Adverts: 0161 709 4576 - Editorial: 0161 709 4571
Mail Order: 0161 709 4578 - Subs: 0161 709 4575 - Webteam: 0161 709 4567
Obituaries

Alice Hupka

It is with great sadness I report the death on Sunday 27th August of Alice Hupka in her 86th year. She had been battling illness for some time.

Alice, wife of the late Alphonse (Ali) Hupka was one of the founder members of The Northern Afghan Hound Society and a life long supporter of this club. Blackpool Championship show was also a favourite and in later life attended these as often as she could. Her last judging appointment was as referee at a NAHS Open Show when she was needed. At this show she met many old friends from the past who have sadly passed on.

Alice was a championship show judge of Afghans both here and abroad. Her other love was Greyhounds, having owned and shown a Seagift bitch called Beauty. One of the highlights of the show ring was winning BOB in 1971 at Crufts with Ch. Sherrendale Brandy owned in partnership with Mrs. Milligan. Other of their dogs that I knew were Datura, Sabu and Cherry and in their retirement a cute Lancashire Heeler.

Alice and Ali had owned a successful boarding house in Blackpool which had limited her from accepting a lot of judging appointments that came her way but I did drive her to many and was her ring steward. I found her very critical with a deep knowledge of the breed and with that elusive eye that could evaluate the good points.

Barbara and I first met them at the Northern shows and when we had our first litter we asked them to view them. So started a friendship which was to last for 40 years. A very good friend and a lovely lady.

Brian A Henry


Mrs Valerie Birkin

I was exceedingly sad to be told of the death of a very dear friend, Mrs Val Birkin of the Sansue Golden Retrievers.

Val died on Thursday 30th August, after a short illness, during which time she was happily able to campaign successfully a lovely young puppy. I am sure everyone will wish to join with me in sending their deepest sympathy to Sandra and Kevin, Susan and Mike and Andrew, and the rest of her family.

As well as a much respected and dedicated breeder, we have lost someone whose expertise and knowledge acquired over the past 45 years will be greatly missed. One of our most experienced and successful breeders, Val produced at least 20 Champions for herself and others, and many of her Sansue lines are carried in many different countries, and many Golden kennels are founded on Sansue lines.

Many of Val’s dogs and bitches were multiple CC winners and several of her stud dogs were very influential themselves - most famous of these was Ch..Sansue Golden Ruler, who was a multiple CC winner and sired many title-holders, as did her Ch.Gaineda Consolidator of Sansue and Ch.Sansue Camrose Phoenix. She also produced many beautiful bitch Champions over the years, and she was never without some contenders for top honours.

She was a most respected Championship show judge, and judged in many countries abroad as well as in U.K. She was a member of the Golden Retriever Club’s Committee for several years, and her presence on the Committee of the Midland Golden Retriever Club will be sadly missed, as she was always available to help in many capacities..

It is certainly a very sad time for all Val’s friends and for all those who knew of her quiet, kindly, helpful personality, and the breed has lost one of its top breeders of the era.

The funeral will take place on Monday, 11th Sept. at Greasley Parish Church, Near Eastwood (on the B6000) at 11.30am. Family flowers only, Donations to Cancer Research.UK.’

Joan Tudor


Tim Sharpe

It is with great personal sadness that I write to advise of the death on August 30 of Tim Sharpe (Coyote) whom many of you will remember.

Tim was aged 77 and had for the past seven years been fighting a degenerative disease which affected his speech and mobility. Tim had strong connections with the Notts & Derby District SBT Club, having served for several years as its Vice-Chairman and latterly as a Life Member and he maintained a keen interest in both the Club and the breed right to the end.

The funeral will take place on Friday, 8 September at 1145 at Swanwick Church, Derby Road, Swanwick, Derbyshire. Family flowers only but donations to SBT Rescue welcomed. Refreshments will be available afterwards.

We extend our deepest sympathy to wife Janet and daughters Kim and Sue and their families at this very sad time.

Jenny Smith