IT IS my sad duty to write of the death of one of my oldest friends in the breed, Miss Innes Stirling of the Ashwell Cocker Spaniels, who passed away on May 27th at the age of 82 after a long illness.

I first met Innes when she lived with her mother at Ascot but when on her own she moved to Stanford Dingley near Newbury.

Innes bred some good Cockers and was a regular exhibitor at shows both before and after the Second World War. Ashwell Merchant was one of her best known dogs. She was also a respected judge of the breed.

From childhood Innes was never without a Cocker and had two as companions up until her last illness. I think Innes was the longest serving member of the Cocker Spaniel Club, having become a member in 1932 at the age of twelve; a few years ago she was so delighted to have been made a Life Member.

Innes was also an active steward and was a familiar figure at many shows in the Home Counties particularly Windsor Dog Show at which she stewarded for many years.

The funeral will be held at Stamford Dingley Church on Wednesday June 16th at 12 noon. All are welcome but family flowers only.

Peggy Grayson