PUDSEY
& DISTRICT Ringcraft Club’s ‘Eukanuba Golden
Oldie Competition’ may not have all the glitz of some
of the ‘Top’ events that take place throughout the
year, but it is certainly unique and well supported by more
than 20 clubs who each nominate their own ‘Golden Oldie’
to participate, writes Sally Pointon.
This was the sixth anniversary of the competition, held at
the Venerable Bede Church Hall on Saturday evening April 20,
and, with a bar and delicious homemade food (especially the
puddings) to look forward to as well, the hall was packed
with grass roots exhibitors who were determined to enjoy themselves.
Peter Broadbent, ringcraft co-ordinator for the club, compered
the evening, describing it as a “dog person’s event”
and a “good night out”, which it certainly proved
to be!
The blue-carpeted ring, surrounded by tables and chairs for
the spectators and a ‘top table’ for the judge,
sponsors and officials, dominated the hall, giving ample room
for the 22 competitors to show off their paces. The judge,
Pat Gaved, had travelled all the way from Guernsey for the
event, I believe at her own expense, accompanied by the show
secretary of the Guernsey DC, Joss Renouf.
Once everyone had arrived, Peter introduced the exhibits as
they entered the ring on their lap of honour, all receiving
plenty of support from the ringside. The dogs were judged
on a match basis, but the winners of each round were kept
a secret until all the dogs had been assessed. This just added
to the excitement for the handlers and spectators and once
all 11 pairs had been put through their paces Peter announced
the finalists before they all assembled back in the ring for
the final run-off.
Delighted
The
winner was Roger ‘Dick’ and Alison Dawson’s
popular English Springer Spaniel bitch, Gundrifs Little Gem,
who is seven years old. Lightly shown as a puppy, she was
representing Keighley & District CA as they were unable
to qualify at their usual club, Harrogate CS. Roger was absolutely
delighted with this win and seemed quite overcome by all the
excitement. He had a very good evening as he also received
an award from secretary/treasurer Christine Cooper for services
to dogdom.
Runner-up was Carol and Donna Wiltshire’s Border Collie
bitch, Wizaland Newz Maker, representing Harrogate, who will
be 12 in June; and the best dog from the first round was Ellwood
and Harper’s 91/2-year-old Pembroke Corgi dog, Ellhar’s
Gallant, representing Beverley CS.
The oldest competitor was Mr and Mrs Brierley’s Rhodesian
Ridgeback bitch, Maneridge Malinda, who was 12 in January,
representing the Midlands & Northern Rhodesian Ridgeback
Club, who Peter told us he had judged at his first appointment!
The winners received some lovely prizes from Barry Medforth
of Rabart Fine Arts, with trophies sponsored by Leeds championship
show committee. There were products too, with OUR DOGS ‘Goodie
Bags’ and bags of Eukanuba for every competitor.
A thoroughly enjoyable, down-to-earth night out which will,
no doubt, be the theme for the Rabart Superpup 2002 competition,
which takes place at the same venue on Saturday October 19.
For more details of these competitions, and/or the club’s
training nights, you can contact Christine on 0113-257 8358
or Peter on 0113-239 4510.
