more from Linda later).

Gina found her Dog CC and Best of Breed in Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist, with Paul and Sue Whitehouse’s Maursett Muttley picking up the Reserve Dog CC. In bitches it was that all important third CC for Dave and Sue Boden’s Suelynda Kreme Della Kreme with Winhampton Pandoras Box belonging to Sue and Lauren Wilson, getting the Reserve Bitch CC. Best puppy was Kensesqui Nice at Tweedsmuir owned by Paul and Hilda Monaghan, with Best Special Beginners going to Burge’s Gracedieu Brooklyn Bridge.

I was judging Bracco Italiano and was over the moon that my Best of Breed Sh Ch Braccorions Never Say Never JW went on to become Best in Show. As I was second in the ring, we managed to catch both of the horrific downpours and must have resembled drowned rats by the end of judging.

Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, I have received a note from Linda McGillivary asking me to put an apology in these notes for exhibitors who had entered under her at National Gundog.

Linda writes:

“My recovery after a total knee replacement on 22nd May was going well, I didn’t foresee any problem about judging today. On my follow up appointment, the surgeon although pleased with my recovery, suggested a MUA (manipulation under anaesthetic) - this breaks up any scar tissue around the knee helping it bend fully. An overnight stay in hospital & no driving for 48 hours I thought ok, unfortunately I ended up with swelling, pain & back using crutches."

"Regrettably I then had to inform the secretary I wasn’t fit enough to judge. I was gutted as I was so looking forward to judging the Clumbers especially with such a lovely entry. I was pleased it was a breed judge who took over my appointment."

"Thank you, Gina Bowers, for stepping in to take over my appointment.”

And finally, the entry for Welsh Kennel Club is 18 dogs making 22 entries. Clumbers are in Ring 1 after 11 American Cocker Spaniels making 12 entries.

Do keep the news coming in.


Maureen Taylor
 

3rd August 2023

Friday saw us going to one of our local shows at Leeds, where Anthony Allen was awarding CCs in the breed for the first time.

It was a new layout and one or two were pointing out that we could have done with two entrances, rather than just the one, and that the BIS ring would have been better in the centre. Another gripe (sorry) was that Best Special Beginners Group was done before breed judging was finished so many did not get to compete.

Anyway, we had no problems and on to judging. Dog CC went to Dave and Sue Boden’s Sh Ch Tweedsmuir Just Cruzin Among Suelynda with Linda Thorogood picking up the Reserve with Anbrook Don’t Stop me Now at Harrifeld. The bitch CC, her second, went to Vanitonia Secret Episode owned by the Crocker, Frost Cayhill partnership and handled by Blake and Tony and I collected a second Reserve CC with young Maursett Masikean. Best Puppy was Ricky Furnell’s Bebecova Scarlet Witch who went on to get Puppy Group 3 from judge Lee Cox - a nice birthday present for Ricky.

National Gundog sees Clumbers with a change of judge as Linda Magillivary has withdrawn. Gina Bowers will now be judging in her place. Gina last judged Clumbers at Richmond in 2019. There is a good entry of 19 dogs making 22 entries and 19 bitches making 24 entries.

We are second in Ring 17 after 49 American Cockers making 54 entries (judging for them starts at 9am). The show is unbenched, so do remember to take chairs and crates. We are not entered as I am judging Bracco Italiano. As I am second in the ring after 72 Gordon Setters making 107 entries, I hope to be able to watch most, if not all of the Clumber judging.

Meanwhile, I had a message from Eunice King to say that there will be eye testing available at the Club Championship show on 1st October - full details and application form to book your place are available from Eunice.

Do keep the news coming in.


Maureen Taylor
 

12th July 2023

Friday saw us heading down to Rutland for the very last East of England Championship show. Next year the date and CCs will be taken over by Boston, but not for Clumbers unfortunately as this year was to be our last set of CCs at East of England. A shame, really, as the new venue was very good.

We also lose Gundog Society of Wales and Three Counties next year. With quite a lot of new puppies either out - or due out - this summer, hopefully entries will increase. If they are sustained at 30 or over we may get some sets of CCs back.

Meanwhile, on to results. Bill Orzell was awarding CCs in Clumbers for the first time and it was a repeat of the 2022 results for the top honours, with the litter brother and sister duo doing the double again. DCC and BOB Sh Ch Maursett Malachie of Molvonia, with kennel mate Maursett Muttley picking up the Reserve DCC for a seriously well-chuffed Paul and Sue Whitehouse. In bitches, it was once again our Sh Ch Maursett Marnie collecting another bitch CC, with Dave and Sue Boden’s Suelynda Kreme Della Kreme collecting the Res BCC.

I did hear some disturbing rumours at East of England that a few championship shows are teetering on the edge of having to close. Let’s hope that this is just unwarranted gossip, but entries have really dropped across all breeds this year and I can understand that some shows may be struggling. Fingers crossed that entries pick up.

Now for some sad news that Sue and Lauren Wilson’s Margot (Winhampton Oops a Daisy) has died suddenly and at quite a young age - it never gets any easier losing our dogs.

Entries for Leeds will be closing shortly, so details of the entry etc at a later date. Just a warning that there are road works on the A1, with both north and south carriageways going down to one lane at Darrington and the hold ups are significant, even very early in the morning, but especially on week days as we know from personal experience. As we are on a Friday at Leeds this year, do take this into account and check to see if the roadworks are still in place for the weekend of the show.

We took an alternative route last week to avoid this, hopping across the M18 and onto the M1and our plan had worked well. All was going fine till we were nearly home when a nasty accident closed the A1 at Boroughbridge. We were sat for over three hours before the road was cleared. I do hope that there were no serious injuries. Do men have weak bladders? So many of them found it necessary to relieve themselves at the roadside!
After a very long journey home, we eventually got back in time to celebrate grandson Sam’s 16th birthday.

We have a couple of local shows coming up so we are definitely looking forward to not having to get up at some ridiculous hour in the morning.

Do keep the news coming in.


Maureen Taylor

4^th July 2023

Well instead of being at Windsor I was sitting at home. Many will know that over the last three plus years my family have all gone down with Covid, but it has never touched me - yes you are right it has got me in the end. I must say it is the most unpredictable virus, here is why. On Saturday evening, I was told that someone I had been in contact with had tested positive. Next morning, I did a test that came out negative, so Hannah and I went off to trim a Clumber we had bred. On Monday, I did a second test and this was also negative.  By Monday evening, I had started with a headache and runny nose. When I took the test on Tuesday, it showed up as positive.  Now Hannah who had been cooped up in a car with me for three hours and him in doors have not got it, yet the owner of the dog we trimmed on the Sunday when I was negative went down with it on Wednesday. It appears that even though the test says negative you are actually infectious.

Just glad I was not at a show on that Sunday or I could have caused havoc! I am now testing negative so all being well will be at East of England on Friday.  Talking of which, I did mention to Tony this morning that “we must get the dogs bathed for Friday” – he did reply that he assumed that this translates as “you must get the dogs bathed for Friday”, which is of course correct.

On to Windsor, where due to a number of absentees, Janet Richards had 18 Clumbers to go over. DCC and BOB was Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist who then went Gundog Group 3 under Gill Simpson, with Linda Thorogood’s Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now at Harrifeld getting the Reserve DCC. In bitches it was Dave and Sue Boden’s Suelynda Kreme Della Kreme picking up the BCC with Lauren and Sue Wilson’s Winhampton Pandoras Box collecting another Reserve CC.  Best Puppy was Paul and Hilda Monaghan’s new puppy Kensesqui Nice at Tweedsmuir.

No CCs at Blackpool where Richard Morris had 5 Clumbers present. Best dog was Clumbus Jolly Jumper of Taransgith, owned by Ja and Stuart Nicolson, with Maursett Mareth owned by Scott Lemon Reserve Best Dog. Best Bitch was Nicola Stevenson’s Banshee White Roll with Reserve Best Bitch Claire Nixon’s Stonielea Williams Charm. Best Puppy was Maursett Meadie owned by George, Lorna and Lucy Brown.

A reminder from Peter Sheppard that Clumber Fest is fast approaching and camping is allowed from 13^th July. The real fun starts on 15^th and 16^th July with a Clumber Rumble, a Mantrailing Demo and Peter’s famous Quiz amongst other things. All details are on the website www.clumberfest.org. All are welcome, you can just turn up for the day and honorary Clumbers are always welcome. If you have any queries you can contact Peter at peter@clumberfest.org

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

12^th June 2023

Tony was allowed out (yes, he is definitely not under the patio) for the day to accompany me to Three Counties with just the two hooligans, as we left Marnie at home for a rest. Hannah was not with us as she, along with grandsons Sam and Ben, was competing in the Cancer Research Race for Life.  May I firstly say a huge thanks to all who have made donations and there is still time if you wish to contribute using the following link:

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/team/stephenswarriors

We were not too late into the ring as there were quite a few absentees in GSPs (as indeed there were across the board), no doubt due to the oppressive heat.  Chris Page found his Dog CC and BOB in Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist, with the Reserve Dog CC going to Ricky Furnell’s Vanitonia Rio Sonara at Bebecova. In the bitches, it was Paul and Hilda Monaghan’s Sh Ch Tweedsmuir Just a Dream collecting the Bitch CC with Dave and Sue Boden’s Suelynda Kreme Della Kreme picking up the Res Bitch CC. Best Puppy was Hannah and David Taylor’s Maursett Madrigal.

It was a bit of a shock to find from the results that Southern Counties had, after many, many years reinstated Clumber classes.  I suspect that most of us were totally unaware of this as after this length of time we just skip past Southern Counties.  Consequently, it was a numerically small entry. A line dropped to the breed note writers to say that classes were now back on may have encouraged a better entry. Daniela Pinto Tranquada found her Best Dog and BOB in Linda Thorogood’s Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now at Harrifield.  Reserve Best Dog and Best Puppy was Martyn and Jo Lovell’s Clumbraise Your Song with his kennel mate Abbyford Lady Merry of Ivale, Best Bitch.

We now have a bit of a break until Windsor, quickly followed by our last set of CCs at East of England.

I hope all goes well for the new Vulnerable breeds show next weekend, where Ian Dawson is judging the Clumber Spaniels..

Meanwhile, I had an email from Barbara Weston about Clumber Spaniel Exhibition which takes place over the 17^th to 25^th  June in the Discovery Centre at Clumber Park.

Barbara says that ‘Walking with Clumbers’ is taking over the Mezzanine in the Discovery Centre at Clumber Park to put up a visual display which describes some of the history and links between the Park, the Dukes and Clumber Spaniels.

National Trust publicity suggests visitors can “Delve into the various theories behind the mystery of how Clumber Spaniels became a distinct breed during the life of the 2^nd Duke of Newcastle. Did they come from Spain? Were they sent from France to save them from the French Revolution? Did the Duc de Noailles give them to the Duke of Newcastle to settle a debt or as a gift? Or, alternatively, were they a distinct breed developed from others to make a dog for a specific purpose in the field?”

The display is based on the research Barbara Weston undertook prior to giving a talk to a National Trust supporters group recently; hopefully visitors will find it interesting and possibly thought provoking.  The National Trust at Clumber Park is promoting the links between the breed and the Park, and ‘Walking with Clumbers’ has been assisting with some of their projects.  

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

29^th May 2023

Two for the price of one this week, results wise.

SKC was a day to remember for all the right reasons - if for one exhibitor a rather expensive one, but I am sure he did not mind. Jill Peak was our judge for the day and she found her DCC and BOB in Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist, Bruin, who then went on to win the Gundog Group under Christine Morgan. I understand that finding a hotel to stay in was a problem due to a Beyoncé concert being held - so off he trotted home to return on the Sunday for Best in Show which of course he won under Paul Harding. I dread to think of how many miles Lee will have travelled and how much fuel he had to buy. On the down side, I understand Bruin had a little nibble of something he shouldn’t on his journey, but I am sure Lee will forgive him. Keeping up a family thread, the Reserve DCC went to Bruin’s cousin Maursett Mordecai at Rocabec, (Elvis) owned by Peter and Julie Cumming (his mum and Bruin’s mum are litter sisters). We were already over the moon, but it got even better as yet another relation of Bruin’s, his Auntie this time, Maursett Marnie gained her all-important third CC, making it 3 Sh Ch’s out of this litter. Res BCC was another Vanitonia, Secret Episode owned by the Crocker, Frost, Cahill partnership and handled by Lee. Best Puppy was yet another Maursett, Meadie (Barney) owned by George and Lorna Brown and handled by daughter Lucy.

It was then a short break before we all headed south to Bath where Kath Kirkman judged us - the less said about the journey home the better, though it was worth it. Sh Ch Maursett Malachie at Molvonia,  owned by Paul and Sue Whitehouse, took the DCC and BOB and was shortlisted in the group by Colin Woodward. Res DCC went to Linda Thorogood with Anbrook Don’t Stop me Now at Harrifeld.  In the bitches it was a Maursett day again, the newly crowned Sh Ch Maursett Marnie kept her brother company claiming her 4^th CC, with Maursett Masikean, ably handled in the challenge by Lucy Wareham, keeping up with her brother Elvis, getting the Res BCC. Best puppy was the recently imported Clumbraise Your Song owned by Mr amd Mrs Lovell - sorry I forgot to ask for your fore names.

Marnie decided to finish off the week in style by gaining the BOB at North Riding Gundog Club judged by Jennifer Millard and then going Reserve Best in Show under Tracey Hayes.

Just a word to those who discount the smallest puppies in a litter, do not automatically disregard them - if the puppy is the best as far as conformation and breed type is concerned, keep it. Marnie and her dad Mathos were both ‘tiddlers’ in their respective litters, possibly one of the reasons I bonded with them as I continually kept moving them on to the biggest teat. As the saying goes, size does not matter. On that note, I will be not be mentioning the present given to daughter Hannah at Bath by Lauren Wilson and Rachel Wareham!

We now have a breather till Three Counties where we are second in ring 1 after sixty German Shorthaired Pointer making eighty entries, who are in at 9am.

The results of the vote for committee are out and the club welcomes new committee members Paul Whitehouse, Michelle Dawson and Sandra Garrat who join Peter Sheppard for atwo year stint with Nigel Bryant serving for one year. Sara Kirkman, James Taylor and Sue Boden are still in situ for another year. All the officers stand as they were either not up for re-election or stood unopposed. The full list will be on the club website. It is sad that only 101voting papers were returned and four of those were spoilt.

I end with the sad news that Wilf Steele has died. His wife Cath awarded CCs in Clumbers and they had their girl Sula at the same time we had our first boy Claude some 40 years ago. Although Wilf did not show much, he was a well-known face stewarding at so many Open and Championship shows in the North of England. The funeral will be om Monday 5^th June at Durham Crematorium at 2.30.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

19^th May 2023

Apologies for the lack of notes but we have been having a rather stressful time with a family member being hospitalised and then of course my birthday.

Many thanks to everyone for their best wishes, cards and presents for my birthday. I had a great weekend going to Wembley to watch the play-off between Notts County and Chesterfield from row 4 in the Royal Box. We were served a very nice meal prior to the match and I was suitably embarrassed when the Master of Ceremonies told everyone that it was my birthday and I was serenaded by all singing “Happy Birthday”. On the down side, we were in a different car park this time and it took 2 hours to get onto the M1 and in total over 6 hours to get home. We were entered at Border Counties Gundog the next day, but needless to say we did not make it. We were supposed to be picking up my birthday cake from Lucy Brown at the show, but they unfortunately could not go either as their boy Barney had been stung. I am so grateful to Lucy for bringing the cake down to the services near Carlisle and to her sister Claire for a beautiful portrait of Mathos which was a complete surprise. Mathos has now been immortalised twice - anyone would think he has a special place in my heart!

At Birmingham National, Penny Williams awarded Paul and Susanne Whitehouse the CC and Best of Breed with Sh Ch Maursett Malachie at Molvonia.  The Reserve DCC went to Mary Hanney’s Maursett Moruig; it it was the first time Mary had handled Walter herself, so she was over the moon. In the bitches, it was Paul and Hilda Monaghan’s Sh Ch Tweedsmuir She’s so Sheek that took the Bitch CC with Tom and Jackie Pickering’s Wymeswold Verdejo at Greencourt taking the Reserve BCC. Best Puppy and Best Special Beginner’s was Tedoskibby Time is Right owned by Peter and Sian Morris. Last but not least, Best Veteran was Winhampton Oops a Daisy owned by Sue and Lauren Wilson. We all had a great time with lots of goodies to eat and plenty to drink celebrating the Coronation. The cake made by Lucy Brown was fantastic. A big thank you to Lorna Brown for paying for the table, even though the Goldie exhibitors tried to pinch it for their party (it did have our name on it). It was rather disappointing that this celebration had to be funded by exhibitors as I understand that the CSC had been contacted by Birmingham National, but did not organise it or arrange for the club to pay for the table.

At SKC, we are second in ring 5 after 25 Deerhounds making 32 entries.  Judging starts at 9am, so it will be an early start for some of us.                                              

Bath has drawn an entry of 9 dogs making 10 entries and 13 bitches making 14 entries for Kath Kirkman.  We are first in ring 24 at 9am, so an even earlier start.

All members should have received voting papers for committee members and these are due in by Monday 22^nd May 2023.

Peter Sheppard sent me an email to say that Monika Heim won ‘Hernia Henry’ with Elaine Oliver coming second and entitled to a cut price Henry. However, the sad news is that the model passed away on 11^th May, but he does live on in his progeny and 20 life size models. Meanwhile, Raffle tickets in support of Clumberfest are now on sale with lots of fabulous prizes to be won - you can contact Peter at peter@clumberfest.org or through Facebook messenger.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

5^th May 2023

Another month gone and into my favourite month of the year, everything is turning a bright vivid green and the countryside looks so new and fresh. The garden has sprung into life and everything is growing like wild fire, unfortunately that includes the weeds! On the down side, I get to be another year older.

I hear it was a tad damp at WELKS and that the judging had to be done inside due to the soggy ground. It was yet another great day out for Paul and Susanne Whitehouse, with Maursett Muttley gaining his first CC and Best of Breed ably handled by Lucy Wareham as Paul’s back had let him down, Lucy has turned into a really good young handler.  Muttley’s kennel mate, Sh Ch Maursett Malachie at Molvonia, had to make do with the Reserve DCC today. In the bitches, it was Paul and Hilda Monaghan’s Sh Ch Tweedsmuir She’s so Sheek that took the Bitch CC with Dave and Sue Boden’s Suelynda Kreme Della Kreme the Reserve BCC. Best Puppy was Kirsty Baird’s Etheridge Penarth. Best Veteran was Peter and Jackie Sheppard’s Whissgig Daddy Kool.

On to Birmingham, where we are second in ring 21 in the main hall (after 91 Duck Tollers) making an entry of 113; judging starts at 9am so it will be late morning I guess before we are in. Don’t forget to bring stuff for our party, it is under the pretence of the coronation, but is also the start of my week of celebrating a special birthday the following weekend!

The SKC entry is just out - 15 dogs making 16 entries.

The devil child aka Maursett Masikean (Gertie) excelled herself last weekend, Tony is awaiting delivery of his replacement AirPods. He received no sympathy (of course) from me as he should not have left them on the coffee table next to him where she could very niftily swipe them from under his nose. She finished the weekend off by destroying two pencils and a pen. Apparently, it is my fault as her namesake was a fallen angel, albeit spelled slightly differently.

The schedule for the Clumber Spaniel Club Championship Show in October is out and is on Higham Press this time. All members should receive a schedule and the voting papers for committee have been sent out too -  if you have not received yours do contact the secretary, Eunice King.

I see our judge for Crufts 2026 has been announced as Patsy Hollings. She last gave CCs in our breed earlier this year at Manchester.

A quick reminder from Peter Sheppard regarding the annual Hernia Henry Raffle in support of Clumberfest. Ticket sales will cease this coming Monday 8^th May at noon - full details can be found on www.clumberfest.com

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor 

20th April 2023

It was a great day out for Paul and Susanne Whitehouse at United Spaniel with Sh Ch Maursett Malachie at Molvonia, who went Best of Breed under Eleanor Bryant and then Best in Show under Colin Woodward. Congratulations.

On to Birmingham, where Penny Williams has drawn an entry of 24 dogs making 26 entries - no details on ring order as yet.
I know that as a rule Clumbers do not suffer from bloat, but I thought the following may be of interest. A friend of mine in another breed recently lost a dog to bloat and was given this advice by a veterinary nurse - a dose of Infacol that is used for babies to help when they have wind, is recommended. Although not licensed for dogs, Infacol is harmless to them and in an emergency should certainly help so it may be wise to keep a bottle should you have a breed that suffers with bloat.

Our daughter Hannah along, with grandsons Sam and Ben, are once again running the Race For Life in Aid of Cancer Research in June. Hannah’s brother-in-law Stephen lost his battle with cancer last year and of course I have had my own issues with it. Do feel free to donate to this worthy cause, they are running with a number of other relatives of Stephen’s under the banner Stephen’s Warriors.

The first show for Native Vulnerable Breeds is being held at The K C Buildings at Stoneleigh on 18th June. There are four Clumber classes being judged by Ian Dawson (Beskerby).

Now, tongue in cheek, here is the joke of the week. A Clumber exhibitor gets the hip score for her bitch of 4 -7 =11; the BVA recommend she is bred to a dog with a low score as her hips are above the breed median of 10 (sic). Not sure how they can realistically claim the median score is 10 when only a small minority of Clumbers bred are scored by the BVA so it is only a median of the scores they have actually done themselves. There are also people who will look at the x-ray and if they think that they are poor do not bother to send them in, skewing the figures even further. Many now use the Australian scheme for scoring and these do not get included either. I would be most pleased with a score of 11.

On to Clumber Spaniel Club affairs. It is our turn to host the International Seminar next year which will be run on the weekend of the Championship Show in October. I understand a sub-committee has been set up to organise it, but if you have any suggestions for a venue, it must be able to accommodate dogs in bedrooms, an indoor room big enough to hold the show and preferably an outside area should the weather be fine. Do get in touch with the Secretary if you have any suggestions. I hope the sub-committee also bear in mind we have seven lots of exhibitors in Scotland that are showing regularly and it would be nice if once in a while the show was held further north. We were at Crick back in 2014 and it seemed a good place, but a little too far south for many of us. I would imagine somewhere near to an airport would be a plus for the ease of our foreign visitors.

I know there was a committee meeting last weekend, but have not heard any news about what was discussed or decided, as yet.

Do keep the news coming in.


Maureen Taylor
 

13th April 2023

Having had a steroid injection into my wrist last week, I am at long last able to have the use of both hands pain free. So, no excuse from now not to type up my Breed Notes.

First to the Clumber Spaniel Club’s open show. Although entered, we did not make it due to Tony having a fractured wrist and me injuring my wrist even more by simply opening a window (it’s amazing how the simplest of tasks can become quite so painful). Unfortunately, that meant that neither of us could drive. Tony now has had his pot removed from hand and arm, but it appears that - like me - he has injured tendons in his wrist so is sporting a brace.

Best in Show under Judge Jane Eyeington was Sh Ch Maursett Malachie at Molvonia, owned by Paul and Sue Whitehouse with Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist Reserve Best in Show. Best Bitch and Best Opposite Sex was Sh Ch Tweedsmuir She’s So Sheek, owned by Paul and Hilda Monaghan, with Lynn Guy’s Suelynda Kith and Kin Among Jahanghir going Best Puppy.

I understand that the AGM was a lively affair (nothing new there, lol). Results of the voting for committee were classed as void as members had been asked to vote for four candidates, when it should have been five. New voting papers will be sent out in due course.

I also understand that a letter was read out regarding the Working Clumber Spaniel Society asking the Kennel Club for the standard to be changed so that their dogs would stand more chance when competing at shows. As the Clumber Spaniel Club is the main club, it’s members would have to agree to this, and I understand that talks with the WCSS will now take place. My view is firmly that breeders should breed to comply with the breed standard, and not change the breed standard to comply with their dogs!

Now let us have a lesson in history and what breeders and judges are required by the Kennel Club to do. Many years ago, spaniels were bred for different functions. The Clumber was bred as the heaviest land spaniel, capable of going into heavy cover to flush and retrieve birds; Springers and Cockers were more popular and have remained so as they were faster. Fast forward a century and some decided that Clumbers could not compete with the Springers and Cockers on an even keel, so they started to breed them smaller and lighter but which many argue were not fit to do the job that they were originally bred for.

Those who suggest that Clumbers in the past were smaller and lighter should read The Sporting Spaniel by C.A. Phillips and R. Claude Cane (published in 1927) - the breed standard is produced in this book and the difference in weight between the standard then and the current one is a mere five pounds more now - two bags of sugar! It is a very interesting read and back then Clumbers were not just worked, but competed in Field Trials and were shown - no separate type, all the same dogs. To this day, the so called ‘show Clumbers’ can work (we worked ours until our age got in the way and we had to give up).

As a judge, you must put the dogs in order as to how near to the breed standard they conform, never fault judging. Breeders have a blueprint by way of the breed standard and should strive to comply with it. Those who want a faster, lighter Spaniel should consider getting one of the other spaniel breeds that were bred for that type of work. I do hope and trust that the Clumber Spaniel Club – as the main breed club – will take this challenge extremely seriously and defend the integrity of our breed.

On to less controversial matters. Birmingham National is celebrating the Coronation and inviting breeds to have bench parties. Well, any excuse for a knees up! I know the Bodens have a party at every show so I am sure they will allow us to gate crash and join in. Lucy Brown, whose parents have one of our latest hooligans, has offered to make a cake – you really should see some of her creations as they are absolutely sensational. Hannah has offered to get some bunting and we will bring some non-alcoholic fizzy stuff along with some small cakes. So, if we all take some bits, we can have a nice get together after judging.
Do keep the news coming in.


Maureen Taylor

 

11th February 2023

Well, whether you love it or hate it, that’s it over with for another year. It was a good job Clumbers were second in the ring as many of us had a longer journey than usual and I understand there was an hours queue to get into the car park. We ended up taking the “scenic route”, leaving the M42 and coming into the NEC the back way, thus avoiding the car park queue.

So, onto some statistics. Out of 58 dogs, entered 35 were UK bred and 23 were either bred in Europe or imported from Europe. Out of these, 6 UK dogs won classes and 7 European dogs won classes. The BOB, both sets of CCs and Res CCs went to European dogs, with UK dogs winning Best Puppy and Best Veteran.

The DCC and BOB was Maja Bubalo’s Hrothgar’s Hop Skip’ N’ Jump with his litter sister Hrothgar’s Hit the Dance Floor picking up the Res Bitch CC. Both were bred by Maja by Int Ch Sempre Felicita Bimbiks Amigo out of Int Ch Libell’s Pleiades Asterope. Res DCC was Lana Levai’s Big Booms Jocker Donkey, with his kennel mate Big Booms Viking Bo gaining the Bitch CC (both bred by Lana). Jocker Donkey is by Multi Ch Belcrum Billy The Kid out of Multi Ch Chervood’s Snowsun and Bo is by DK Ch Flamris Snow Silver King out of Int Ch/HR Ch Big Booms Incredible Boomy. Best Puppy was our own wild child Maursett Masikean, who is by Sh Ch Maursett Mathos JW out of Sh Ch Maursett Mercy and best Veteran was awarded to Izzie and Julia Hirst’s Sh Ch Creeaark Artreyu who was bred by Izzie and Julia.  He is by Swe Ch Sugar Loaf Tivoli out of Sealumber Take a Chance on Me - I understand that this was his and his sisters swan song as they are 10 this year so will be retired.

There was a great atmosphere ringside, and our little darling Marnie caused great amusement by becoming a chicken thief! Marnie was sitting on my chair whilst I was in the ring with Gertie, when Ruth, who has Gertie’s sister Marcie    walked past her and Marnie lifted a bag of chicken tit bits out of Ruth’s back pocket without Ruth or Hannah (who was supposed to be keeping an eye on her) realised! The laughter - and someone pointing out what had happened - alerted Hannah and the battle to stop Marnie swallowing the plastic bag with the chicken began.  Needless to say, Marnie had demolished the chicken and looked quite satisfied with herself.

Looking at the results over recent years, one Kennel name stands out - Big Booms.  Lana has certainly had a good run over the last 11 years, starting off in 2012 with Multi Ch Chervood’s Snowsun getting the BCC (no BOB was awarded that year, the year of the dreaded vet check). The following year I awarded Banditos Dex the DCC and BOB, which was repeated in 2016. 2018 and 2019 saw Jocker Donkey get the DCC and BOB followed by the Res CC’s in 2020 and 2023. In 2022, it was Incredible Boomy’s turn for the BCC and her daughter Bo this year getting the BCC. Quite an impressive record!

The other half, Tony, was not able to attend Crufts this year due to work commitments.  However, he did manage to become a casualty of the cold weather and slipped in the dog run.  He had the audacity to blame my darling cherub Mathos (Sh Ch Maursett Mathos JW) for tripping him up, which of course could never happen as Mathos does walk on water.  Tony, meanwhile, is now sporting a brace on his fractured right wrist which matches my brace on my left wrist.  Naturally, his is far more painful than mine has ever been as he is now frequently reminding me.

We now have a year to recover before Ian Layfield takes to the green carpet.

Looking at Clumber Spaniel Club affairs, the paperwork for the 2023 AGM has been distributed, unfortunately both ours and daughter Hannah’s had a number of pages missing. Can I suggest everyone check what paperwork they have received - you should have 2022 Accounts, 2022 AGM minutes, Agenda and propositions for 2023 AGM, List of who is standing for what position and resumes of those standing for committee, along with the voting papers for committee. If you think any parts are missing, do contact Eunice King, Acting Secretary of the Clumber Spaniel Club.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

31^st January 2023

I was reading the breed notes in Our Dogs and noticed Ian Layfield commenting on when if ever litter brother and sister had done the double whilst still in Puppy. It set me to thinking about Clumber siblings doing the double. Our Sh Ch Maursett Mathos JW and his sister Sh Ch Maursett Mycate at Kiswahili, owned by Royston Walkling did the double and gained their crowns at 1 year and 1 week under Ian at South Wales Kennel Association in 2018. Following it up with a repeat just days later at Gundog Society of Wales under Jackie Ward.

In 2021, Dave and Sue Boden and Paul and Hilda Monaghan both got the CCs with Sh Ch Tweedsmuir Just Cruzin Among Suelynda and his sister Sh Sh Tweedsmuir Just a Dream under Daphne Bailey. I would imagine that somewhere along the line there were other Tweedsmuir siblings that did the double. The last double was at East of England 2022 under Eunice King, when she awarded the Dog CC to Sh Ch Maursett Mallachie at Molvonia belonging to Paul and Sue Whitehouse, thus making him up and the Bitch CC to his sister our Maursett Marnie. Prior to these, I think the last ones I can remember were Lee Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia U Bet I Am and Sh Ch Vanitonia Wot A Liberty.

We took a ride to Border Counties Gundog last weekend and we were delighted when Maursett Masikean took Best Puppy and Best of Breed at only 10 months old, under Nicola Calvert. Claire Nixon also had a good day with Stonilea Williams Charm, who won Vulnerable Breeds Graduate and was then awarded Best Vulnerable Breed by judge Irene Glen.   

Nominations for the Clumber Spaniel Club AGM are closing tomorrow (1^st February) so anyone wishing to submit nominations or propositions needs to get these in sharpish to meet the deadline.     

Meanwhile, Eunice King (Acting Secretary of the Clumber Spaniel Club) has asked me to remind everyone about the Breed Appreciation Day on Sunday 19^th February 2023. There are a few places left and we do need more people in the breed to move up the judging ladder. Do get in touch with Eunice if you are interested.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

25^th January 2023

It was a cold and foggy ride down to Manchester for the first set of CCs for our breed. Patsy Hollings had a good entry and only three absentees. It was a great day for Lee Cox’s Vanitonia Kennel with both CCs coming from the Puppy classes, DCC - a first for both Vanitonia Rio Sonora to Bebecova and owner Ricky Furnell, with litter sister Vanitonia Secret Episode (owned by the Crocker, Frost Cahill partnership) not only gaining the BCC (again her first), but also Best of Breed, Best Puppy and winning the Gundog Puppy Group under Jeff Horswell. Reserve CCs went to Paul and Sue Whitehouse with Sh Ch Maursett Mallachie at Molvonia in dogs, along with Paul and Hilda Monaghan’s Sh Ch Tweedsmuir She so Sheek in the bitches. Best Veteran was Sue and Lauren Wilson’s Winhampton Oops a Daisy and Best Special Beginners went to Claire Nixon with Stonielea Williams Charm.

I am sure Claire doing well with a youngster bred by Gerry and Lyndsey Steele would have cheered Lyndsey up as she has been very ill in hospital for over a week now. I am sure like me you wish her a speedy recovery.

We took Pearl (Maursett Madrigal) - or hooligan mark 2 as she is probably better known - to the show to give her some socialisation and she enjoyed her day out.  £15 well spent and one less for Tony to have to run around after at home. Meanwhile, hooligan mark 1(Gertie – Maursett Masikean) has a new trick. It seems it is great fun to divest Tony of his socks, not just while he is sitting, but especially when he is walking! I think she is trying to kill him, as I have no idea how he does not fall over. Gertie, of course, thinks a hoot, wagging her tail and woo wooing. If these two puppies make it to their birthday it will be a miracle.

Crufts has extended its closing date until tomorrow (26^th January 2023).  This is something I cannot recollect the Crufts Committee doing before, so if you have not yet got round to entering you need to get a move on!

It will be a low news time between now and Crufts so any big wins at Open Shows will be welcome news to fill in some space.

We are now looking forward to some Open shows with Pearl making her debut in March, plus two weekends away with football related events, one being the League Cup Final at Wembley where we will be in with the great and good in the posh seats.

Right off to do some gardening seeing as it is fine and not too cold. I need to get some leaves moved so the Snowdrops can be seen in all their glory.

Do keep the news coming in.

Maureen Taylor

10th January 2023

Happy New Year everyone.

I have had an email from Clumber Club Acting Secretary Eunice King to say that they are holding a Breed Assessment Day on Sunday 19th February at Leamington Hastings Parish Hall, Hill, Rugby CV23 8DX. Full details can be got from Eunice and they are also on the club’s website.

It was sad to hear that East of England Championship Show would be holding it’s last show this year - it was, of course, one of the shows to loose challenge certificates for our breed next year.

Boston Championship Show will be taking over East of England’s date and venue, but we will not have CCs there (I confirmed this with the secretary of Boston last Friday). Three Counties is another show to lose CCs next year so we will have a big gap between end of May - Bath, and Leeds at the end of July, with only 1 Championship show, Windsor in between. The third show to lose CCs is Gundog Society of Wales.

There were no CCs for Clumbers at Boston, but three adults and three puppies turned up for judge Sue Margerison. Best Dog was Linda Thorogood’s Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now at Harrifield and Reserve Best Dog was Lynn Guy’s Puppy Suelynda Kith and Kin Among Jahanghir. Best Bitch and Best of Breed was Paul and Hilda Monaghan’s Sh Ch Tweedsmuir She’s so Sheek, with Reserve Best Bitch and Best Puppy going to our own Maursett Masikean.

The schedule for the Clumber Club Open Show is now online with Arena Print and do not forget our AGM will be held afterwards so get any propositions in to the Acting Secretary. I was just looking at the judging lists and it is dire that we have hardly any people on the B list that are breed specialists. The C list also comprises of a huge majority of all-rounders.

I have already made note of how few breed specialists are awarding CCs this year and it will only get worse unless some breed people are fast tracked up the lists.

Patsy Hollings has drawn a great entry at Manchester of 36 dogs making 39 entries. We are second in ring 13 in Bingley Hall. That must a first as we are normally tucked away in a corner. Judging starts at 9am with 58 Welsh Springers in before us. I note that nearly 100 Weimaraners are in after us, that’s a big number of dogs for one ring!

I understand that there are three litters on the go at present so hopefully some new puppies will be in the ring later this year. On the downside, a litter of so called Clumberpoo puppies (an unfortunate name!) are advertised on Pets4homes -only £1200 for a puppy from parents with no health tests!

Do keep the news coming in.


Maureen Taylor