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DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 8 December 2008

A new venue for the Isle of Ely show on 7th February - they have moved to the Wood Green Animal Shelter at Godmanchester. Sue Phillips (Ladygrove) is judging 4 classes. Entries close 7th January (schedules from Mrs Markillie 01945 700 373) or enter on line www.fossedata.co.uk

Mr Simon Parsons judged at East Midland CS open show on 30 November, and I'm not sure who else was there because Helga Jansons hounds seem to be the only winners. BOB was her Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW, and Amethyst went on to win Best in Group. On the same day the Hound Club of East Anglia held their winter show, with a good entry of 37 hounds across six classes for Mr Chris Wilkinson (Sireach) to judge. Best Puppy and Group 4 was Joyce Bond's Regalflight Bellypha. Winning Limit was Peter Coull's Stainlonan Rikki of Regalflight, and Rikki went on to win BOB. Sheila and Derrick Hawkins' Kwaricott boys - Archimago JW & Asclepius won the Brace class, judged by Mrs Pam Aldous. It was very nice for me to see a delighted Peter (and a less thrilled Rikki) appearing in the big ring for the Best in Show challenge. I felt very honoured to be invited to judge BIS and 26 breeds were present - it was the Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund who won.

Deerhound Club members should have received their winter Newsletter, thanks to the Editor for another interesting edition. In case you missed the Club calendar notice - £7.90 including UK postage for one calendar, for 2009 a super choice of work by artistic dog lovers. Available from Joyce Bond - 01284 729142, or e mail: regalflight@inweb.co.uk

Mrs Val Meer (Lordswell) judged three classes at Colchester - the first time we have had classes and attracting a nice entry of over 20 hounds. And the show organisers gave us a good sized ring. BOB was Mary Churchill's Lealla Kintra who won from Post Graduate. Not judged on the group system, I don't think Mary and Tony were going to be able to stay for BIS which was judged by Sue Finnett (Hyndsight). Trevor and Linda Johnson's Stranwith Sforzando won the Junior class, and was also Best Puppy. Thanks to Vanessa Lucas for providing a generous slice of home-made fruit cake - very welcome.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com.

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 27th November 2008

A nice thank-you letter from the Kennel Club to everyone who participated at Discover Dogs in London. The Sunday Deerhound reps. enjoyed the experience, although Patricia Tan said her dog was exhausted after three hours of social interaction! 'Spring' and Sue Spring-Arnold and their dogs also enjoyed themselves and I was most impressed when Spring volunteered to help again next year. Thank you very much to everyone who gave up a day to promote the breed.

Tony Churchill had an interesting conversation with the Kennel Club, when he rang to query the validity of a local advertisement promoting the sale of KC Registered Labra-Doodles. Whilst both parents may have been KC Registered, he felt the KC should have taken the issue up with the local press. Apparently not, his phone call was met with apathy.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 20th November 2008

I was sorry to learn that Toby and Gill Smith's Dufault Zodiac had died. Dufault Zodiac -'Tigger' - was bred by Cecily Cox in September 00, and died November 08. By Dufault Hallmark out of Clovaird Heather, I think he was reared by Mrs Mo Layton (Clovaird). And I think it was when Cecily cracked her hip and flew back from the States for treatment, and even Cecily couldn't cope with taking over rearing the litter as planned (someone may have a different memory of events). Whatever, Tigger proved too much of a handful for Cecily, and he must have thought he had landed in Deerhound Heaven when he went to join Toby & Gill's household. Tigger didn't enjoy showing but he found field coursing very much to his liking. I have an abiding memory of Tigger towing Toby across ploughed field after ploughed field, Toby with a sort of ghastly fixed smile, Tigger just loving every minute of it. Gill tells me that he also enjoyed lure chasing, being a runner-up at Lodge Park in 2004. Tigger loved people, demanding to be stroked and loved. If the attention stopped, up came a paw to remind you he needed more loving. He had a wonderful temperament, any visiting hounds were welcome into his home and to share his meals - a real gentleman in every sense of the word. Dear Tigger, he had a great life with Gill & Toby, and they miss him sorely.

Mrs Jenny Dove judged 3 classes at Huntingdonshire open, with Helga Jansons' Greyflax Lady of the Lake to Nixophel winning BOB, and Sorisdale MacManus winning Best Puppy from the Junior class. Both went on to win Group 3. At Humberside Hound, Mrs Jenny Startup judged 3 classes and her BOB was John Wigan's Killoeter Grilse, and Stranwith Song was Best Puppy. At Crystal Palace Jenny (Jamalison) Grimshaw judged an entry of some 17 hounds across 3 classes. Penny Redmond's Hyndsight Mystical with Greybrows won the Open class and BOB, with Mrs Everard's Hyndsight Nebula winning Best Puppy from 2nd in Junior.

Sue Piggott and I met up to visit the Kennel Club's British & Irish Vulnerable Breeds art exhibition in London. Apart from the fact that the exhibits were not displayed in the same order as the catalogue, it was good to see the Cecil Aldin pastel of Brutus of Bridge Sollers. Originally Miss Linton's (Geltsdale), Brutus passed to Miss Hartley (Rotherwood) who left him to the KC. Also on view was the bronze of Ch Prophetic of Ross - (KC's Art Collection catalogue calls him Prothetic of Ross), but he is still as fine as ever. And there was a Deerhound Heads Landseer engraving. A good variety of breeds, although some of the 'from photograph' paintings seemed very stilted compared to the Victorian artists like Arthur Wardle - his Terriers were ready to leap off the canvas.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 20th November 2008

Definitely a FIRST - two Deerhound Junior Warrant winners who qualified during the summer to compete at Discover Dogs (Earls Court, London) in the contest to decide who should go forward to the final ten JWs, to be judged at Crufts 09. The two Deerhounds are both bred by their owners - Derrick and Sheila Hawkins' Kwaricott Archimago JW (Teddy) and Helga Jansons' Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW. Over 50 other JW winners were on show at Discover Dogs, the two deerhounds did not compete against themselves as there were two rings and two judges. Helga Jansons' Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW found favour with judge Mr Simon Parsons. Helga was absolutely thrilled when Amethyst won through to the last ten, and then the final five and is now firmly setting her sights on the Crufts contest. What a super day! Warm Congratulations to both the owner-breeders.

Helga would like to thank her supporters - everyone was so kind and encouraging, and it made all the difference to have friends to share the moment with. Of course Derrick and Sheila were disappointed, but that didn't mar their enthusiasm for Amethyst's win. Anne & Norman Davey, and Trevor & Linda Johnson were Discovering Dogs for deerhounds - so many thanks to them for representing the breed. They all cheered Helga on as did Chris Wilson and Kerry Tresh (also at Discover Dogs for a class), and Derrick organised the celebratory drink - well, that is what Helga thinks she remembers - Cloud 9 is a long way from earth. And I hope that the Deerhound representatives on the Sunday Discover Dogs coped all right - I haven't heard a cheap, so I hope they survived.

The Crufts schedule has just arrived, and I see Deerhounds have both Special Junior and Yearling classes again. I hope that having asked for the Yearling class to be returned to the classification, there are some yearling hounds to enter!

Apologies for the tardy report on Midland Counties, where Mrs Ferelith Somerfield was judging an entry of over 100 Deerhounds. Her Best of Breed was Margaret Gomm's Open Bitch and Challenge Certificate winner, Canerikie Cookie Crusher to Wildtor. Shown by her breeder Joss Duddell, this is Cookie Crusher's first CC - maybe Margaret calls her CC for short! Cookie was bred in September 05, by Ch Terichline Xplorer out of Gentom Norma Jean at Canerikie. The Reserve Bitch CC was won by Carol Ann Johnson's Modhish Lilly Langtree from 2nd in Open Bitch. Winning Open Dog and the CC was Ms Day's Demerlay Dorian Grey at Celticmoon - his first Challenge Certificate, so congratulations to Mrs Molly Head who bred him in July 04, Ch Kilbourne Celtic at Hammonds out of Rosslyn Kreeva. Jean & Tom Rhodes & DJ Morton's Ch Gentom Peacemaker won the Res CC from 2nd in Open Dog. Best Puppy was Sue Hird's winning bitch puppy Cloweswood Scilla.

From some of the Open Shows - Grantham - Mark Cannon judged the lads, and Dee Blatchford the lasses - 3 classes apiece. Mark's Best Dog was the Grimshaw's Jamalison Sonata, who won BOS. The Cheshire's Kilbourne Nuin of Deeranwith won Best Puppy Dog and Best Puppy. Helga Janson's Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW won Postgraduate Bitch, Best Bitch and BOB. At East Kent Wolfscastle Idole for Honeytail won Best Puppy, Best of Breed, Res Best Puppy in Group, and Group 4 - what a day! Gloucester Open saw the Grimshaw's Jamalison Winter Gayle winning Best Puppy in breed, and Reserve Best Puppy in Group. At Blackburn, Jean and Robin Spence's Gentom Renown won Best of Breed, Best in Group, Best Puppy in Group, and then went on to stand Reserve Best Puppy in Show. And just to make sure Deerhounds stay in the frame, Killoeter Grilse won Best AVNSC Hound, Best in Group and won Reserve Best in Show for John Wigan who was showing at Rhyl.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 2nd October 2008

Joyce Bond and I had a wonderful trip to Kenya - carefully planned so we could make Darlington on the Friday, London on Saturday, and Nairobi on Sunday - and be back in time to get to the Deerhound Club Limited Show. I developed Shingles just before we were due to fly off. The miracle 'horse pills' from the Doctor helped suppress the symptoms but I feel I am now in the pay-back period: the weather, the food, the wild animals, all the people we met in Kenya on our safari were brilliant and now I'm back down to earth again! So I was sorry to miss Darlington where Marilyn Pursglove was judging us. My local forecaster predicted dire conditions, and so it proved as although the day was fine, the ring had a water feature and even on day one of the show, parking cars was proving a problem. There were a few absentees, no Junior dogs, and Best Veteran went to Brackenford Dalesman of Claonaiglen, with Rona Kermack's Beardswood Lustre winning Veteran Bitch. Winning the Bitch CC was Sally Parsons & Alan McKinnon's Ch Claonaiglen Orrin, with the Reserve CC going to winner of Junior Bitch Ladygrove Belle Starr, owned and bred by Tony and Sue Phillips. Mick and Glenis Peach's Kilbourne Teine won Minor Puppy Bitch, and went on to win Best Puppy. The Peach's Kilbourne Fire Chief won PostGrad Dog, and went on to win the Reserve CC with Heather and Sarah Helps' Ch Beardswood Marmion winning Open Dog, the Dog Ticket, and going on to BOB. Sid Taylor asks for a note of thanks to the local dog warden, Mr East, who kindly lent us his Good Citizens ring to do the brace in (there was another breed in our ring after us) and to Ian Millar who very kindly handled Sid's brace for her while she did the Club specials.

Mrs Ann (Sid) Taylor has written to Deerhound Club 'B' and 'C' list judges, asking for updated information on your judging and stewarding experience during the year. If you would like to be considered for inclusion on the list, please contact Sid for further information and application form etc. Snail mail - Mrs A Taylor, West Morham, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 4PD. Email - lyart@countryside-inter.net but please remember to put 'Club Judges List' in the subject line. Please let Sid have details by the end of October.

No Tickets for us at Driffield, where Mr Colin Ashmore was the judge. BOB was the Peach's Ch Kilbourne MacLeod, with Lyn Veyro's Killoeter Nectar winning Best Puppy and Reserve Best Bitch. Best Bitch was the Peach's Kilbourne Oh Suzzanna, with their Kilbourne Fire Chief the Res Best Dog.

The Deerhound Club Limited Show at Asfordby drew a super entry of over 100 hounds, and the sun shone so the generous indoor ring remained unused. Many thanks to everyone who helped, contributed to the raffle, helped Geoff Grimshaw serve his super food - my first requirement is always a cup of coffee, and there was young D.J. (Morton) beaming through the pop-hole and taking orders. Geoff was a bit pushed for time in fact, as he served us our lunch and then had to dash off to a smart wedding. Joss Duddell did a good job as Show Secretary, with Glenn and Nicola Bailey the Show Managers - you can always find one of them, if they are needed. An excellent array of Stewards, Jeff and Barbara Poole taking the photographs (see the winners on the Club website - www.deerhound.co.uk 1st - 3rd in most classes). The Dog classes were judged by Mrs Caroline Van Zanten from The Netherlands, with Miss Elaine Medlicott judging the Bitch entry and Mrs Pamela Lipton the Referee and Special Classes judge. Best Puppy and winner of the AMEN Puppy Cup was the Peach's Bitch, Kilbourne Teine who beat the Dog Puppy, Mark and Jan Cheshire's Kilbourne Nuin of Deeranwith. Best Dog was Mrs Di Merrick's Clanardwood Sovereign who won both the Special Beginner Dog class, and the Post Graduate Dog class. Sovereign went on to win Best in Show, and The Noble Inkwell, and he and his owner obviously enjoyed their lap of honour! Best Bitch was the Peach's Open Bitch winner, Kilbourne Oh Suzzanah who went on to win Reserve Best in Show, and Best Opposite Sex - and the Aurora Rose Bowl, and The Ardkinglas Quaich. The Reserve Best Bitch was Helga Janson's Special Beginner class winner, Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW, with the Reserve Best Dog going to my Pyefleet Qwilliam who won the Open Dog class. A good turnout for the Special Not Bred by Exhibitor class, which was won by Helga Janson's Greyflax Lady of the Lake in Nixophel. The Special Bred by Exhibitor was won by Derrick and Sheila Hawkin's Kwaricott Archimago JW, and the Special New Members class was won by Glewlwyd Liana for Mr & Mrs Hodgkinson. The Jeans Blandford and Matthews came to watch, together with Kenneth and B Cassels, Mary & Tony Churchill had scrap books from the Club Library on display, there was prize money in all classes and winners received one of the Deerhound Club medals. The only drama was when one of Mr & Mrs Spring-Arnold's hounds accidentally impaled its leg on a tethering peg and howled most dreadfully. A tiny gap in the steel 'U' at the top of the peg, and somehow the hound with human help managed to free itself. By the end of the day, it seemed quite recovered. A good show, and a big thank you to everyone who supported the occasion.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 12 September 2008

Mrs Ann (Sid) Taylor is writing to Deerhound Club 'B' and 'C' list judges, asking for updated information on your judging and stewarding experience during the year. If you would like to be considered for inclusion on the list, please contact Sid for further information and application form etc. Snail mail - Mrs A Taylor, West Morham, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 4PD. Email - lyart@countryside-inter.net but please remember to put 'Club Judges List' in the subject line. Please let Sid have details by the end of October.

M J Girling
m.girling623@btintercom.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 10th September 2008

The Kennel Club Art Gallery has sent me a flyer for the British & Irish Vulnerable Breeds Exhibition at the KC (26 August - 14 November). As the pastel drawing of 'Brutus of Bridge Sollers' is on the flyer, at least one picture features a Deerhound.

Congratulations, albeit belatedly, to Heather and Sarah Helps' Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood who went on to win Reserve BIS at South Eastern Hound Club's recent Premier Show. Mrs Jean Blandford was the BIS judge.

There seems to have been a glitch in the printing of the Deerhound Club Members List - I suggest you hang on to last year's List for the time being. I'm not sure what has happened, but the List was included in the recently distributed Club Newsletter - some members got their Newsletter & List, but were omitted from the address list. Others may think they are fully paid up members, but have not received the Summer Newsletter. If in doubt, please contact the Club Treasurer, Mrs Hazel Williams or David Murray, the New Members Secretary.

Iain and Christine Gow have been having fun showing their Deerhounds at several shows in one week in Southern Ireland. Both Iain's Laird of Lisnabanree of Anmialchu and Christine's Anmialchu Beinn An Cabar have won four Green Stars, and four Best of Breeds. However, it was Chris' An Cabar who won well at Tralee (an All Breeds Championship Show) winning BOB and then going on to a Group 3 placing. Iain thought that this was the first time a Deerhound has had a Group Placing in Ireland - certainly that was what Jennifer North-Row thought. I think Iain said this makes her an Annual All Ireland Champion for the year 2008. Iain also told me that for the Breed Show at the Dunblane Hydro, he has confirmation that the £15 supplement for hounds in rooms was definitely £15 'for a room'. Good!

Mrs Nicola (Greyflax) Bailey made her Championship Show judging debut at Richmond. A good entry of some 90 hounds, and a really wet day ensuring we were trapped inside the tent. I thought our wet-weather ring hopelessly inadequate - the Whippet people came over and suggested we move to their bigger ring as their judging was finished. The Steward enthusiastically made sure we all knew where the two large holes centre-ring were, but with several classes having over 10 hounds present it was a great shame the ring was so poor. Best Puppy was Mick and Glenis Peach's bitch, Kilbourne Teine. Winning the Dog CC from Open was Finnett & Harrington's Ch Hyndsight Wind of Change, with the Reserve Ticket going to the Peach's Kilbourne Fire Chief, who won through from Yearling Dog. The Peach's Pingleholl Ruby to Kilbourne won Open Bitch and the Reserve CC, with Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie's Limit Bitch winner, Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle winning the Bitch Ticket and going on to win BOB. The car parks were very slithery and the weather failed to improve over the weekend, so I guess we were lucky to be there on the first day of the show.

Mrs Sue (Ladygrove) Phillips judged at S W Hound, and BOB was won by Mark and Jan Cheshire's Open Dog winner, Neroche Hennessy of Deeranwith. Geoff and Jenny Grimshaw's Jamalison Melody was BOS. The Grimshaw's Jamalison Winter Gayle won Best Puppy, and then went on to win Reserve Best Puppy in Show.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling 623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 2nd September 2008

No Deerhound Tickets at City of Birmingham, where Mr Andrew Brace judged the breed. Best Dog was Mick and Glenis Peach's Ch Greyflax Myth to Kilbourne who stood alone to win Open Dog, with the Reserve Best Dog going to Beardswood Oisin who also stood alone to win P-G Dog for Miss Hubble & Dr Helps. Res Best Bitch was Sue Hird's Ch Claonaiglen Albyn at Cloweswood, with Helga Janson's Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW winning Best Bitch, and going on to win BOB. Best Puppy was Cloweswood Acer of Peopleton. Eyke Shannon's hounds had a good day at the Suffolk KC open show, with her Erewhon Dambuster winning Best Puppy from Junior, and her Lealla Joka winning the Open class and BOB. Several Deerhounds were at the Quy country fair near Cambridge over the bank holiday weekend - as many as possible were requested, and several did turn up for a parade of sight hounds. I gather they had a brilliant time and were accorded super hospitality.

South Eastern Hound Club at the end of August - despite dire weather predictions for the afternoon, the organisers encountered thunder, lightning and down-pourings when they arrived at the dawn of their Premier Show day. The Deerhound Club supported the entry, and offered prize money in our classes. Mrs Chris (Hamiltonhill) Wilson drew a good entry of over 50 hounds across six classes, wisely deciding to stay outside and thankfully setting a good pace so we were huddled in the three gazebos to enjoy our feast by the time the next serious rain arrived. Ten puppies present, with Eyke Shannon's Erewhon Dambuster being piloted to victory by Veronica Buckley. Dave Blackford & Jeannie Morrissey's Hartvalley Mama Mia stood along to win Junior, and Novice was won by Stuart & Holt's Tomegem Montrachet at Ollandsheart. Helga's Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW won Graduate, and Open Dog was won by Heather & Sarah Helps' Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood - and Gille went on to win BOB. I haven't heard what went BIS - Judged by our very own Mrs Jean Blandford (Flaunden). Winning Open Bitch was my Pyefleet Rokesby, who won Res BOB. After lunch the sun came out and it was very pleasant for The Caroline Dowsett Memorial Stakes which was well supported by 14 hounds entered, 11 present - Whippet, Saluki and Greyhound support was rather muted. Julian and Liza Faircloth's Beardswood Niamh managed a nibble at the prize money kindly offered by Sarah Pirie. Denise Courtney judged the Reserve BOB class, and my Pyefleet Rokesby won 4th and some minor monies - for which many thanks.

S E Hound is very much a deerhound-supported event, with Sue Piggott the Club Secretary, Val & Gordon Meer Show Secretaries, Lesley Spence is Cup Steward, and Chris Wilkinson is on the committee - he was rapidly promoted from Assistant Show Manager to Show Manager on the day. Chris and Joy certainly managed the Deerhound Feast brilliantly, and we had a huge variety of goodies to try - I was hooked on the cold beef, cooked to perfection and generously given by Miss Hubble. Vanessa Lucas' Mulberry Vodka was the high-octane variety, and there was a wonderful selection of eatables all provided by exhibitors. A wonderful iced cake and champagne appeared, and we enthusiastically joined in wishing Dickie & Penny Redmond, and David & Jacques Murray best wishes for the future, and congratulations on celebrating their Pearl Wedding Anniversaries. I didn't immediately recognise Mick Waters - haven't seen him for quarter of a century I suppose, he and Joan owned Ch Geltsdale Keith (amongst other deerhounds) but it was great to see him and catch up on his news. He and Joan split some years ago, Joan had come and re-introduced herself at Bournemouth last month. Mick kept giggling at Sue Piggott and me, obviously feeling the 'old ladies' of years ago had been replaced by…don't say it!
M J Girling 01206 302072

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 27th August 2008

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society open show had 3 classes for Deerhounds, judged by Mr Alec MacKenzie. Toby and Gill Smith's Wolfscastle Fern of Nimloth won Post Graduate and BOB, and then went on to win Group 2. Mark and Jan Cheshire's Neroche Hennessy of Deeranwith won Res BOB. The Cheshire's Kilbourne Nuin of Deeranwith won Best Puppy, and Puppy Group 3. Helga Jansen had a nice day at Frecheville (Sheffield) show, where Mrs Bates judged. Helga's Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW won AVNSC Hound Post Grad, Best AVNSC Hound and then won Best in Group. Mrs Lyn McMillan judged two classes at Horley, where Elaine Barter's Stainlonan Bit of Ehlaradawn won BOB, with Res BOB going to Elaine's Brutus Fraxinus of Ehlaradawn. Also at Horley but judged by Mr D McMillan, Jean and David Gilhooly's Freyja at Nobys won AV Minor Puppy Bitch, and went on to win Best AV Puppy. Three classes at Leicester City open for Jenny (Jamalison) Grimshaw to judge. BOB was Jean & Tom Rhodes & DJ Morton's Kilbourne Charity of Gentom, who went on to win Group 3. Best Puppy was Lyn Vayro's Killoeter Nectar.

News from the August SKC show where breed specialist Sue Finnett (Hyndsight) was the judge. I gather it was an enjoyable show, enlivened by the fire alarm going off while Post Grad dog was being judged - a calm evacuation from the Highland Hall, the fire brigade appeared and then it was business as usual. The cause was thought to be someone having a sly puff in the disabled loo. Best Puppy was Rhodes & Spencer's Gentom Renown who had stood alone to win Puppy Dog. Best of Breed was Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset from Open Bitch, and Sunset stayed in until the last 8 in the Group. The Dog Ticket was won by Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie's Wolfscastle Wood Melick from Limit. Peach & Phillips' Wild West Von Der Oelmuehle (Imp Germany) won Open Dog and the Reserve CC with Lynette Seymour-Jackson's Ghiltan Tiercel winning Post Grad Bitch, and the Reserve Bitch Ticket.

M J Girling 01206 302072

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 20th August 2008

News from Glynis Pink whose Romanie Rye at Greyhawks had a fun day at Trawden & District Agricultural Society show. Romanie Rye won AVNSC Hound Post Graduate, then Best AVNSC Hound, and then went on to win Best in Group with Mr A Curry the judge. .I don't know who owns Stranwith Song but they also starred at the show, winning AV etc Hound Puppy, and going on to win Group 3.

At the Welsh Kennel Club Mrs Angela Randall (Hammonds) judged an entry of some 60 hounds. A lot of rain must have fallen after the marquees went up, but the ring was 'OK' except it was a shame the organisers hadn't used all the space available. Best Puppy was the Minor Puppy Dog winner, Sue Hird's Cloweswood Acer, litter sister Cloweswood Scilla having won Minor Puppy Bitch. Best of Breed was won from the Open Bitch class with Alan McKinnon and Sally Parsons' Ch Claonaiglen Orrin winning the CC. The Res CC was won by Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle who won through from Post Graduate for owners Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie. Kim and Zoe's Limit Dog winner, Wolfscastle Wood Melick went on to win the Dog Ticket - his first, so congratulations to them. Born August 04, Wood Melick is by Terichline Windrush of Regalflight out of Gentom Legacy of Wolfscastle. Windrush is also the sire of Ebonys Choice. My Pyefleet Qwilliam won Open Dog, and the Reserve CC and he and daughter Pyefleet Rokesby won Club points for best brace. Other Tickets were to be had in Wales - Margaret Gomm was done for speeding en route to the show. Expensive for Margaret, who was suitably annoyed at being nabbed, and rather defiant for an octogenarian so early in the morning! Liza Faircloth and I met a nice old boy who wanted to pat her dog - he had owned an Enterkine hound in the long ago. I think called Romulus of Enterkine - never shown, but Marjorie Bell obviously knew the lad would have a good home. We reckoned late 50s or early 60s, and he told us Marjorie had a house built at Stugomber with underfloor heating which must have been very enterprising then.

We probably all tried to watch the Pedigree Dogs 'expose' on television. Homing in on breeds that had changed (not for the better) over the years (Peke, Pug, the Cavalier King Charles etc) I again thought how lucky we are with the Deerhound. Some of the Deerhound Champions from 100 years ago would still win in the show ring today. It didn't make for good watching did it? When the man from Pennsylvania University (I know America was once a Colony, but surely we don't need advice from America) said the Government should intervene, I couldn't help feeling that The Dangerous Dogs Act and the abolition of Hunting were not good advertisements for Government intervention in matters canine. Certainly they have robbed the Deerhound of any chance of doing what they were bred for. I didn't think the boys from the Kennel Club came over too well, but they were far more rational that the tousled haired, wild-eyed lad from the RSPCA. I have always understood that the Deerhound owes its survival to the dog show scene. Where else do you have a chance to view large numbers of dogs? I couldn't help feeling depressed for the breeds featured, if only half of what was reported was true. Perhaps the KC will co-operate with an organisation that will produce a pro-pedigree dogs programme, there must be lots of breeds who haven't been ruined by fashion and over-popularity.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 12th August 2008

Mrs Gill (Nimloth) Smith drew a super entry of some ninety hounds for her Challenge Certificate judging debut at Bournemouth. I pitched my tent overnight, strolled round the show ground before judging started and thought what a super array of stalls to visit. No sooner had Gill started judging than the rain commenced, and we beat a hasty retreat into the wet weather tents. Hopefully Saturday's rain didn't hold over for the next two days, as it really put a damper on things. Best Puppy was Eyke Shannon's home-bred puppy dog Erewhon Dambuster, and Eyke stayed on for Best in Group but didn't catch the judge's eye. Winning the Bitch CC from Open Bitch was Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset, with my Limit Bitch winner Pyefleet Rokesby winning the Reserve CC. Limit Dog was won by Wolfscastle Wood Melick, who went on to win the Reserve CC for his owner-breeders Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie. Sarah and Heather Helps' Ch Beardswood Marmion won Open Dog, the Dog Ticket and went on to BOB. Marmion won 6 cut glass tumblers, which Sarah says are very nice indeed. The card with them read "Congratulations from the Officers and the Committee of the Bournemouth Canine Association" - what a lovely prize. Marmion stayed for the Group, and held his place until the final cut. I have to say the organisers of the show do a great job - clearly signed off the main road, the marquees numbered so you could see the numbers (!), and lots of stalls etc.

Invited back to Jean and David Gilhooly's for a barbecue, there followed a follow-my-leader escapade with Cliff Dargonne driving like Jehu, him seeming to wait for the green light to change to amber and having to dash after him as I hadn't a clue where we were going! Great was my relief when 'Nobys' was reached and a feast of good company and food awaited us: left to my own devices I would never have found their house hidden in the woods. Vanessa Lucas' puddings were tip top, and Ness and her Packway hounds won the Brace Class on the Saturday. I haven't heard how they did when they returned for Best Brace challenge on Monday.

Good to see our President Kenneth Cassels at the ringside again - this time keen to see the next generation of 'Sorisdale' hounds, bred by Jackie Holt. Kenneth celebrates his 89th birthday shortly, although he and 'B' Cassels will by then be up on holiday on the island of Coll (having not long returned from a cruise to Greenland etc. Kenneth & B seem blessed with good stamina!). Belated Happy Birthday greetings to Jean Blandford and Patricia Allwright who I now realise share a birth-date, and both have celebrated another milestone birthday. Chris Arthur says Lynn is making slow progress, but that they are both very appreciative of cards, calls and good wishes from their friends in the Deerhound Club.

Everyone who knew him will be saddened by the death of Mr Leonard Pagliero, OBE. He was President of the Hound Association, and the key mover in the wonderful display of Packs of Hounds that were such a feature of Hound Show. He liked Deerhounds, although I don't think he ever judged us as a breed. He gave Joss Duddell's bitch BIS at a Bath Champ Show many years ago - of course I cannot remember the dog's name. An old-fashioned gentleman of unfailing courtesy, he always made sure Miss Hartley was all right when she was on Hound Show committee, but perhaps wasn't able to work as hard as when she was younger. A thoroughly nice man, his passing leaves another gap in a generation of people who did so much to ensure the niceties of the dog show scene were preserved.

Congratulations to Derrick and Christa Robertson, whose Glen Mara Toragh of Lowtherhills (imported from France) has gained her Show Certificate of Merit. Mrs Jean (Gentom) Rhodes judged at Bakewell, where her BOB was Ghiltan Harvest for Ladygrove who went on to win Group 3. Best Puppy was Kilbourne Teine. At Paignton (no CCs for Deerhounds), Mrs Marion Spavin took over Mr Chris Arthur's entry. Best Dog & BOB was Mark and Jan Cheshire's Neroche Hennessy of Deeranwith, with their Kilbourne Nuin of Deeranwith winning Best Puppy. Best Bitch was Jeannie Morrissey & Dave Blackford's Beardswood Minna at Hartvalley, with their Packway Denali at Hartvalley winning Res Best Dog. Mrs Wayman judged the East of England LKS Open, and Eyke Shannon's Lealla Joka won BOB with her Lealla Is Fearr winning Res BOB and Erewhon Spellbinder winning Best Puppy.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 5th August 2008

Worthing & District show was on 20th July, and Vanessa Lucas was at the Seminar so Cliff Dargonne was in charge of the Packway hounds. Sorisdale MacKechnie for Packway (Isla) and Packway Photo Finish (Norah) won a large AV Brace class. Mr Diby Derfield judged the breed, with Jean and David Gilhooly's Freyja at Nobys winning Best Puppy, and then Puppy Group 4 at her debut open show. Sorisdale MacKechnie for Packway won BOB and in the Group was handled by Roger Erskine to win Group 4.

At Dorset County open show, Dave Adams (Zandahar) judged. BOB was Blackford & Morrissey's Beardswood Minna at Hartvalley, who went on to win Group 3. Best Puppy was the Cheshire's Kilbourne Nuin of Deeranwith who went on to win Puppy Group 4.

Mr David Murray (Moireach) drew a cracking entry of 150 hounds to judge at Hound Association Ch Show at Stafford, and I know all exhibitors were delighted he was able to fulfil his appointment. David is currently a 'guinea pig' for a pioneering chemotherapy regime, and chemo knocks people about at the best of times. Hound Show organisers were brilliant and ensured his every need was attended to, wife Jacques was on the touch-line just in case, and Dr Helps administered sun cream. Never 'an hairy man', David ignored the brief rain shower and then the sun, he chose not to wear the hat - I wanted to pat his bald head (but doubtless to his relief, resisted the temptation). Several exhibitors told me they thoroughly enjoyed his thoughtful and consistent style of judging, and BOB was ready in time for the BIS judging, although Jacques felt he slowed down towards the end, and would like to thank exhibitors for being so patient. Well done David, and all good wishes for the continuing success of your treatment.

HA Ch Show is also the Deerhound Club Championship Show. Usually the Club offers prize money but this year all First prize winners gained one of the Club medals and some also won Club Trophies. Winning Open Bitch and the Bitch CC was Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset. Sunset went on to win BOB, and The Lady Sheila Trophy for Best Deerhound in show. The (James) Cummings Trophy for Best Opposite Sex was won by Joyce Bond's Ch Regalflight Stormbird who won Open Dog, and the Dog Ticket. Sarah and Heather Helps' Ch Beardswood Marmion stood 2nd in Open and won the Res Dog CC, and Marmion also ran out the winner of the Special Coursing Dog class. The Doctors Clare and Elise Cartmell's Drawing Down the Moon to Cusidh won Limit Bitch, and went on to win the Reserve CC - her first nibble at the top prizes, and they also won the Miss Ellis Picture for the Best of the RCC winners. Julian and Liza Faircloth & the Helps' bitch Beardswood Niamh won a Picture for the best of the Post Graduate class winners - beating the Helps' Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood. Beardswood Niamh also won the Special Coursing bitch class. The Melody Trophy for the best of the Special Beginners was won by Lyn Vayro's Brackenland Tanis. Jean and Tom Rhodes together with DJ Morton won a Picture for Best Puppy with their Gentom Rorke's Driftress. The Cinnamon Cup for Best Veteran was won by Eyke Shannon's bitch Lealla Is Fear - handled with animation by Veronica Buckley. The Springfort Trophy for best Special Yearling was won by my Pyefleet Rollo - what a lovely little bronze Deerhound to treasure for the year. A typical and good 'model dog', stamped on the base 'E A Carver' it is mentioned in Miss Cox's Trophy Book but there is no history of the bronze. The dog's tail curves in, under the legs - a left-handed rather than the usual right-handed curve coming away from the hocks. I'm sure I've seen this in a Deerhound before - but is it a living dog, or is it in a print or a photo of an old Champion? Anyone out there able to help, please?

Deerhounds were in attendance at the Game Fair at Blenheim near Oxford, so many thanks to those who went and faced the traffic and hot weather - especially on Saturday and Sunday. The Quy Fenland Fair (near Cambridge) on Sunday 24th August would welcome 'as many as possible' Deerhounds to take part in a parade of running dogs. Let me know if you can help please. And on the Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August I am running a Companion Dog Show (for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People) in Brightlingsea as part of our Horticultural Society Show. No specific Deerhound class, but a hotch-potch of serious and fun classes, judging starts at 12.30 pm.

M J Girling (01206 302072)
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 1st August 2008

A very real and sincere apology from Chris Arthur. He has to stand down from judging, stewarding and any other canine commitments until his lovely wife Lyn has recovered from major heart surgery. Chris doesn't drive, and also has to respond to Killoeter Barra's demands. Everyone will be wishing Lyn well - and as quickly as possible, please. Good luck and good wishes to Chris and Lyn from your Deerhound pals.

I was sorry to learn from Jacques and David Murray that they had to put 'Ranger' out of his distress. What seemed to be kennel cough turned into, well it isn't clear exactly what happened, but despite their vet attending to Ranger, he went downhill swiftly with swollen stomach, legs and general malaise. The hardest but the kindest decision was taken. Ranger was by Ch Kilbourne Darling out of Solo Star to Kilbourne (May 00 - July 08), and was shown as a puppy but unfortunately he grew too big for the show ring. He was a very special dog for Jacques, who thought he was a wonderful person to live with, polite, great with any of the puppies and he just loved people. A thoroughly delightful lad, Ranger is much missed and his demise has left a large hole in the Murray household.

Joss Duddell asks me to remind you that the closing date for the Deerhound Club Limited Show (to be held near Melton Mowbray on 27/09/08) is Saturday 16th August.

Lucky for me that Leeds was on Monday - I spent the weekend feeling very sorry for myself and nursing a sore arm - checking that the 'red' didn't start going up past the elbow. 4.30 am Monday morning, arm no worse so off we set only to miss the turning off the A1. Found myself again, got in a right muddle with multiple roundabouts and roads seeming to have moved and not a sign for a dog show or Harewood House. What a relief to join the usual queue to get in! An entry of some 70 hounds for Mick Peach's first Championship show judging appointment. Best Puppy was Jenny and Geoff Grimshaw's bitch, Jamalison Winter Gayle. Sarah and Heather Helps' Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood won Postgraduate Dog and went on to win the Reserve CC. DJ Morton piloted Jean and Tom Rhodes' Limit Dog winner, Ch Gentom Peacemaker to win the Dog Ticket. The Open Bitch winner, Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset won the Reserve Bitch CC. The rest of the judging took on a dream-like quality as far as I was concerned. Delighted that my Pyefleet Rokesby had won the Limit Bitch class, I was bowled over when Mick awarded her the Challenge Certificate. 'Rokey' then breezed through to win Best of Breed - wow, what a day for both of us.

I was glad Mick Peach wasn't able to stay for the Group as he would not have been impressed - it was a very big 'big ring', and Rokey and I rather lost our way and had to run again, 'in a straight line please'. Thank goodness Mary and Tony Churchill did stay, as there were no facilities for benching a second dog or stacking gear. Waiting to be judged, a pleasant faced man wanted to talk - he has read my deerhound breed notes for years, his sister lives in Peterborough and knew Miss Norah Hartley (Rotherwood). His breed is the Griffon! Then a nice tweedy sort of man with a KC badge on wanted to talk - the Game Fair, did I know Miss Anastasia Noble (Ardkinglas) so of course we had some entertaining reminiscence therapy. Driving home, I was so glad to realise that some people do still remember those two great ladies of the Deerhound world - and then the hot air wafting into the car was spiced with that delicious smell of hot dust generated by harvesting dry corn. Got home late to find arrangements to walk dogs in the evening had failed. We tottered round in the gloaming completely exhausted, praying we wouldn't meet rabbit, fox or cat but very happy!
M J Girling (01206 302072)
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 24th July 2008

Terry Thorn has been on the Deerhound Club judges list for as long as I can remember - always so courteous and pleasant to exhibitors, and he always wrote an excellent critique. Written in long-hand, sometimes whilst still at a show - there was never any delay in printing his opinion of the entry. His recent death has deprived everyone of being judged or helped by a thoroughly knowledgeable and dedicated dog man. He will be missed by many, and we send our sympathy to his widow Zena Thorn Andrews.

Louise Tope (www.dewerstonephotography.co.uk) will be attending the Hound Association championship show in Stafford on 2nd August on behalf of The Sighthound Magazine.
The intention is to photograph all BOB, BOS & BPIB winners with the possibility of them being included in a future edition of The Sighthound Magazine. I will do my best to catch everyone, but will appreciate anybody who comes to "find" me after such a win. (I'll be the tired looking woman with the large camera around my neck!).

Gill Smith sends news of lure chasing at Lodge Park, a private 'do' with those that enjoy the costume side of the event to the fore. Gill says "18 adults, all members of the Deerhound Club, three children and 24 Deerhounds attended Lodge Park at the request of a Gentleman (who had heard of our main event) to celebrate his 80th birthday. His guests were invited for lunch and afternoon tea, all ages were in evidence, 95% of them in period costume. The Deerhounds gathered at a local coffee shop where we made short work of a very nice buffet lunch with the most delicious brownies, plus drinks of tea coffee or cold refreshment. Then in convoy to Lodge Park, where after a cloudy start the sun came out in time for the parade of hounds (handlers all in costume). We ran a 16 hound stake over a very short course - all dogs ran well, with some very close run contests. As it was the birthday of two of our 'team' Ian Bunce & Mark Cheshire, birthday cakes and champagne, cider and sloe gin appeared. This was enjoyed whilst the birthday guests had afternoon tea so those of us not driving had a great time! After tea we ran the semi-final and final. The winner was Sarah Helps' Gille who was presented with a cheque. The runner up was Jeannie Morrissey & Dave Blackford's Josh.
The Gentleman whose birthday it was, paid for us to have lunch, and gave a cheque for £50 to the Deerhound Club as well as the cheque for the winner. All in All a most enjoyable day, with Deerhounds once again demonstrating what wonderful animals they are, melting the hearts of the people who meet them." Thanks Gill, sounds a great day out - although I do (slightly) worry over who is mixing champagne with cider and sloe gin!

Congratulations to Hector Heathcote and Sue Finnett who organised (and ran) a very successful breed specific seminar for some 27 people in Surrey on 20th July. An action packed programme, and everyone got value for money including an excellent lunch. My informant said the content of the seminar was good, and overall it was a very good and informative day. "Everyone must have learnt something" - good, and many thanks to Hector & Sue.

M J Girling 01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.com

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 18th July 2008

Over 80 hounds for Mr Roly Cross to judge at Peterborough. As always I was delighted to meet at the entrance Mr David Riddington, relative of Miss Hartley and a good friend to Deerhounds over the years. It can be hot even in the open-ended run through marquee, and some welcome cloud gave way to a warm and sulty afternoon - the farm workers used to say 'tempesty'. Our ring-side was pleasant this year - there was no extra room for cages and grumpy owners to take over our space! Best Puppy was Sue Hird's Cloweswood Acer, and he and his litter sister Cloweswood Rosa were piloted by John Francis to win Deerhound Club points for Best Brace. Neroche Hennessy of Deeranwith won Limit Dog, and went on to win the Reserve CC for Jan and Mark Cheshire, with my Pyefleet Rokesby winning Limit Bitch and the Reserve Bitch Ticket. Open Dog winner was Heather and Sarah Helps' Ch Beardswood Marmion, and he went on to win the Challenge Certificate. Best of Breed and winner of the Bitch Ticket and the Open Bitch class was Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset. Good to see Anne and Norman Davey who came along to spectate and help, and who were happily continuing their 50th Wedding Anniversary celebrations with a welcome glass of Buck's Fizz and some cake. News came through as I was leaving the show that Vanessa Lucas and her Packway pair had won THE Brace class, and handsome prize money. Well done Ness.

Wednesday was The Festival of Hunting, and a goodly number of hounds and handlers gathered back at Peterborough. I was interested to see that three of the four top-winning owners from the dog show the day before were supporting the hunting day. A much cooler day, a wonderful country atmosphere and a great display of trade stands, foxhounds various, mink hounds and a Teckel called Hector, 'our' Eagle and handler John, several whippet, saluki and greyhound friends, and then we saw Pamela Brown and her pal Brenda - altogether a very enjoyable day. Check on carolannjohnson.com (Carol Ann of Modhish Lilly Langtree) as she took a group photo of us, which was just as well as by the time I left the grand parade of the long dogs still hadn't happened, and maybe never did!

Good to hear from Rod Gillie who was obviously proud and pleased that his daughter Lucy had started her judging career. A nice entry of over 40 hounds for Miss Lucy Gillie to assess at the Hound Association of Scotland Limited Show at Alva (that means Charlie Spence is a year older as conveniently his birthday coincides with the show at Alva!). Best of Breed was Wattie Milne & Carole Williams' Leoch Eileidh - Eileidh stayed in until the final cut for BIS.

At Hawick Open, Mr D Lees (Aftonlee) judged, with Sid Taylor's Lyart Yes Minister winning BOB. At Greenock Mrs A (Sid) Taylor was the judge of three classes, and her BOB was Mr Jackson's Killoeter Kalanchoe. Clacton & District have lost their Deerhound classes and this year lost the judge of the AVNSC Hound etc. - Marie Bryce-Smith having broken her shoulder, Nick Bryce-Smith had to take over her classes. Very bad luck on Marie, as I gather the break isn't healing as swiftly as was hoped, so good wishes to her for a good mend and freedom from pain. Winner of AV Hound Graduate was Veronica Buckley's Packway Smart Money, and Eyke Shannon's Lealla Joka won AVNSC Open. At Evesham Open, Ian Kirsopp was the judge. Best of Breed and Group 3 winner was Geoff and Jenny Grimshaw's Jamalison Melody, and the Grimshaw's Jamalison Winter Gayle won Best Puppy and went on to win Reserve Best Puppy in Group.

Jean and David Gilhooly very kindly invite Deerhound exhibitors at Bournemouth Ch Show to return to 'Nobys' and partake of a feast of David's cooking. Also promised are puddings made by Vanessa Lucas. Please bring your own grog. Jean says they have a fenced area for dogs. Jean's computer has died, so please either telephone or speak to Jean and David at a show well before the day, as they need to know numbers for catering purposes.
M J Girling 01206 302072

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 10th July 2008

Windsor was at the end of June - no CCs until 2010, and Mrs Kathy Codd the judge. Her BOB was the Best Dog, winning from Postgraduate - Heather and Sarah Helps' Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood. The Helps' Beardswood Octavia won Reserve Best Bitch from Postgraduate. Best Bitch was Carol Anne Johnson's Modhish Lilly Langtree from Open Bitch, and the Reserve Best Dog was John Wiggan's Killoeter Grilse who also won from Open. Best Puppy was Trentdale Glamis. I understand Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood stayed in until the final cut in the Group.

South Wales drew an entry of over 70 hounds for Sheena Reynolds to judge. Best Puppy - Jamalison Winter Gayle - stood alone to win for owner-breeders Geoff and Jenny Grimshaw. DJ Morton showed Jean & Tom Rhodes' Ch Gentom Peacemaker to win Limit Dog, and the Reserve CC, with John Francis showing Sue Hird's Ch Claonaiglen Albyn at Cloweswood to win Open Bitch and the Reserve CC. Elaine Barter's Brutus Fraxinus of Ehlaradawn won Postgraduate Dog and went on to win the Dog Ticket - his first Challenge Certificate, so warm congratulations. Bred in June 05, by Mr Williams, Brutus is by Ch Kilbourne Nimrod out of Dingledyke Dancer. The Bitch CC was won by Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie's Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle who won through from Postgraduate Bitch. Ebonys Choice went on to win Best of Breed, so a first Ticket and a lovely win for them. Ebonys Choice was bred by Mr & Mrs Carr in October 06, by Terichline Wind Rush at Regalflight out of Kilbourne Seneca of Marandike. Kim & Zoe's daughter is called Ebony, and the hound herself was top Deerhound puppy in 2007. Zoe and Kim were thrilled by messages of congratulations from friends, and would like to thank everyone. It may be worth mentioning that winning a CC knocks the hound out of Postgraduate, the Limited Show, and you the owner out of Deerhound Special Beginner classes.

Derrick and Sheila Hawkins have campaigned Kwaricott Archimago with the hope of winning a Junior Warrant. A false celebration some weeks ago, when the KC gave Derrick conflicting advice over one win. I am now delighted to congratulate 'Teddy' on joining an elite group of Deerhounds who have won a Junior Warrant. Bred from Derrick and Sheila's first litter, Kwaricott Archimago was born 17.1.07. by Ch Regalflight Stormbird out of Hillmorton Delia at Kwaricott. Well done 'Teddy'.

A sad note from Heather, Peter and Sarah Helps: Ch Beardswood Lua died recently aged 7 years and 5 months of post-operative complications following surgery for renal stones. A home bred champion, he was beautiful and a gentle parfitt knight, both swift and brave in the coursing field (nine rosettes). He is sorely missed by his pack. Litter brother to Ch Beardswood Lorna, they were by Ch Greybrows Balach out of Beardswood Isla.

Mary Churchill has lost one of her old favourites, Ch Lealla Gullane who was bred by Mary in 1997 by Ch Beardswood Garvan out of Lealla Frisa. 'Gull' was somewhat overshadowed by her more energetic and illustrious brother, Ch Lealla Gruinard. 'Gull' took three years to gain her three Challenge Certificates, never did anything in a rush, but was a super mother and much loved by the Churchill household (and the numerous cats).
.
M J Girling 01206 302072
(m.girling623@btinternet.com)

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 25th June 2008

Schedules for the Deerhound Club supported entry South Eastern Hound Club open Show are now available. Sunday 31st August at the Bewbush Leisure Centre, Crawley - Gordon and Val Meer are show secretaries 01435 868 408 (e-mail SouthEastHound@aol.com). Entries close 4th August, on line entries via www.fossedata.co.uk. We are in the ring at 10 o'clock, with six classes for Mrs Chris Wilson (Hamiltonhill) to judge, with Susan Rhodes judging the Caroline Dowsett Memorial Stakes. Chris and Joy Wilkinson are organising the usual picnic/banquet and they ask that we let them know what offerings we will bring: ring 0208 393 0321 or e mail joynchris@talktalk.net.

Miss Jean Lanning judged at Blackpool. Whilst the Saturday weather sounded grim, I gather the Sunday was infinitely more horrendous. The wet weather ring was cramped, viewing on one side only and a tent pole in the middle, this apparently resulted in only two dogs being run at a time rather than the whole class being able to trot round. Disappointing, but a most memorable day for Glynis Pink whose Greyhawks Romanie Rom ShCM won Limit Dog, Open Dog, the Dog CC and then went on to win BOB. Wow, I'd love to have been there, I imagine Glynis was very thrilled as this is her first Challenge Certificate. Thus it was Greyhawks Romanie Rom's first Ticket, home-bred in October 03, by Pharcourse Goshawk at Greyhawks out of Chapeltower Bewitch at Greyhawks. Winning the Reserve Dog CC (also his first) was the newly crowned Ch Gentom Peacemaker with DJ Morton handling for Jean and Tom Rhodes. Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax A Kind of Magic JW won Open Bitch and the Bitch CC, with 2nd in Open winning the Reserve Ticket, the Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset. Best Veteran was Duncan and Bridget Robertson's Pyefleet Orator from Terichline. Best Puppy was Kay Barret's Minor Puppy Dog winner, Stranwith Ebenezer.

A flurry of 'phone calls, when Dorothy Morton spotted a sale of contents at the Ballachulish Hotel - was this where Phyllis Young's 'Portsonachan Tapestry' was kept? Thank goodness Kenneth Cassels remembered where the tapestry is meant to be - hopefully under the guardianship of the National Trust for Scotland - in a holiday cottage at Balmacara, Wester Ross. If anyone is holidaying in the Kintail/Kyle of Lochalsh area and has time to go and view the tapestry, it would be good to know that it is still in good order. A large wall-hanging 'picture' of James and Phyllis Young, Kenneth and others with Deerhounds on Dava Moor. Kenneth's book has a picture of it, page 34.

M J Girling 01206 302072

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 18th June 2008

Border Union at Kelso was, as ever, one of the (few) shows that really makes the exhibitor feel 'welcome'. If you have never been, don't leave it until you cannot afford the fuel. Enthusiastic helpers ensure you park cars close to your benching tent, a good array of trade stands, lots of food outlets, and it was cool and dry this year. Bill Hamilton had an entry of towards 70 Deerhounds to assess - some absent with cough, and some bitches present who didn't need to be there - and were a distraction for the males. Best Puppy was Mr Westgate's Jamalison Winter Rayne, who won from Puppy Dog. Winning Open Bitch, the Ticket and then going BOB was Sally Parsons & Alan McKinnon's Ch Claonaiglen Orrin, with the Reserve Bitch CC going to Bryan Doak's Limit winner, Rosslyn Mantra. Glynis Pink's Romanie Rye at Greyhawks won Post Graduate Dog, and went on to win the Reserve CC. Limit Dog was won by Gentom Peacemaker TAF, and there was generous and genuine applause when Peacemaker won the Dog Ticket - his third CC, what a lovely show to gain your crown at. Bred by Jean and Tom Rhodes in September 06, by Wild West Von Der Oelmuehle out of their Gentom Liberty Belle, Peacemaker has been campaigned and shown by D J Morton. A grandson of Jean and Tom, DJ is in the process of becoming a co-owner of his winning hound. Well done DJ, you handled your hound and the excitement with great aplomb.

Mrs Peak judged at Three Counties, where the Peach's Ch Kilbourne Macleod won the Dog CC, with Wild West Von Der Oelmuehle winning the Res CC from 2nd in Open Dog. Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax A Kind of Magic JW won the Res Bitch CC, with their Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset winning the Bitch Ticket and going BOB. Best Puppy was Greyflax Mimosa.

Apologies to Glynis Pink who told me the Game Fair at Broughton Hall is now on the 29th June and not the 22nd - alas, it is now too late if you tried to go on the 22nd June. My e-mail is still playing up, I can receive but not transmit. Hopefully my friend Bryan who knows about these things will eventually return from his holidays!

M J Girling 01206 302072

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 12th June 2008

Found at S Counties - two tin dishes, left on Margaret Gomm's bench but not hers! Sort of resembling cake tins rather than dog bowls. Let me know if yours, and I can bring to a show.

A nice entry of some 40 hounds at Hound Club of East Anglia for Bridget Robertson (Chuilinn) to judge. Six classes and a Deerhound Club supported entry, there were few absentees. Mercifully the wet weather only skirted round the Sacrewell Farm Centre north of Peterborough. Best of Breed was won from Open D or B by Fosses Rambling Rose of Penherald, owned by Penny Trotman and handled by Kay Dockree, with Res BOB going to Joyce Bond's Regalflight Sligo. Best Puppy was Ms Tresh's Trendale Glamis. And then we all tucked in to a splendid feast spread out under a large tree, with welcome contributions from exhibitors and organised by Veronica Buckley.

At Christchurch & New Forest, Mark Cannon (Abayomi) judged 3 classes. Best of Breed was Jan and Mark Cheshire's Neroche Hennessy of Deeranwith, with Pam and Ian Bunce's Packway Starting Price at Pantawick Res BOB. Best Puppy was Graizelund Royal Orleans.

The Festival of Hunting at Peterborough is the day after we exhibit at the Championship Show (Festival is Wednesday 16th July). Deerhounds that have coursed or are lure chased are on parade there - I hope the regular supporters will turn up, let me know as I have to order admission tickets. The Festival has a splendid country atmosphere, and the varieties of Foxhounds is fascinating and well worth a visit, with or without a Deerhound.

M J Girling 01206 302072

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 4th June 2008

I was sad to hear from her daughter that Mrs Annette Pink had died, aged 91. Anne loved the breed, although I only remember her actually owning one hound - a Dufault bitch, I think called Flora. A product of her generation, she served in the armed forces during the War, and was a committed old-fashioned socialist (no, not New Labour!). I used to meet up with her in London, the last time just before Christmas when we met in the KC Library and found a bound copy of her book, 'A History of the Deerhound Club'. She was an Honorary Member of the Deerhound Club, and worked until well into her 80s - partly because she had insufficient funds for her frugal needs, and partly because she was so involved with life. Anne was always encouraging and enthusiastic about anything relating to Deerhounds. For many years she lived in Soho. Not that long ago she was near to death with a virulent type of TB, then she had a hip problem which the doctors made a meal of but throughout, she retained her upright carriage and determination to retain her dignity and independence. I shall miss her - we always reminisced and had a laugh about the time she spent with Miss Hartley at Fletton Tower when she was writing her book.

The Suffolk Agricultural Association dog show is always enjoyable, because the agricultural side of the Show is huge and aimed at the rural audience. Three classes for Mrs Hilary Jones (Redbornstoke) to make her Deerhound judging debut. Best Puppy was the winner of Junior, Erewhon Spellbinder - a puppy bitch from Eyke Shannon's first litter. Eyke's Lealla Joka won the AV Hound Open class. My Pyefleet Rokesby won Graduate D or B, and went on to win BOB. We stayed for the Group judged by Mr Jeff Horswell, and I was pleased when 'Rokey' won Group 2 - and then we dashed for the car before the next curtain of rain moved in.

Southern Counties offered CCs for the breed for the first time in years - the showgound near Newbury proved fairly easy to access, the sun shone, everything was well laid out and spacious, and there were litter bins everywhere. Dr Marjory McKinnon (Fingon) was the judge, with an entry of towards 70 hounds. Warm congratulations to Sue Hird whose Claonaiglen Albyn at Cloweswood was shown by John Francis and won Open Bitch, the Bitch Challenge Certificate, and went on to win BOB. Bred by Alan McKinnon & Sally Parsons in December 04, by Brackenford Dalesman at Claonaiglen out of Killoeter Girzie at Claonaiglen this win gains Albyn her crown. Litter sister Ch Claonaiglen Orrin stood 2nd in Open, and won the Reserve CC for her owner-breeders, McKinnon and Parsons. Best Puppy came from Junior Bitch, Mrs S J Taylor's Guinivere Starshire from Kilbourne. Sue Finnett & Hector Heathcote's Hyndsight Keep the Faith won Limit Dog and the Reserve CC. My Pyefleet Rollo won Post Graduate Dog, and I was absolutely thrilled when Marjory gave him the Dog Ticket - his first CC. Rollo is home-bred, August 06 by Pyefleet Qwilliam out of Pyefleet Oriel. My cousin June lives nearby and despite her car still being repaired, she had hitched a lift and again proved a lucky talisman - as last year when the SWKA show relocated to Newbury, and she saw Rollo win Best Puppy.

The Deerhound Club Breed Show 09 will be held at the Dunblane Hydro Hotel, Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 0HG. Telephone 01786 822 551 - look on www.dunblanehydrohotel.com. A variety of rooms available, and variations for length of stay. For a 2 night stay, DBB, £135.00 for shared occupancy, a single room supplement of £10 per night applies. Iain and Christine Gow are the Show Managers (01700 821 254) and you are asked to refer to "The Deerhound Club Event" when booking.

M J Girling (01206 302072)

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 28th May 2008

It is Bank Holiday Monday, and at Bath Ch Show Deerhounds are judged by Miss Emma North-Row who is awarding CCs in the breed for the first time. And quite a baptism it proved for all of us - water, water everywhere! It was thoroughly miserable, lashing winds, driving rain and the odd rumble of thunder. I cannot remember more unpleasant weather, and there was no escape. The organisers had done their best with duck-boards and marquees, but it was unfortunate that our benches were the furthest point from our ring making use of the benches almost impossible as it was so difficult to get about. However, on to Emma's debut. A nice entry although the lower classes struggled to make a full class. Post Grad. and Limit into double figures, but only six entered in both Dog & Bitch Open classes. Best of Breed was Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset who won the Challenge Certificate from Open Bitch. Res Bitch CC was won by Sally Guise's Saintvalery Hope, winning from Limit. Mick and Glenis Peach's Puppy Bitch, Witch Way to Kilbourne ran out Best Puppy from the four puppy classes. The Peach's Kilbourne Fire Chief won Junior Dog, and went on to win the Reserve CC. Limit Dog was won by Sue Finnett & Hector Heathcote's Hyndsight Keep the Faith who went on to win the Dog Ticket. I think his first Ticket, bred by Sue & Hector in November 05, by Ch Kilbourne Nimrod out of Ch Hyndsight Au Fait. A friend of my sister's has just moved to near Bath, and we had agreed she should come to the show to see what it was all about. At least she was dressed for the weather, and found the whole experience very perplexing - where had all these Deerhounds come from, there were so many. I went back for a brief meal and a natter, and was reminded of the many times when we had all trooped back to David Shaw's for post-Bath high tea. Whether it was the wet roads, or the Lewis Hamilton Formula 1 experience of a wet road giving you a higher return on your fuel, I did a vast mileage without using half the fuel I'd normally expect.

At Tyne, Wear & Tees Hound Association Open, Mr Brian Henry judged the breed, and gave Brackenland Tanis BOB. Tanis went on to win Best in Show, so a nice win for Tanis and her owner, Mrs Vayro. Mr Kim Owen (Wolfscastle) Judged at Coventry Open, and chose Vanessa Lucas & Cliff Dargonne's Sorisdale MacKechnie for Packway for BOB. At Sutton Open, Mr Jerry Robertson was the judge, and BOB was won by Mrs Barter's Brutus Fraxinus of Ehlaradawn who went on to win the Group. Miss Vanessa Lucas (Packway) judged at Redditch Open, and Brackenford Dalesman of Claonaiglen won BOB and went on to win Group 3 for Sally Parsons & Alan MacKinnon.

Scottish Kennel Club (May) Ch Show was judged by Mrs Leslie Spence (Shagiead). Winning Open Dog and the Dog Ticket was Val and Gordon Meer's Kilbourne Comanche of Lordswell. Congratulations to all concerned, as this win give Comanche his crown - bred by the Peach's in September 2001, he is by Ch Lealla Gruinard out of Greyflas Lilly to Kilbourne. The Reserve Dog CC was won by Finnett & Heathcote's Hyndsight Keep the Faith. Best Puppy was the Peach's Witch Way to Kilbourne. The Reserve Bitch CC was won by Mrs Vayro's Brackenland Tanis, with the Bitch CC going to the winner of Limit - Finnett & Heathcote's Hyndsight a Box of Dreams, who went on to BOB.

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 16th May 2008

An apology from Joyce Bond, whose critique for her judging at Hound Association of Scotland should have read that Nell MacBean's Killoeter Leyla was 3rd in Limit Bitch.

Apologies for no notes for a while - one seems to have 'gone missing'. So late news from West of England Ladies Kennel Society, where we queued to get in to the Show Ground because rain had waterlogged some of the car parks. Then we had to queue to get into the actual Show - two charming but very senior gents. were not to be rushed checking entries etc. And then an edict went out that although the outdoor rings were set up and spacious, we were to be judged inside (I suspect the dreaded 'ealth & Safety brigade, someone might slip on wet grass). The inside rings were also spacious, but I always feel most Deerhounds sparkle on a fine day outside. Mr Keith Pursglove judged an entry of some 90 hounds. Four Puppy classes, with a total entry present of only nine puppies. Winning Puppy Bitch and then going Best Puppy was Witch Way to Kilbourne, bred by Edwards & Peach, and now owned by Mick and Glenis Peach, and shown by Mick. Ch Greyflax Myth to Kilbourne won Open Dog, and won the Dog Ticket for the Peach's with Heather and Sarah Helps' Beardswood Marmion standing 2nd in Open, and winning the Res Dog CC. Ch Claonaiglen Orrin won Open Bitch, and went on to win the CC and go BOB for Sally Parsons and Alan McKinnon. Joan Wragg's Neroche Halistra won the Reserve Ticket from 2nd in Open Bitch.

Birmingham National Dog Show at Stafford was judged by Mr Robin Searle - inside/outside marquees, with the 'inside' ring being a handy collecting ring and offering shelter from the sun. 8 Puppies across four classes, with Miss S Taylor's Kilbourne James Deane best Puppy Dog, and the Peach's Witch Way to Kilbourne winning Best Puppy. Nicola and Glenn Bailey's Ch Greflax A Kind of Magic JW won Open Bitch, and went on to win the Ticket and Best of Breed. The Res CC was won by Heather and Sarah Helps' Beardswood Morwenna from 2nd in Open Bitch. Jean and Robin Spencer's Gentom Orlando at Talgavar won the Res CC from 2nd in Open Dog, but it was the Open Dog winner, Beardswood Marmion who gave Heather & Sarah Helps' the nicest of wins. Marmion won the Dog Ticket, and this win makes him up a Champion so many congratulations to Team Beardswood. Marmion is home-bred, February 2004 - by Ch Kilbourne Celtic at Hammonds out of Beardswood Isla.

I was sad to read in the national press that Mrs Maple Bedford (formerly Marfleet) had died - I hesitate to hazard her age, but it is many years since her second husband Guy Bedford died. And even more years since we had such fun coursing on the Marfleet land at Walmsgate, near Louth. Some of us enjoyed fabulous hospitality at the Bedford's home. Guy was a clever man, invented things, and knew how to entertain - he had a Deerhound from me (Pyefleet Dirk), but it was really his first wife who knew about dogs. For whatever reason, Miriam Dickinson didn't really approve of Guy - but she couldn't resist the invitation to stay. Guy made sure she laughed until her sides ached - and Maple made sure we were all well catered for.

M J Girling 01206 302072

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 1 May 2008

Breed Show Sunday threatened rain, but the Judge, Miss Juliette Cunliffe was persuaded to try outside first. I am sure she would have preferred the comfort of the indoor show-ring, but despite the ring being a bit damp and John Wiggan - our efficient Safety Officer who roped off an especially slippery slope, the classes were well supported despite it being even colder than on the Saturday. The Parade of Champions was well supported - I admired Nicola Bailey who must have been celebrating the night before, but there she was with her three Greyflax Champions. Sid Taylor and Liza Faircloth stewarded, with Toby Smith in charge of the collecting ring. And Jean Rhodes was back marking catalogues at the ring-side, still smiling despite the chilly wind. The Rotherwood Stakes, in memory of Miss Norah Hartley was won by Sue Finnett & Hector Heathcote's Hyndsight a Box of Dreams - who also wins the Betsinda Glass Goblet. The Special Coursing/Lure Chasing class was won by Sarah and Heather Helps' Beardswood Marmion, together with the Pentlands Coursing Trophy. Thirteen entries for the Brace class, which was won by Sally Guise's Saintvalery pair. The Team class was won by the Drs Cartmell with their Cusidh hounds. Heather and Sarah Helps' Beardswood hounds won the Special Breeders Group. The Special Not Bred by Exhibitor class was won by Mr & Mrs Friedrich from France's Int.Lux.Ch R'Ihafia of Muma. The last class of the day, Special Bred by Exhibitor had over 20 hounds present and Ch Claonaiglen Orrin ran out the winner for Sally Parsons & Alan McKinnon. And then it was time to thaw out, enjoy a hot soup, tidy up and find the road for home. Visiting from Sweden was Monica Dahlberg, whose mother-in-law provided Scandinavian design warm woolly socks for places in the Coursing class, and all class winners at the Breed Show won a Pewter medal. Kathy Codd was so thrilled with her medal, she was wearing it when she and Steve took an item to 'Flog It' - a TV programme about antiques, so we may see Kathy wearing it if they feature when the series is shown in the autumn - the Director has a lurcher, and likes Deerhounds! There were also nice Special Prizes for winners, so many thanks to everyone who contributed to another super Breed Show week-end. The Royal Court Hotel at Keresley, Coventry made us most welcome and coped brilliantly. I personally didn't like the 'Soilage' notice at Reception which threatened a fine if your dog had a mishap. Sue & John Reynolds' Welcome Pack seemed to me to be more sensible, asking any mishaps to be reported to the Reception so as to ensure a good clean-up job. A fine of £75 seemed to me to be a deterrent to asking for help. Plans are now underway for Dunblane Hydro - the venue for next year's Breed Show in Scotland.

M J Girling (01206 302072)

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 24th April 2008

The Deerhound Club Breed Show week-end at the Royal Court Hotel, Keresley, near Coventry started on Friday with the AGM. The election for committee saw the existing committee re-elected. I'm glad to say Vanessa Lucas has kindly agreed to be Breed Show Secretary for 2009 (hopefully for the usual three-years) as this year I found it hard work doing the Club paper work and being Breed Show Secretary. I was lucky that Joyce Bond and Hilary Jones were brilliant Assistants! Sue and John Reynolds Show Managed the occasion, but due to family illness John Francis and 'D' Blatchford had to rush off having made sure signs etc. were in place. Chris Johnson lent Sue a strong helping hand as well. A good dinner, followed by the fancy dressers - Wizards and relatives. Georgina Nagy was visiting from America, and had the tricky job of choosing the winner, Lynette Seymour-Jackson. More wizardry from The Magician - I never did work out how he tricked us, a signed ten pound note 'cut out' of the middle of a fresh Lemon - amazing.

Then it was Saturday 19th April, show day - overcast, damp but not actually raining, and a jolly cold wind which was perfect for the dogs. Over 180 Deerhound entered, including exhibitors from Germany, France and Switzerland. How Jean Rhodes managed to mark catalogues outside all day was also beyond me, she must have been frozen. Several helpers had fallen by the wayside, and as always the Show needs helpers, so many thanks to stewards Peter Grant & Clare Churchill, Toby Smith - collecting ring 'voice', and all the other people who lent a hand. Running the Club stall involved many committee members, some of whom hardly left the stall all day. Mr Ken Aird was the Dog entry judge and his Best Dog was the Limit winner, Wolfscastle Wood Melick, owned and bred by Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie. Reserve Best Dog was Jean Gilhooly and Jeannie Morrissey's Lord Seafield of Hartvalley winning from Post Graduate. Best Puppy Dog was Mr & Mrs Edwards' Dark and Discreet from Brackenland, bred by the Edwards and Mrs Peach. When judging for Best Puppy, Mrs Peach withdrew in favour of the Referee. Bitch judging started immediately the Dogs had finished, the hotel offering lunch over a two-hour slot, so we didn't need to stop. Mrs Peach (Kilbourne) found her Best Bitch from the Open class, with Glenn and Nicola Bailey's home-bred Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset running out the winner. Reserve Best Bitch was won by Ch Claonaiglen Orrin. Owned and bred by Sally Parsons and Alan McKinnon, Orrin was shown by Jean Blandford as Sally was suffering from a pulled muscle and could only hobble. The winning Bitch Puppy was Hartvalley Mama Mia, owned and bred by Jeannie Morrissey and Dave Blackford. For the BIS decisions, the judges chose to call the Referee, Miss Juliette Cunliffe and it was the Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset who went BIS. Many congratulations to Nicola and Glenn, as this is the third time a Greyflax hound has won the Breed Show. Reserve Best in Show was Owen and Brodie's Wolfscastle Wood Melick. Best Puppy in Show was won by the Puppy Bitch, Hartvalley Mama Mia.

All First prize winners had received a pewter Medallion as well as prize money, and kind people had also donated Special Prizes - it is definitely a great show to win at! Trophy winners were The Pentland Model & The Dunlop Hill Trophy (BIS) - Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset who also won the Waterford Cup (best over 3 years). The Enterkine Trophy (RBIS) & the Rotherwood Cup (BOS) - Wolfscastle Wood Melick. The Gliska Trophy (BP) - Hartvalley Mama Mia, who also won the Allwright Trophy - Best Junior in Show (6-18 months). The Manshay Trophy (Best Special Beginner) - Lord Seafield of Hartvalley, who also won the Thistle Trophy (Best under 3). The Marjorie Bell Trophy (BOS Special Beginner) was won by Helga Jansons' Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW. Best Yearling and winner of the Ch Isla of Findronach Quaich was Jean and Tom Rhodes' Gentom Peacemaker. Veteran Dog, Gazeawhile Lyric, stood alone to win for Steve and Kathy Codd with Veteran Bitch going to Mr & Mrs Friedrich's Int Lux Ch R'Ihafia of Muma who had travelled from France for the show. Mary Churchill won the Bramble of Geltsdale Trophy, with Lealla Kentra - best hound owned by a member having exhibited for 25 years. It was jolly cold and beginning to rain by the time Glenis Peach had judged the later, rather large classes - Limit Bitch 21, Open 14 entries, and Veteran Bitch 10 - with the usual absentees. Once the decisions were made, the outside ring and area cleared very swiftly.

Then it was time for Show Dinner, and I thought the Hotel gave us excellent food and coped well with the influx. The Club President, Kenneth Cassels presented the trophies. Having not long got his new knee, Kenneth wisely decided to sit safely on a chair - this year. As always, Nell MacBean had displayed the Trophies and organised the presentation to perfection. Amazing prizes kindly donated towards the Raffle - good idea to draw numbers and place on prizes, and let people wander up at leisure to check their success. For some members the Sunday Show arrived without them realising they had missed their beauty sleep - good to know some Deerhound owners still have stamina. And warm congratulations to Kenneth and 'B' Cassels, who celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary during the week-end!

M J Girling (01206 302072)

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 16th April 2008

Having recently had an overdose of Deerhound Club matters, the prospect of driving to Kelso for the Hound Association of Scotland Championship Show seemed positively attractive. Joyce Bond (Regalflight) was the judge, and upwards of 80 hounds had travelled through snow, rain and hail for her opinion. The going was mud-pie, and even in the wet weather tents the rain had seeped through - I thought Jeremy Fisher would have felt quite at home. Best Puppy was Gentiehun Tain whose litter sister Gentiehun Mia-May had won Puppy Bitch. From Mrs Rose's first litter, Gentiehun Tain was piloted to Puppy Group 4 by Sid Taylor, with Mr D McMillan the Group judge. Winning the Dog Ticket from Limit was Jean and Tom Rhodes' Gentom Peacemaker, handled by D J Morton. DJ went on to take Peacemaker round the ring to win Best of Breed. The Res Dog CC was won by Pete Bain's Hillmorton Dazzle winning from Open. Bryan Doak was over from Northern Ireland, and his Rosslyn Omega won Junior Bitch and the Res CC. Having won Postgraduate Dog with my Pyefleet Rollo I was pleased when his sister, Pyefleet Rokesby won the PG Bitch class. I was in a state of delighted shock when 'Rokey' went on to win the Bitch CC - her first. Home-bred (albeit unexpectedly!) in August 06, by Pyefleet Qwilliam out of Pyefleet Oriel, Hillmorton Dazzle is one of her grandfathers.

M J Girling 01206 302072

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 8 April, 2008

I was very sad to learn from Eileen and John Rafferty that their Tartraven Sanday at Reiversreach has gone to the happy hunting grounds. 'Brodie' was born in December 1996 - bred by Hilda Robertson, by Findronach Pitlochry out of Tartraven Rumble - and died on 4th April 08, so a good innings for a big dog. Although suffering from arthritis latterly, he still managed to enjoy his daily walks and permanent centre of attention status, being much loved by the Rafferty family and admired by their other two hounds. His back legs gave out, and Eileen and John had to make the inevitable but painful decision to have him put down. A final salute from the sad owners: "It has been a privilege to have owned such a wonderful dog".

Herts & Essex Border Canine Soc. held an open show at Ipswich, Suffolk. Three Deerhound classes for Mr B Ballan to judge (Mr Ballan was also the Group Judge). It was rather cold, but for Veronica Buckley it was a most enjoyable show with her Graduate class winner, Packway Smart Money running out the winner in the Best of Breed contest, beating Ron's other exhibit, Lealla Jokol into Res BOB. Jokol had won the Open class, and is also the sire of Packway Smart Money.

The Kennel Gazette (March) is seeking 'exhibits' for the KC Art Gallery - British and Irish Vulnerable Breeds: an exhibition of Art portraying our rarer breeds of dog. Rather a Devil and the Deep Blue Sea situation, as most deerhound people do NOT feel our breed should be classed as a rare breed. However, we do have some wonderful deerhound artefacts, and the KC seek (amongst other breeds) Deerhound, Greyhound and Otterhound paintings, sculptures, photos or ephemera. The exhibition will run from 26th August - 14th November 2008. If you want to get involved, contact the KC Art Gallery, 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB or email details to: artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk. The KC asks for details - photograph, measurements, details of provenance, etc. I do hope the KC will be able to borrow the William Walls picture that used to hang in Norah Hartley's breakfast room - Norah left it to the Scottish Kennel Club. Such a lovely picture of a Deerhound regarding her young puppies, capturing that brief moment of sheer pleasure and joy that all is well, and before her infants start to get sharp little teeth!

I wonder when you last visited the Deerhound Club web site - www.deerhound.co.uk. There is a new front page (you may need to press your refresh button). It is brilliant, and very clever in my opinion.

M J Girling (01206 302072)

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 2 April 2008

Advance notice of an all breed educational day to be held on Sunday 1st June at the St John Ambulance Hall, Horley, Surrey. Carole Coode (Labradors) rearing and selecting a puppy, Gareth Lawler (ESS & Cockers) - judge & be judged (etc.), Peter Upton (Vizlas & Clumbers) - showing & problem solving. Food provided, tickets £25 - profit to Cambridge University Research into Canine Hepatitis. Contact Jacky Beaton (01233 721210) or Lesley McCourt (01634 233854) for more information.

Mr Mark Cannon judged 3 classes at Pixnton open show, and his Best of Breed winner was Helga Jansons' Greyflax Lady of the Lake to Nixophel who won the Open class. Best Puppy and Puppy Group 2 was Witch Way to Kilbourne, winner of the Junior class.

Mrs Sue Reynolds (Wickwar) judged an entry of some 80 hounds at Scottish Breeds Ch Show in Edinburgh. I gather it was rather chilly weather-wise, but a nice atmosphere overall. Her Best of Breed was Sally Parsons & Alan McKinnon's Ch Claonaiglen Orrin who won the CC from Open Bitch. John and Hazel Williams' Kilbourne Iduna at Inverclyde won Limit Bitch class, and the Res CC. Jan and Mark Cheshire's Neroche Hennessy of Deeranwith won Limit Dog, and the Res CC. Best Puppy was Mrs Rose's Gentiehun Tain who beat his sister Gentiehun Mia-May. However, it was a day to remember for Jean Gilhooly who is back in action in the show ring after a knee replacement op. - and the loss of some hounds in quick succession - to find herself amongst the top prizes. 'George' - aka Lord Seafield of Hartvalley - bred in September 05 by Mrs Burrough, by Nobys Fingal, out of Sunnyglen Thistle and was originally successfully owned and shown by David Blackford and Jeannie Morrissey. After the Gilhooly's run of bad luck, Jeannie and Dave transferred ownership of their Nobys Fingal son: Lord Seafield of Hartvalley is now owned by Jean Gilhooly and Jeannie Morrissey, and he lives with Jean and David Gilhooly. Jean would have been well pleased when 'George' won Postgraduate Dog, but I think for once was speechless when he went on to win the Dog Ticket. Warm congratulations to all concerned as this win marks both his first Challenge Certificate, and Jean's.

Bridgwater Premier Show was on the same day as Scottish Breeds, and Mr G Hill awarded BOB to Glenda Adams' Hydfron Ula for Zandahar, and they went on to win Group 3. Houndshow Open was on March 30th, with Philip Paisey judging the dog entry and Sue Phillips judging the Bitch entry (the BIS judge would have refereed, but was not needed). Best of Breed was Helga Jansons' Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW, who won through from Postgraduate Bitch. The best dog was the Grimshaw's Jamalison Sonata. Res Best Bitch was the Bailey's Greyflax Milly Molly Mandy, with Res Best Dog being won by the Peach's Kilbourne Firechief. Best Puppy was Guinivere Starshire from Kilbourne. On the same day, Mr Cocozza judged 2 classes at Tunbridge, and his BOB winner was Mrs Barter's Brutus Fraxinus of Ehlaradawn, winner of Postgraduate. Reserve BOB was Lucas and Dargonne's Packway Photo Finish, 2nd in Postgrad.

M J Girling 01206 302072