Sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition

THE SPORTS Connexion at Ryton-on-Dunsmore near Coventry was a veritable hub of activity on November 11, with three independent breed club shows taking place in the two main halls. It was Brian Pocock, judging dogs and Jo Freer officiating for bitches, who took the centre of the ring for the Basset Hound Club’s thirty class Championship Show, attracting 134 entries.

It was a thoroughly pleasant show, with plenty of interest around the rings. The breed stalls had some high quality items for sale, and it was good to see Dave Money and the Albany Basset Supporters in attendance. Familiar to many show-enthusiasts outside the breed for its memorable appearances at the Hound Club Show, this is the official pack of the Basset Hound Club, and was formed in the early 1950s.

Rebecca Ellrich won Best Junior Handler under judge Ted Connor.

But there was also an air of sadness as May Bews, a highly popular former Treasurer of the Basset Hound Club for nineteen years, is ill in hospital, and a card was circulated for people to convey their good wishes. May, now 83 years old, owned her first Basset Hound in 1960, but her most famous was Ch Brackenacre Fino de Paris, bred by Jim and Marianne Nixon, and the winner of 14 CCs, with BOB at Crufts in 1973 and 1974. Indeed May’s PBGV, Ch Kasani Jouufflu, bred by Sylvia Probert, was also a CC winner at Crufts and had the distinction of taking BIS at the very first PBGV Club’s Championship Show. May retired as Treasurer in 1994, but she is still very much in people’s thoughts and everyone would like to send her their greetings.

Reserve DCC Winner was Ch Siouxline Joshua.

Jim Nixon, who is in close contact with May, was Referee at this Show, but was not called upon at all as the two judges were unanimous in their decisions for the awards at the close of day.

Best in Show went to Miss A Harvey’s Marabis Poetic Justice, winner of the Junior Bitch class and the BCC. Reserve BIS also went to a bitch, the Reserve BCC winner, Ch Islwyn Gwendolyn, owned by Mr & Mrs J Roberts. From the Dogs it was Mrs P Conner’s Ch Barrenger Gulliver Travels who took the DCC, with Ch Siouxline Joshua in Reserve.

Reserve Best Puppy in Show was Balmacara Trumpeter.

Ms L and Mr M Ness had a highly successful day, both with an ‘oldie’ and with a youngster, as they took Best Veteran in Show with nine year old Ch Viness Vinell Just William and Best Puppy in Show with his daughter, Viness Vinell Mocha. Reserve BPIS was Mrs Meredith’s Balmacara Trumpeter.

Judges, Jo Freer and Brian Pocock selected Ch Viness Vinell Just William
as Best Veteran in Show, with them is Chairman Michael Errey.

Officers and Committee of the Basset Hound Club.

Co-judges, Jo Freer and Brian Pocock awarded BIS to Marabis Poetic Justice,
with the RBCC Winner taking RBIS, Ch Islwyn Gwendolyn.

The BCC winner (with BIS) was Marabis Poetic Justice & the DCC winner (with BOS) was Ch Barrenger Gulliver Travels. They are pictured here with Show Manager Ann Holdsworth and Chairman, Michael Errey.

Best Puppy in Show was Viness Vinell Mocha pictured here with judges and Hon Secretary Mrs J Scott.