David Nicholson of the Sabinhay Beagles sadly passed away on 29th October after a brave fight against illness.

David had his first beagle as a teenager. He developed a wide interest in pedigrees and pedigree livestock and could capture anyone’s interest with his eloquent discussion of many subjects.

He was smitten by the breed and when he had finished his teacher training and was settled in the 70’s he started searching again for beagle breeders to start his kennel. His affix came from a farm nearby when he was a child and in 1981 he bred his first litter as Sabinhay Beagles.

He bred two champions; Sabinhay Woodlark was the first and he was very proud when she went on to produce his second champion Sabinhay Outlaw who won his first CC, BOB and the Hound group at SKC in 1991. Outlaw won five CCs in all.

David was also a believer that no good hound is a bad colour and with a shared interest with Sam and Martin Goldberg has shown mottle Beagles to advantage with S Sporran, a tri mottle, winning a CC and a RCC. A mottle bitch S Chaffinch exported to the USA has produced Am Ch Just Wright Confetti, the first mottle there for many years.

He gave CC’s in the breed and always drew a big entry with his fair and kind assessment of exhibitors’ dogs.

David was on the committee of the Northern and Midland Counties Beagle club for 21 years and was made a vice president last year in recognition of his service to the club. He was always a loyal and active member, showing great kindness to new exhibitors and making everyone feel welcome to the breed.

He will be sadly missed by all those who came into contact with this kind, gentle man.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday 9th November, to leave from the house (HD9 1UY) at 11.15. David will be buried at Saddleworth Cemetery, Saddleworth Moor at 12.00 noon. There will follow a celebration of his life at Holmfirth Methodist Church (HD9 2PR ) at 1.00pm

The request is for family flowers only please, donations if desired to be shared between NSPCC & Guide Dogs for the Blind. It would help arrangements if you could please call Marina 01226 390199 to indicate numbers to attend. Thank You.  

Samantha Goldberg and Marina Walker