What a shock I received when I answered the phone on Saturday 5th January to be told of the death of a very good friend, Roy Harrison. I had known Roy for nearly 50 years, a man dedicated to the world of dogs. Awarding CCs in most of the gundog breeds, also judging the group, I think Roy was so excited to be asked to judge the Gundog Group at Crufts; it was one of the greatest thrills of his life.

The Fiveacre kennel was made famous with the help of his wife Mavis who was a tower of strength to Roy. Fiveacres Music Man, Prima Donna and Chantelle are but a few of the super pointers to come from this kennel. Cocker Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, English Setters and Irish Setters were also bred and shown.

I think it was in 1966 when Roy was elected onto the committee of The Pointer Club, a very great honour in the early days. He became Secretary in 1971, then in 1988 after 22 years of dedication he decided to retire.

The Gundog Group has lost a very knowledgeable judge. It will be strange not to see Roy sitting at the ringside talking to one and all.

To his family I extend The Pointer Club’s sympathy and also mine. Roy is a friend who will be greatly missed.

Bernard Child (Kirkabbey) President - The Pointer Club

The end of an era

IT WAS with great sadness I learned of the death of Roy.

I had known both Roy and Mavis from the mid sixties, Mavis died in February 1986, by this time they were in the process of establishing one of the top Pointer kennels the “Fiveacres”. Previous to this they English Setters and Cocker Spaniels also Welsh Springer Spaniels at a later date.

Roy was more interested in the show Pointers of this time and used stud dogs of the “Pennine type, breeding his bitches to dogs from the late Bill Parkinson’s kennel ‘Davium’, winning almost 50 CCs between them.

Roy was also a Championship Show Judge both in this country and abroad, judging gundog groups from 1987 and culminating with Gundogs at Crufts.

Roy was a committee member of the Pointer Club from 1966 -1988, Hon Secretary from 1971- 1972 also an honorary life member. Although not in the best of health latterly he always attended The Pointer Club shows and Setter & Pointer Championship Show if possible.

I know everyone who knew Roy would wish to extend sympathy to his family at this sad time.

Malcolm Leslie (Stonebridgelees)