THE CENTENARY show of the Cocker Spaniel Club promised to be a very special event and it lived up to all expectations. It was obvious how much hard work had been put in before the show and the officers and committee were busy all day helping to create a very special atmosphere.

The catalogue – which was more like a mini year book – included some relevant old photographs and a seemingly endless list of specials. Outstanding among these were the limited edition china plates, presented by the club, for all first prize winners. Collector’s items in the making!

With 219 dogs and 302 bitches entered a prompt start was made in both rings. The entry included exhibits from Belgium, France and Sweden; the spectators must have travelled from virtually every country where cockers are shown. Also watching keenly were some of the senior club members who no longer exhibit but who would never miss this show. One or two of the regulars were missing due to ill health, but were no doubt there in spirit – the good wishes of all will go to them.

During the lunch break both rings were combined for the stud dog, brood bitch and brace classes judged by the president, Mr Leslie Page. These classes produced a ringful of dogs and the judge must have been glad to have the services of the Rolls Royce of stewards in Maurice Chivers and Reg Pain to keep them in order. These were followed by a parade of over 30 champions accompanied by Andrew Brace’s commentary which told us all we needed to know and nothing we didn’t want to know!

The double ring was used again for the final decisions. From his line up of dogs, Mr Kane selected Mrs P Lester’s Sh Ch Quettadene Copper Glow as his winner, with the Telford’s Sh Ch Courtmaster Wardance reserve. Best dog puppy was Mrs J L Hooper’s Spendles Spinning Top. In bitches, Mrs Somerfield found a new one for top honours in Jones & Simmons’ Caefardre Caprice at Shenmore. Reserve was Mrs Lester’s Sh Ch Quettadene be Gracious and best bitch puppy was Mrs E Maclean’s Lynwater Dawn Flush.

With no need for the referee the judges made Copper Glow BIS with Caprice reserve and Dawn Flush best puppy. Best minor puppy was Mrs E Thomas’ Glenbrows Never Say Never at Claramand and best veteran for the second year running was Mrs B Bentley’s Sh Ch Canigou Cambrai.

The top winners then faced an enormous bank of photographers, all anxious to capture an historic moment for the club and for the breed.

The show finished a little late than planned and the dinner was slightly delayed – but does anyone get the chance to be part of more than one centenary show? We shall all be back, of course, for the show that marks the 101st year of the club. That will be another good one – the officers and committee will see to that.

John Cahill