Ann
Gray (Kindu Basenjis)
Ann Gray was born in Beeston, England in 1943 and emigrated
to Australia with her parents at the age of six and grew up
in a small town in South Australia where she developed her
love for dogs and horses. Her two children Bronwyn and Christopher
were born there and in 1974 the family moved to Pudsey for
a two year working holiday that stretched to almost 30 years!
Her love of Basenjis stemmed from watching that famous film
"Goodbye My Lady" which seemed to get most of us
hooked around that time. She had her first Basenji in 1960
- a tricolour from John Eachus' Basbox kennel. His name was
Basbox Romulus (Ch Benedick of Littlebreach x Camelia of Basenlake).
Her 2nd Basenji was Acelee Bronze Idol (Ch Abadan Kamili Binamark
x Ch Myamba Mystic Idol).. These original dogs of course went
back to the Congo kennel so Ann knew what the originals looked
like and when she came to England and eventually started breeding
she wanted to keep that look. She came back to England with
her family and the Basenji (Lee) in 1974 that died at the
early age of seven years. Lee got out of the garden when she
was in season, got "caught" and consequently was
taken to the vet for "the" injection but unfortunately
contracted pyometra and died. Ann was so distraught that she
did not think about getting another Basenji for years after
that. She had a Rhodesian Ridgeback "Jorge" and
a Pharaoh Hound "Tura" when her children once again
saw the Basenjis at a dog show and persuaded her to get another
one.
Nice stock
She
bought a bitch - Bokoto Nile Firefly - from John and myself
in 1986 and had two litters from her. She was in partnership
at that time with Peter and Anita Broadbent and they shared
the kennel name "Kindu". Years later the partnership
split up and the name became hers solely. She had further
litters and her association with the Bredand kennel produced
some nice sound stock. The correct breeding of Basenjis meant
a great deal to Ann and if there were a conflict between winning
prizes and doing the right thing for the long-term interest
of the breed, then she would unhesitatingly choose the latter.
She was also generous with her time even though she had a
full time job, looking after the older members of her family.
She became a committee member on the Northern Basenji Club
in the late 80s - early 90s and was the Cup Steward until
her untimely death on 4th December 2002. She was a respected
and valuable member of the committee, working exceptionally
hard for the Club that had gone through a few rough times
and was completely loyal to its Secretary and her fellow committee
members. She had a bit of a fiery temper but a terrific sense
of humour and although surprisingly shy, she would not be
afraid of letting her views be known especially if it affected
her beloved breed.
As a token of their respect the committee members have decided
to set up the "Ann Gray Memorial Fund" - details
of how it is to be run will be discussed at the next NBS meeting.
She will be greatly missed not only by her children to whom
she was completely devoted but also by the many Basenji folk
that she came in contact with. One who really loved the Basenji
breed totally for its own sake.
She left five Basenjis who are in need of good, loving pet
homes where they can spend their last remaining years. If
anyone can give some of these Basenjis a home, please contact
either myself or the Secretary of the NBS.
God Bless you Ann and thank you for the memories we can all
share of you.
Irene Horner, Bokoto
Mrs Kay Baldwin
It
is with sadness that we report the death of Kay Baldwin of
Vailotest Cockers, for many years Secretary and then Chairman
of London Cocker Spaniel Society. The funeral is to take place
at Kensal Green Crematorium on Thursday 9 January at 1.30pm.
No flowers by request but donations can be made to NCDL or
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Further details can be obtained
from Funeral Directors J H Kenyon 020 7229 3810.
Jennifer Lloyd-Carey,
Chairman, LCSS
Dr
Nancy Laughton
DR
Nancy Laughton died on Christmas Day. She had been in failing
health for quite a while and would have been 96 on the 26th
Jan 03. The funeral will be for immediate family only.
An appreciation of her life will follow.
Denise Jury
