Mrs
Doris Warren
The
world of Bullmastiffs has been saddened by the news that Doris
Warren, of the world famous Copperfield Bullmastiffs, died
suddenly on Wednesday 1st May.
Together with her husband Gerald, Doris was part of that great
post-war generation of breeders much revered by students of
the breed who study pedigrees and the history of the Bullmastiff.
Oldwell, Copperfield, Naukeen - these names in a pedigree
have always been synonymous with quality and careful selective
breeding.
Doris came from a dog owning and showing background but more
Cocker Spaniel than Bullmastiffs until she married Gerald
in 1966. What I appreciated so much about Doris was her unfailing
courtesy in answering questions, including very naïve
ones from novice people, and her willingness to share her
knowledge and expertise. She had a wonderful sense of humour
and fun and I shall always remember the times I spent with
her and Gerald being fed amazing meals and being regaled with
anecdotes from the past and present: all accompanied by gales
of laughter.
She knew and loved her Bullmastiffs but she was always aware
of their faults as well as their strong points, and this clear
knowledge made her advice all the more important. She and
Gerald did not always agree on smaller issues but on the essentials
they were rock solid.
Doris and Gerald were always very active with and supportive
of the Southern Bullmastiff Society and spent many years serving
on its committee. When they moved to the Midlands they renewed
closer links with the British Bullmastiff League but always
supported all the various breed clubs.
Doris was always a kind and loyal friend, very generous with
her time and help. When we unexpectedly lost our first Bullmastiff
Ch Copperfield Sampson we phoned to tell Doris and Gerald.
They immediately dropped everything and drove up to spend
the rest of that day with us - such a comfort. Doris was always
most particular about choosing owners for her puppies and
was delighted to have news from her babies, whether they entered
the show scene or remained private individuals.
In recent years Doris and Gerald were forced by ill health
to take a less active role in the Bullmastiff scene but their
enthusiasm and support for the breed remained undiminished.
They have been such a part of our shows, Doris sitting at
ringside when she was less mobile holding court with a steady
stream of friends and acquaintances beating a path to her
door, all anxious to hear her news and to exchange thoughts
on dogs past and present. Shows will not be the same without
her.
They were very proud of Bill’s continuing involvement
in the breed and delighted that Copperfield was still a name
to be reckoned with.
Our condolences go to Gerald, Bill and Harvey, we share with
them the loss of a dear friend.
Pamela Jeans-Brown
Molosser Bullmastiffs
Mrs Molly Owen
With
the death of Molly Owen in the early hours of Thursday morning
(May 9) the dachshund world has lost a great friend who always
had the welfare of her dogs to the fore, and who was a thoughtful
and considerate exhibitor.
Molly had for several years been the Secretary of the Dachshund
Club, where she soon showed herself to be hard working and
very conscientious person who had everything at her fingertips,
she will be a hard act to follow. I can always remember Molly
saying that when Abergele had been flooded and they had lost
everything that the dogs were safe, they were safe and it
was not the material things that mattered, it was all the
things one could not replace like one’s first prize card,
first CC and photographs. Molly could still smile after all
this.
Molly was for some time a kennel maid in Haslemere for Millicent
Howard, of the Searle affix, where she came in contact with
some top wire of the day. In the early seventies Molly and
Joe acquired their first wires from Hilary Griffiths and Elizabeth
Hoxey - Harris, these were two bitches Daxdale Dancing Maid
and Daxdale September Sound, the latter when mated to Ch Mordax
Music Master gave them their first champion, Ch Quitrutec
Friendly Persuasion.
The next champion was Quitrutec Fistful of Dollars who was
owned by Mandy Barker. Ch Quitrutec Homeward Bound was the
most influential, in that he was the sire of Ch Andlouis Black,
who is in so many of today’s pedigrees. He was also the
sire of the pup of the year qualifier Ch Lieblings Bound for
Fortune.
Molly and Joe have changed to mini longs, and from their first
litter, Quitrutec Half a Day at Lyndrlea owned by Lyn Brooks
has a CC and two reserves. Molly told me at the Great Joint
the change was because they were lighter to pick up and their
coats were kinder on arthritic fingers as they did not need
stripping. Let us hope that this one and the wire Quirtrutec
Such a Knight owned by Terry Edge who has two CCs and 4 RCCs
will gain their titles as a tribute to Molly.
Molly and Joe have four daughters and a son plus four grand
children, and to Joe and the rest of family we offer our sincere
condolences. The dachshund world is the poorer for Molly’s
passing.
Pamela J Poulter
Mrs
Rena Smithson
IT
IS with very deep sadness that we have to report the passing
of Mrs Rena Smithson, the President of the Trent to Tweed
Poodle Club.
Rena was a stalwart of the Club and loved her Poodles dearly.
50 years ago Rena, Chelmont Poodles, and our President, was
part of the formative meeting that took part in Idle, Bradford.
Other meetings followed, and on 24th September 1952 the Kennel
Club informed this organisation that they had been granted
the title of Trent to Tweed Poodle Club. The first show was
held in 1953 and Rena was the Vet Steward, and through hard
work, dedication and generosity the first Championship Show
soon followed in 1957.
Dog people never talk of ‘favourites’, but a special
place was in Rena’s heart for ‘Penny’ born
in 1951 and winner of many top awards. While Bull Terriers
and Chihuahuas also played a great part in her life, it is
the ‘Poodle’ for which she will be best remembered.
The family connection with the Club continues through Mrs
Moira Anderson who herself has been dedicated to the Poodle
for many years, in particular her well known white miniatures.
Rena will be much missed by the Club Officers and Committee,
as well as some of those dedicated Poodle lovers that remember
those glorious earlier years of our Club.
Trent to Tweed Poodle Club holds its 50th Anniversary Championship
Show on July 14th at the Heritage Centre, Elsecar, South Yorkshire.
It is expected to be a joyous and exciting show with the usual
atmosphere synonymous the TTTPC, but knowing that Rena is
no longer with us will cause some to reflect on the history
of the Club, and remember the famous Officers of this tremendous
Poodle Club.
Rena, you will be much missed by us all, we will always remember
you and our deepest heartfelt condolences go to Moira and
the rest of your devoted family.
Ralph Holmes
