It was an honour to be invited to Judge the Southern Bichon Frise Breeders Association 3rd Championship Club Show. Restored to Championship status this year, the Officers and Committee had pulled out all the stops to ensure it would be a Show to remember, writes Eileen Spavin Harrison.

The Best in show line-up at the Southern Bichon Frise Breeders’ Association Championship Show.

All the planning and effort certainly paid dividends, the Show was a resounding success with a happy and relaxed atmosphere.

The venue at the village Cricket Club, Markyate, lends itself ideally to a summer Dog Show. The layout was well thought out, lots of space with a large, flower bedecked, level ring. Two marquees of an exceptional and futuristic design, made a delightful backdrop as well as providing wet weather accommodation and ample space for grooming tables and trolley.s The Judging table was thoughtfully placed under a Gazebo, keeping the dogs and the Judge out of the Sun.

The sponsorship for this show was truly incredible, winning exhibitors were literally laden with prizes. Particularly impressive was the beautiful crystal and framed prints of Bichons in place of rosettes.

Lunch was indeed a five star affair, with the most delicious food provided by Pauline Johns and served by her family, as Pauline was unfortunately too ill to attend on the day. Adding to the enjoyment was a background of light and relaxing music, provided by a young string quartet, of not inconsiderable talent; quite a unique innovation during a Dog Show lunch. Certainly Patron, Jackie Ransom, who was in attendance despite being far from well, seemed to enjoy the musical interlude.

Sparkling

I would like at this point to thank stewards Peter and Linda Upton, quite the most efficient, pleasant and cheerful I have worked with. Well deserving of the lovely gift of crystal presented at the close of proceedings. On a personal note, the generous hospitality of the Committee, the good humour of the exhibitors, well filled classes of quality Bichons, presented in absolute sparkling condition, combined to make my day a memorable one. Thank you.

Main winners were: Dog CC, BOB and BIS - Halliwell’s Roxara He Drives You Crazy. Res. Dog CC and Res. BIS - Lees’ Warmingham Crackshot. Bitch CC - Beeston’s Asilene Paperback Heroine, Res. Bitch CC Walklate’s Gigi Beach at Asheka. BPIS Shepherd’s Frenders Betwiched by Bibi. Best Veteran Holbrook O’Hara’s Ch. Appleacre Any Dream Will Do.