It is with considerable sadness, yet tinged with a certain relief, that I have to write that Erica St Ledger passed away at 8am on Saturday 5 June; friends will remember that she had, for some time, been at the local Chalfont & Gerrards Cross Hospital, where she received the most sympathetic and unstinting care from their wonderful staff. I know this was a great comfort to her son Darren – who was himself able to be with his mother daily.

Erica had owned Irish Setters for over 30 years and from her first litter in 1980 produced Redfield Sunbird, with whom she won CC with BOB at GBAS, as well as other RCC’s; she also, more recently, won RCC’s with Cataluna Double Daisy at Redfield and Redfield Gucci. Erica was, for many years, Chair of the ISBC London & Home Counties Region, taking an active role in organising and staging the regional events.

Since the onset of her own illness, and following the unexpected illness and subsequent death of her husband, Peter, Erica’s remarkable fortitude in battling against her deteriorating health has been amazing; such an exceptionally brave lady, she will be genuinely missed by all who knew her. Sincere sympathies are extended to her family.

The funeral is at Amersham Crematorium, on Tuesday June 22 at 1.30pm. Donations in Erica’s memory may be made to "The Chalfont & Gerrards Cross Hospital League of Friends" c/o G Smith, 7 The Green, Wooburn Green, Bucks, HP10 0EE – or myself. Further details: Sandy Waterton (01252 873895)

(Erica’s dogs Chas, Mia and Brady remain in the care of Liz Rose, Barbara Fulford and myself)

Sandy Waterton