Breed Notes will be published one month after their publication in Our Dogs. For the latest breed notes you will have to buy the paper!

Very warm congratulations to Ch Gentom Peacemaker who won Group 3 at Leeds on 25th July. We were all happy to help DJ Morton celebrate his (eve of) birthday, but what a memorable way to celebrate for himself and Jean and Tom Rhodes. Mr Ellis Hulme judged all the Groups – what an excellent way to ensure you have something you like to make Best in Show, which he was also judging. But to the deerhound judging. Sue Piggott drew an entry of some 60 hounds, and Best Puppy was the bitch Gentiehun Double Trouble who beat her litter brother – the only puppies present, and both owned by Mr & Mrs Milne from Nairn. The Reserve CCs were won by Sarah and Heather Helps’ Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood and my Ch Pyefleet Rokesby. The Bitch CC went to Ch Witch Way to Kilbourne – that’s her fourth on the trot, so she is still in Postgraduate bitch and Mick and Glenis Peach were highly delighted. Best of Breed was of course Ch Gentom Peacemaker who stood first in Open Dog and won the Dog Ticket. What a wonderful day for Jean, Tom and DJ. Points for Brace were won by Sheila and Derrick Hawkins’ Kwaricott couple, with points for the Evita Trophy (best over 5 years) going to Glynis Pink’s Greyhawks Romanie Rom ShCM.

Hound Association of Scotland Limited Show in mid- July was judged by Mrs Pat Ferris (Milnross), with some 30 hounds across four classes. A lovely day for Rod Gillie whose young puppy Dorrator Song for Drella won the Junior class, and then went on to win Best of Breed. Shown by Rod’s daughter Lucy, Drella then went on to win Reserve Best Puppy in Show. Jacques Murray (Moireach) judged at Evesham, and her BOB was Sue Hird’s Cloweswood Scilla. Worthing had classes for us, with Mr Neil Straw judging and awarding BOB to Sorisdale Mackechnie for Packway – who combined with Vanessa Lucas & Cliff Dargonne’s Packway Aconcagua to win AV Brace. Mrs Holder was judging at Kingston open, and BOB was won by Lucas & Dargonne’s Packway Aconcagua - Sorisdale Mackechnie had to settle for Reserve BOB. At Latchley, Chisworthy & Coxpark open the best AV Puppy was Killoeter Orra at Meneghy, and Orra went on to win Best Puppy in Show with Mrs Jill Ford the judge.

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

Peterborough Champ Show has moved to a ‘week-end’ slot although Deerhound were there on Friday this year. An entry of 60 hounds for Mrs E Anne Macdonald to assess, although it was quite difficult to view judging from the ringside. There was so little space, and only one long and one short-side of the ring available. And please don’t mention the family who settled along half the long-side and were nothing to do with Deerhounds! Ellnkaynee Fog on the Tyne won Best Puppy having stood alone to win Puppy Dog. Sarah and Heather Helps’ Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood stood 2nd in Open Dog, and won the Reserve CC and my Pyefleet Rokesby won the Res CC from 2nd in Limit Bitch. Mick and Glenis Peach’s Witch Way to Kilbourne continued her winning ways, taking Limit Bitch and the Bitch Ticket. Congratulations to Witch Way as Glenis says this is the first time she has ever made up a Champion by winning three CCs on the trot – a moment to savour. Witch Way to Kilbourne is shown by Mick Peach and was bred by Mesdames Peach & Edwards in June 07 by Brackenland Ran out of Ch Kilbourne Wichita. Sue Phillips showed Wild West Von Der Oelmuehle (Imp Deu) to win Open Dog, he won the Dog CC and then on to Best of Breed. Congratulations to all concerned as this win makes Wild West a Champion. Sue and Tony Phillips jointly own Wild West with Mick and Glenis Peach: he was bred in Germany in March 05 by Mr Pappenfus and Mr Rosner (Oelmuehle), and is by Blair of Celtic Cent out of Joan Wragg’s German Champion, Kilbourne Cameo. I know all the ‘Oelmuehle’ associates will be thrilled to have made-up a UK Champion. What I am not so sure about is, is Wild West the first imported deerhound to have gained his title? It was good to see Stacey Booth who was visiting from Ireland, and has retained her interest and love of the breed.

Discover Dogs in London – this time in Earls Court One, which is apparently larger than the hall next door! To be held on Saturday & Sunday, 14th & 15th November and supported by Royal Canin. If you would like to take a deerhound (or two) and represent the breed, please could you let me know.

All Deerhound Club members should have received the Limited Show schedule – Saturday 26th September, at Asfordby Amateurs Sports Club, near Melton Mowbray. Show Secretary is Joss Duddell (01630 638 397) with Sue & John Reynolds the Show Managers. Entries close 15th August.

Kenneth Cassels will celebrate his 90th birthday on 24th August. The committee of the Deerhound Club hopes all his friends will join him at the Hound Association Show on Saturday 1st August. Kenneth intends to watch the judging - the show is the Deerhound Club Ch Show and as President he is keen to be there. Hopefully an early birthday cake will be part of the celebration.

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

A change of venue for South Eastern Hound Club Premier Show on Sunday 6th September 2009.  The show has a super new venue and will be at The Hickstead Showground, with easy direct access from the M25 or M27.  Joy and Chris Wilkinson are co-ordinating the deerhound garden party picnic (well it is usually a feast!) – please give them a call on 0208 393 0321 for fine tuning details, but I understand the gazebos have been ordered. A Deerhound Club supported entry show, Philip Paisey is the judge for the six deerhound classes. There are some new classes such as Brace and Adult Handling. You can even camp in beautiful surroundings on site for 1 or 3 nights.  Call Val and Gordon Meer 01435 868408 for details or www.fossedata.co.uk or SEHC's website www.southeasternhound.co.uk

At Windsor (no CCs for Deerhounds) the Best of Breed was Heather and Sarah Helps’ Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood, Best Veteran was Vanessa Lucas and Cliff Dargonne’s Sorisdale MacKechnie for Packway, and Best Bitch & Best Puppy was the Helps’ Beardswood Pippa. Reserve Best Dog was Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythespirit, and Reserve Best Bitch was the Helps’ Beardswood Octavia. We will have Challenge Certificates again at Windsor next year – hurrah!

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

Some sixty hounds were entered at Blackpool for Mrs Pat (Shenval) Aird to judge. Unlike last year when the show had to be abandoned because of dangerously ghastly weather, the elements were kind to exhibitors although ominous black clouds hovered around in the morning and we nearly retreated to the indoor ring. Thankfully the clouds cleared, and the sun came out for the afternoon. Eyke Shannon had a good day, with Lealla Is Fearr winning the Veteran class, Lealla Joka winning Open bitch and points for Best Head & Expression, and Joka’s son Erewhon Dambuster winning Post Graduate Dog. Best Puppy was Mr & Mrs Milne’s Gentiehun Double Oh Seven from Minor Puppy Dog. Winning the Reserve Bitch CC was Sue Hird’s Cloweswood Scilla handled by John Francis, with Kay Barret’s Stranwith Ebenezer winning Graduate Dog and the Res CC. Barry Mansall and Joss Duddell’s Postgraduate Bitch winner Canerikie Coco Chanel went on to win the Bitch Ticket – her first, so congratulations to her owner-breeders. Shown by Joss, Coco Chanel was born in March 07, by Brackenford Dalesman at Claonaiglen out of Gentom Norma Jean of Canerikie. My Pyefleet Rollo won Limit Dog, and went on to win the Dog CC and we were delighted to go BOB. We didn’t do any good in the big ring, but at least I could find my car as the car park was virtually empty and the road home was good apart from a torrential downpour of rain – thankfully everyone slowed down. Derrick and Sheila Hawkins’ ‘boys’ won points for best brace. Anxious faces when Tarin & Mr Edwards’ Readwald Amber of Brackenland exhibited symptoms of distress – of course we all feared parvo or worse. Tarin kindly rang to tell me it was a blockage due to marrow bones which was resolved without an operation, although the vet did present a hefty bill.

Several deerhound friends attended Lizzie Evans’ funeral, and I understand it was a very simple, moving and poignant occasion. A lovely photo of Lizzie in happier times with two of her deerhounds was placed by her wicker coffin.

I was very pleased to hear that Clare Simmons’ wedding had been a joyful occasion. Clare used to show Tartraven Vula Mor, and Hilda Robertson (Tartraven) was over from Cyprus to enjoy the celebrations. Congratulations to Mr Bridgeman – and very best wishes to him and Clare for a happy and healthy life together.

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

I always enjoy Border Union show at Kelso – not least because there are some hills around, and exhibitors from Scotland - some of whom rarely venture south of the border! Cars are parked as near to our marquee and show ring as is possible. An entry of some 60 hounds for Bryan (Rosslyn) Doak to judge and the weather was ‘OK’, despite attempts to rain and black clouds appearing from a seemingly clear blue sky. Best Puppy was Sandy Platt’s bitch Charbonnel Fliss. The top winners were as for Three Counties, with the Bitch CC being won by Mick & Glenis Peach’s Witch Way to Kilbourne from Postgraduate, and the Dog CC going to Heather & Sarah Helps’ Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood who won the Open class, and went on to win Best of Breed. My Pyefleet Rokesby won Limit Bitch, and the Reserve CC with Elaine Day’s Demerlay Dorian Grey at Celticmoon winning the Reserve CC from 2nd in Open Dog and points for Best of the Reserves. Points for Best Brace were won by Claire & Elise Cartmell’s ‘senior’ brace.

At Southampton open show Liza Faircloth judged three classes, with Chris Wilson’s Hamiltonhill Fred D Mercury winning Best Puppy, and Vanessa Lucas & Chris Dargonne’s Sorisdale MacKechnie for Packway winning the Open class and going BOB. Ladygrove Phantom won Reserve BOB from the Postgraduate class.

The Peterborough Festival of Hunting is being held at the East of England Showground on Wednesday, 22nd July. The usual regulars have been invited to attend with our Deerhounds, and I have asked for a specific time for our Parade (last year we were there, but I don’t think a Parade ever happened!). If you have coursing/lure chasing Deerhounds and would like to take part, please let me know. The atmosphere at the Festival is always gloriously ‘country’.

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

A lovely day at Hound Club of East Anglia where Rod Gillie (Dorrator) judged six classes with an entry of 40 hounds. Rod had come down by train from Scotland and stayed overnight, with the venue at Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre, north of Peterborough. His BOB was Joyce Bond’s Regalflight Moth winning from Open Dog or Bitch. Res BOB was Helga Jansons Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW who won from Limit. Best Puppy was Chris Wilson’s Hamiltonhill Fred D Mercury. And then we had a wonderful picnic under the spreading tree that is nicely adjacent to ‘our ring’ – the sun shone, the food was lovely and the company very enjoyable. A Deerhound Club supported entry show, so prize money for the first three in each class.

Mrs Pam Bunce (Pantawick) judged three classes at Christchurch & New Forest, and BOB was won by Joan Wragg’s Neroche Halistra. Then everyone repaired to Bill and Brenda Jarrett’s home and enjoyed a lovely lunch in the garden.

Mrs Thorn-Andrews judged at Three Counties, and her Best Puppy was Killoeter Orra at Meneghy who won Puppy Bitch. Orra went on to win Puppy Group 3, so congratulations to her. The Dog CC was won by Heather & Sarah Helps’ Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood from Open Dog. Congratulations to Gille as I think this is his first Ticket – bred by Mrs Miller by Cusidh Collie Hallaig out of Misty Lee in April 2006. Mick and Glenis Peach’s Kilbourne Fire Chief won Limit Dog, and the Reserve CC. The Peach’s Kilbourne Teine won the Bitch RCC from Junior Bitch. However, it was Mick & Glenis’ Witch Way to Kilbourne who swept the board, winning Postgraduate Bitch, the Bitch CC and going on to win BOB. She then topped the day by winning Group 2 with Andrew Brace the judge. I think this is Witch Way’s first Ticket, so congratulations to all concerned – bred in June 07 by Edwards & Peach, by Brackenland Ran out of Ch Kilbourne Wichita.

I was very shaken to hear of the untimely death of Lizzie Evans. Lizzie and Derrick have had deerhounds for years, although Derrick is a shooting and spaniel man. A great chum of Caroline Dowsett’s, Lizzie owned Terichline Razzamatazz amongst others and they showed occasionally, and Derrick certainly enjoyed coming to coursing meetings. Lizzie was taken ill on Easter Sunday – an optimistic diagnosis of appendicitis swiftly turned into an aggressive Liver tumour. Lizzie was Nanny and Housekeeper to an American family, and they loved her to bits and offered to pay anything to help save her life, but nothing could be done. Derrick said she aged 30 years in her final three weeks, and managed to celebrate her 59th birthday in May. She died on 13th June, and her two daughters and Derrick and his two children – Ben & Laura – must be devastated. Lizzie was one of those lovely people who everyone felt better for meeting, she was such an engaging and attractive person – vital and so alive. What a great sadness for everyone who knew her, and we send the family our deepest sympathy.

A Saluki lady well known and fondly remembered by everyone who went to the Dava coursing meetings has died. Mrs Hope Waters (Burydown) – was the Saluki equivalent to the Deerhound’s Miss Anastasia Noble. What great competitors they were – a friendly but keenly contested test of who was the tops! You should read the Saluki notes for a correct version of events, but I would think she must have been well over 95 years of age. She was in her 80s when she moved to Canada, and husband David decided to stay in the UK and then subsequently went to New Zealand. I have a wonderful memory of Hope returning to visit, it was an East of England Show and I went round to pay homage. Always a glamorous and well-dressed lady, I congratulated Hope on how well she was looking. “I am well” she said, and continued to tell me about a palm-reader she had recently visited. “I have been told I am going to live until I am 95, at least!” and I knew that with that conviction, she would live to be a great age. But I am sad that another thread in the tapestry of the wonderful times we had at Dava has been broken.

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

I was sorry to miss Southern Counties where Mrs Penny (Greybrows) Redmond was judging. I gather the weather was cool and damp – just right for the dogs! A paucity of puppy entries, with Chris Wilson’s Hamilton Fred D Mercury winning Best Puppy having stood alone to win his class. Winning Best of Breed was Ch Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle, having won Open Bitch for Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie. Sarah and Heather Helps’ Beardswood Octavia won the Reserve CC from Postgraduate Bitch. Jean & Tom Rhodes and D J Morton’s Ch Gentom Peacemaker won Open Dog, and went on to win the Challenge Certificate. Readwald Thor to Kilbourne won Limit Dog, and the Reserve CC for Mick and Glenis Peach.

Helga Jansons asked me to say how thrilled she has been to receive kind messages of congratulation from followers of Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW success in the show ring. People are very kind – I know, because I too have received lovely cards and messages both on the demise of dear old Nimo, and the success of Pyefleet Rokesby. It is super being the recipient of such messages, and Helga and I thank you all.

While you were cool at S Counties, I was freezing at the German Sighthound Club at Hünstetten. The German Deerhound Club holds its Breed Show as part of various other sighthound breed shows, each breed has its own ring which is then surrounded by gazebos etc. They have a period of “cold weather after the sheep have been sheared” – maybe in the UK we have a comparable period – it was 6-9º (below 50 in old money), and it rained relentlessly the whole day! A good entry of over 100 deerhounds, and a chance to meet old friends – Ruth and Mr Oess, Herbert Orschiedt – he used to come to Dava, and lots of the younger generation of enthusiasts who have been to our Breed Show over the years. If only the sun had briefly shone through it would have been great fun. As it was, the judge was late starting. Even taking into account writing a critique on every hound, she didn’t finish her judging until 7 pm (say nine hours to judge 100 hounds!). BOB was Diva of Bestmara - bred and owned by Marius and Isabelle Keller from France. I’m afraid we didn’t stay to see how she did in the Best in Show contest – politely waiting for the Deerhound judge to finish meant all the other breeds had to wait. A memorable visit, but for all the wrong reasons!

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

At Staffordshire Agricultural Society points show, Mr Ian Kirsopp (Mistlemoor) was the judge. In fact there were no puppies entered, so only four classes to be judged on the day. BOB was Sue Hird’s Cloweswood Scilla winning from Open Bitch. BOS was won by Geoff and Jenny Grimshaw’s Jamalison Sonata from Open Dog. Also taking place over the half-term holiday was the Suffolk Agricultural Association show at Ipswich. Mrs Caroline Sheppard (Goldswift) judged three classes. BOB was the winner of the Open Class, Sam Buck’s home-bred Tomegem Dumbledore. Best Puppy was Mrs Eve’s Stainlonan Solo from 2nd in Junior.

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

Vanessa Lucas acquired a show lead and a dog brush after the Breed Show at Dunblane – please contact Ness direct to retrieve. I brought back a light-weight rain jacket after Bath, convinced I knew who had left it on the chair by the deerhound ring (I was wrong). It is black & grey, rather large for me and may well have been left from the day before.

In fact Bath was beautiful, cloudy and cool to start but warming up as the day progressed. Mrs Anne Davey (Quartetanne) was awarding CCs in the breed for the first time, and drew a nice entry of some 90 hounds. Best Puppy was Heather & Sarah Helps’ Puppy Bitch Rosslyn Pippa from the 4 puppy classes. Winner of Open Bitch was Glenn & Nicola Bailey’s Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset, who went on to win the Res. CC. My Pyefleet Qwilliam won Limit Dog and the Reserve CC. DJ Morton piloted Ch Gentom Peacemaker to victory in Open Dog and went on to win the Dog Ticket. My Pyefleet Rokesby won Limit Bitch, and went on to win the Bitch Ticket – her third, so I was very thrilled. ‘Rokey’ then went on to win Best of Breed – and the lovely Gayrard Bronze given “for the Best Deerhound at Bath Ch Show In Memory of Manson Baird”. Manson Baird was a vet who lived in the Bath area, his prefix was Gallouslath and I assume (but may be wrong) that the trophy was donated by Dr Poyner-Wall. Manson Baird worked closely with Miss Tess Clegg (Blueisle) – I believe she reared the puppies etc. There is a picture of him with Ch Tempest of Blueisle taken in 1962 – and he had changed very little when I remember meeting him at Phyllis’ some thirty years later. I was sorry to discover that Mrs June Minns had hurt herself so wasn’t judging the Group, her place being taken by Mrs Dyke. Pyefleet Rokesby is homebred – by accident rather than design, born in August 2008 by Pyefleet Qwilliam out of Pyefleet Oriel. I had several voices in my head when we won the CC – a rush of emotion was quickly quelled by hearing Miss Noble’s voice ‘oh for goodness sake, pull yourself together’! Then another voice from the past - Caroline Dowsett - whose Terichline Razzmatazz (brother to Ripple) was Pyefleet Oriel’s sire – suggesting I should try harder at handling Rokey! I confess to enjoying a Rusty Nail by the time I got back home.

It was a slightly surreal Bank Holiday, as I found a tortoise on the farm on Sunday morning. I eventually tracked down the owner, who rushed round to confirm it was her creature. Oh Speedy, Speedy she exclaimed in delight – alas, Speedy gave no indication that he was pleased to be found. He’d come about half a mile from her back garden – disappeared last summer, into our wood where I guess he hibernated, and then out onto the farm track in virtually a straight line ‘south’ but I was glad I found him as he might shortly have ended up in the middle of a bale of hay – or worse. She then started talking about getting him micro-chipped, I thought perhaps his telephone number painted on his shell might be more practical. On Sunday night Pyefleet Quill refused to respond to calls to come: then she trotted off carefully carrying something in her mouth. As there was a strong smell of fox I thought it was something disgusting, but in fact it was a Hedgehog which accounts for why no-one tried to nab it off her. And now I cannot remember if a healthy hedgehog has fleas – or not.

M J Girling
01206 302072
m.girling623@btinternet.co.uk

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 21st May 2009

I was visiting my sister and enjoying warmth and wine in Italy – she lives north of Rome beside a lake and the Swifts were screaming round and giving a wonderful display of aeronautic acrobatics – and the visit was timed to coincide with an exhibition of her art work. So I didn’t get to the May SKC show where Mrs Wendy Cross was judging. Best Puppy was Clare & Elize Cartmell’s Cusidh Rieh Innse Gall from Puppy Dog. The Dog CC was won by Kilbourne Fire Chief, winning from Postgraduate for owner/breeders Mick and Glenis Peach. The Reserve Dog CC was won by the Peach’s Readwald Thor to Kilbourne, who won the Open class. Bryan Doak’s Rosslyn Omega won Postgraduate Bitch, and went on to win the Res Bitch CC. Helga Jansons’ Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW won the Limit Bitch class, and went on to win the Bitch Ticket – her first, and then won through to Best of Breed. Bred by Helga in June 06, Amethyst is by Ch Greyflax Myth to Kilbourne out of Greyflax Lady of the Lake to Nixophel: Lady of the Lake won the Open Bitch class, so a grand day for Helga.

Rod Gillie judged at Border Counties Hound Club Open, with Derrick and Sheila Hawkins’ Kwaricott Asclepius winning the Postgraduate class and going Best of Breed.

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

I was disappointed not to get to Birmingham National but having got up for a very early start, I discovered Pyefleet Nimo and I would have to visit the vet as all was not well. So I can tell you Mrs Liz Cartledge was the judge, and that Betina Adams’ Ardneish Lohengrin won Puppy Dog and was Best Puppy. The top winners were Sue Phillips’ Wild West Von Der Oelmuehle (Imp Germany) who won Open Dog, the Dog Ticket and went on to win BOB. The Reserve CC went to Heather & Sarah Helps’ Limit Dog winner Greyfriars Gille of Beardswood. The Bitch Ticket winner was Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset. Ch Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle won the Reserve CC from 2nd in Open Bitch for Kim Owen & Zoe Brodie. I hadn’t realised Ebonys Choice had gained her crown, so belated congratulations to Kim & Zoe: I guess Ebonys Choice was a self-selecting name, as Ebony is their daughter. Ebonys Choice was bred by Mr & Mrs Carr in October 06 by Terichline Windrush at Regalflight out of Kilbourne Seneca of Marandike.

Pyefleet Nimo was thought to have a urinary tract infection, but that rather optimistic diagnosis progressed to an open pyometra. Born in November 1997 by Ch Beardswood Garvan out of Pyefleet Loyal, she was one of a large litter some of whom went on to do great things in America. Whatever option we chose the outlook was bleak. At eleven and a half, Nimo seemed too old to be facing an operation but my Scottish lady vet was optimistic that as everything else was working OK it was a chance of survival. Nimo survived the op. – apparently she had the longest uterus the vet had ever seen, but she didn’t really recover. We (me and her boys) were convinced she was in season, and I hadn’t thought of an infection which in the end proved too toxic for the antibiotics. Years ago I would have had her put to sleep, but she was a good old girl (mostly!) and modern science has improved hugely. Nimo wasn’t a top winner, she was her mother’s daughter and she was the mother of Pyefleet Percy (and darling Polkadot), and of Qwilliam etc. Showing didn’t appeal to her, although she won a BOB at S E Hound and she used to course in a fairly relaxed way. But she was a good sized bitch, nice and ‘long’ and you could never get past her without a paw being thrust into your path. She missed one meal recently, but otherwise I don’t remember her ever being ill. We buried her with a good bone for the journey, and I shall plant a fruit tree to mark her passing. I miss her little quirks – she would start to bark for her supper if it hadn’t arrived by 10 pm, and Loyal, Nimo and Percy all had good large teeth and terrible ‘smiles’ when we had our cuddles last thing. I think she had a good life.

Mrs Pip Buswell judged 3 classes at Banbury, and her BOB was Sue Reynold’s Wickwar White Lace, with Pam & Ian Bunce’s Packway Starting Price at Pantawick Reserve BOB. Mr Chris (Sireadh) Wilkinson judged 4 classes at South of England over the Bank Holiday in early May. BOB was Elaine Barter’s Stainlonan Bit of Ehlaradawn who went on to win Group 4. The Reserve BOB was Penny Redmond’s Hyndsight Mystical with Greybrows, and Chris Wilson’s Hamiltonhill Fred D Mercury was Best Puppy and went on to stand Reserve Best Puppy in Group.

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

Chelmsford & District CS put three classes on for us on ‘May Day’ Bank Holiday Monday, and it was a relief to find the Towerlands equestrian centre venue at Braintree greatly improved. I had vowed never to go there again, but with Ms Cas Samways (Cassacre) judging us for the first time I relented – parking greatly improved, and a well ventilated and very cool indoor arena. A nice sandy-based floor, and when our judge requested that the ring size be increased it wasn’t a problem moving the stakes. An entry of 14 across three classes, with Helga Jansons Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW winning the Graduate class and running out the BOB winner. No Best Puppy - none present.

Houndshow 09 schedules are now available. The entry fee is still far cheaper than other Champ Shows, and Houndshow is the Deerhound Club’s Championship Show. Mr Bjorn Fritz from Germany is the judge, and the Deerhound Club contributes prize monies to fifth place. Entries close 15th June. Clacton & District CS have changed their open show date, and this year it is Saturday 15th August at Stonham Barns, Suffolk – 3 deerhound classes.

I was sorry to learn that Bridget & Duncan Robertson’s Champion Tartraven A Chullinn had died. Bred by Hilda Robertson in April 1999 by Ch Rosslyn Highlander out of Tartraven Skye, Chuillie was just short of her 10th birthday. I liked her a lot and gave her a CC (& BOB) in the pouring rain at Bournemouth in 2004 and the nastier the weather became, the better the bitch went! Bridget told me that all the CCs were rainy day winners – Caroline Dowsett at Scottish Breeds 03, and Robin Searle Blackpool 04. Coming so swiftly after the sudden death of ‘Golf’ the whole family have suffered real grief over the death of their much loved matriach Chuillie.

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

Breed Show Sunday dawned bright and clear, and many thanks to those who brought their Champions to take part in the Parade of Champions prior to Mrs Jean Malley starting her judging. The Special Rotherwood Stakes class (Champions excluded – CC or Reserve CC winners only) drew a nice entry of over 20 hounds and it was Sally, Lady Guise’s Saintvalery Anticipation who ran out the winner of the Betsinda Glass Goblet. The Pentlands Coursing Trophy was won by Derrick and Sheila Hawkins’ Kwaricott Archimago JW, who won the Special Coursing/Lure Chasing class. The Brace class was well supported, with the Drs Cartmell’s Cusidh pair winning the class. The Saintvalery hounds won the Team class & the Tressady of Melchior Cup for Sally Guise. The Special Breeders Group was won by Mick and Glenis Peach’s Kilbourne hounds. The Special Not Bred by Exhibitor class had 23 entries, with Kilbourne Jenifer Jupiter to Greyflax winning the class for Glenn and Nicola Bailey. 23 entries for the Special Bred by Exhibitor class, with Helga Janson’s Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW winning the class.

I was delighted to renew acquaintances with some of the Scottish coursing contingent – Jim Grogan, Lesley Edmunds (Duchally) and Andy Anderson to name a few. And a special treat for me was the arrival on Sunday of two of the girls I had worked with at Portsonachan in the mid 60s – Kate who was like me a ‘dog girl’, and Daphne – who features in Mrs Young’s tapestry and who now works for a vet in Oban, and who recognised the owners of a visiting Deerhound who had to call for some stitch work after the show – seen at Dunblane! Kate & Daphne both commented on the lack of Silver Grey hounds in the ring – Phyllis Young had several ‘Silver’ hounds and certainly looking round, they are few and far between these days so I hope we aren’t losing that ‘colour’.

The Hotel seemed to cope very well with the deerhound inundation, and when I sped off home on Sunday afternoon there were several people planning to carry-on partying for another night (or two). The indefatigable Iain Gow was still rushing up and down the slope, and I hope he and Chris enjoyed a well earned rest after all the work involved in being Show Managers. And congratulations to Show Secretary Vanessa Lucas who was still smiling at the end of her first year of running the show, and to Cliff Dargonne who was Vanessa’s Assistant. John Wiggan was the Fire & Safety Officer, and he was invaluable in rescuing a damsel in distress – pulled over by her hounds in the pitch dark of late Saturday night. Not badly hurt, but somewhat bruised and very shaken she was jolly grateful for John’s comforting support. And a thank you to the catalogue markers – Jean Rhodes and Glenis Peach, and ‘thank you’ to all the other people who helped make the occasion such an enjoyable one. My travels came to over 900 miles, and I stopped off on the way north to view Flodden Battlefield – impossible to imagine the carnage that once happened there. Imagine my annoyance to find I had lost a dog collar in transit. I’d returned home when there was a phone call from ‘Brenda’ a Spaniel owner who had found the collar, and a promise to post it back to me. Collar duly arrived, and I was chuffed to get it back – not that it was a ‘diamond’ studded blue one like that displayed by Jean Blandford’s elderly deerhound!

WELKS saw Brenda Jarrett (Torffric) drawing an entry of some 80 hounds. A lovely day, but due to ‘elf and Safety (someone had apparently slipped on wet grass and hurt a knee) we were required to be judged inside. Two new CC winners, with Veronica Buckley’s Lella Jokol winning his first CC from the Open Dog class. Jokol was bred by Mary Churchill in November 02, by Stranwith Jethro out of Ch Lealla Gullane. Sue Reynold’s Wickwar White Lace won the Limit Bitch class, and went on to win her first CC and then carried on to go BOB. Lace is home-bred, Nov 04 by Killoeter Grilse out of Ashtonbrook Bryony of Wickwar. Sally, Lady Guise’s Saintvalery Dream Girl was being handled by Kate Allen and stood 2nd in Limit Bitch and went on to win the Reserve CC. Kate also piloted the Saintvalery hounds to win points for Best Brace. Ch Hyndsight Wind of Change won the Reserve CC from 2nd in Open Dog for co-owners Finnett & Harrington. Best Puppy was from the Puppy Bitch class, Sandy Platt’s Charbonnel Fliss.

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

The Deerhound Club Breed Show was held at Dunblane – in Scotland! The Annual General Meeting on the Friday afternoon started proceedings. Personally, I was disappointed that the election of committee resulted in Joss Duddell not being re-elected: she has done a good job on the Health Sub Committee and also as Secretary of the Limited Show. The good news is that Vanessa Lucas has joined the committee, and was also the Breed Show Secretary for the first time. And then it was Friday supper, a ceilidh band and a fine if you were not wearing a piece of tartan – lots of Club rosettes proved useful. A very pleasant evening although Show Managers Iain and Christine Gow’s idea of ‘mixing people up’ by allocating us to random tables failed to please everyone, who insisted on sitting in their usual groups! A shame, as we had overseas members from Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, USA and Canada (at least!) and it is good for everyone to ‘mix’ however briefly.

Show Day dawned fine if a bit cool. The ring was situated at the bottom of the hill going up to the Hydro, a lovely level lawn surrounded by trees. I was warned to ‘be aware of the Red Squirrels’, but they wisely kept out of sight of humans and hounds. Mrs Denise Courtney was judging the entry of some 170 hounds, and eventually the sun came out and we spent a super day in the great outdoors. I was a bit baffled when someone mentioned Factor 9, but in fact they wanted some sun barrier cream. Peter Grant was the chief steward, ably assisted by Lucy Gillie. Toby Smith was in charge of the ‘collecting ring’, which certainly speeds the smooth running of the judging. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the show – the rosette donations, and also the Special Prizes. One newcomer to the Breed Show was absolutely thrilled to win a Special Prize and I was so pleased to see her rush to find the donor, genuinely delighted not only to win First Prize, but also to be given a lovely Special. A brief break for lunch and all too soon it was time for Best in Show. Mrs Courtney awarded BIS to the winner of Open Bitch – Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset, with the BOS and Reserve Best in Show being won by the Open Dog winner Ch Gentom Peacemaker shown by DJ Morton, and owned by DJ and his grandparents, Jean and Tom Rhodes. The Reserve Best Bitch was Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle owned by Kim Owen & Zoe Brodie from Limit Bitch, with the Reserve Best Dog going to Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythespirit who won through from Postgraduate.

A super day for Waterloo Sunset who won the Pentland Model, and the Dunlop Hill Trophy for BIS and also the Waterford Cup for best hound over 3 years. Ch Gentom Peacemaker won the Enterkine Trophy for Reserve BIS, and the Rotherwood Cup for BOS. He also won the Thistle Trophy for best under 3 years, and Jean and Tom Rhodes won the Bramble of Geltsdale Trophy for best hound owned by a member having exhibited for 25 years. The Best Puppy ‘Gliska Trophy’ was won by the bitch Cusidh Caol Muile owned by Ms Foote & Mr Crossan, beating litter brother and Puppy Dog winner Cusidh Rieh Innse Gall. The Manshay Trophy for the Best of the Special Beginners was won by Helga Jansons’ Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW, with the Marjorie Bell Trophy for BOS Special Beginner going to Sheila and Derrick Hawkins’ Kwaricott Asclepius. The Bailey’s Kilbourne Jenifer Jupiter to Greyflax won the Ch Isla of Findronach Quaich for the Best Yearling. The Veteran Dog Trophy was won by Owen & Brodie’s Terichline Windrush at Regalflight, and the Veteran Bitch Trophy was won by Lynette Seymour-Jackson’s Ghiltan Larch. The Allwright Trophy for best junior (6-18 months) was won by Mark and Jan Cheshire’s Kilbourne Nuin of Deeranwith.

Then on to the show dinner and trophy presentation. Nell MacBean and Sandra Cummings had arranged the trophies wonderfully well, although why some winners from previous years think dirty trophies are nice for the new winner to collect is beyond me! David Murray is now skilled in the art of announcing the trophy winners. Our President, Kenneth Cassels and his wife ‘B’ were celebrating their 67th Wedding Anniversary, and the diners gave them a very wonderful and sustained round of applause and gladly were upstanding to drink their health. The Trophies were presented by Denise Courtney – and of course there was lots more clapping. Our President thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of the occasion – certainly the staff at the Dunblane Hydro had been very helpful. The raffle was drawn – I don’t think Sue Reynolds let anyone escape without buying a ticket, and there were some super prizes people had generously donated. And all too soon it was Sunday morning, and time for the Champions Parade, and the Sunday classes judged by Mrs Jean Malley – but more of Sunday next week!

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

I was disappointed not to get to Kelso for Hound Association of Scotland Ch Show, where Mr Per Iversen was judging. His BOB and Bitch CC winner was Glenn and Nicola Bailey’s Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset. The Bitch Res CC went to Brackenland Tan to Kilbourne, who won through from Junior Bitch. Jean & Tom Rhodes & D T Morton’s Ch Gentom Peacemaker won the Dog CC, and was BOS. The Reserve CC was the Peach’s Readwald Thor to Kilbourne, winning from Limit Dog. Best Puppy was Kingrock Chieftain’s Choice, from the Puppy Bitch class.

Around the open show circuit, S W Hound was judged by Alex Paisey. Best Puppy was Killoeter Orra at Meneghy. Cloweswood Scilla won the Post Grad class, and went on to win Reserve Best of Breed. BOB was Jamalison Melody, with Jamalison Sonata winning BOS. Nell MacBean judged at Cambuslang, and BOB was Gentiehun Tain who went on to win Group 2. Mr M Caple judged at St Agnes, and Jamalison Anthem won BOB and went on to win Group 3. Best Puppy was Killoeter Orra at Meneghy, and Orra went on to win Reserve Best Puppy in Group.

Kenneth Cassels has forwarded to me a letter he received from Elizabeth (Betty) Murphy in Southern Ireland. This lady is putting items from Captain Graham’s collection on a web site including some of his early work. He is probably best known now for his Pedigrees of Scottish Deerhounds, published in 1894 and a working proof copy, with various handwritten notes by Capt. Graham will be on the site. This could be fascinating, especially anyone interested in deerhound history – www.irishwolfhoundarchives.ie

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

Tunbridge Wells open was held at the end of March, with Vanessa Lucas (Packway) judging three classes. BOB was the Open class winner, Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythespirit and Blythe went on to win Group 3. BOS was Regalflight Boreen at Sireadh, and Boreen also won Best Puppy for Joy and Chris Wilkinson. April 5th saw Mr John Wiggan (Lodhain) judging at Crystal Palace open. Three classes, with Best of Breed being won by Ness Lucas & Cliff Dargonne’s Packway Aconcagua, Reserve BOB was Liza and Julian Faircloth’s Beardswood Niamh. Best Puppy was Chris Wilson’s Hamiltonhill Fred D Mercury – and Fred D Mercury went on to win Reserve Best Puppy in Group. On the same day Herts & Essex held their Open show at Ipswich, with Rosie Sharp (Ashtonbrook) drawing an entry of some 20 hounds across four classes. A lovely warm spring day, and we were lucky to be judged outside. Rosie’s choice for BOB was my Pyefleet Rollo, with Eyke Shannon’s Lealla Is Fearr winning Reserve BOB. Best Puppy was Mr Cumming’s Stainlonan Luther, being shown by Mrs Liza Cumming whose children also seemed to enjoy the experience. My sister was briefly home from Italy and we were bidden to a family lunch with my other sister, so I was sorry not to stay and represent the breed in the Group which was to be judged by Hector Heathcote. Fortunately I got back to my sisters in time to enjoy a late lunch.

As Deerhound Club Secretary, I have received the following e-mail: “this is to let you know of a very strange and disturbing experience that I have just had with the RSPCA. My wife and I currently own a rather elderly Deerhound. He is now 11½ years old and apart from being somewhat indolent he appears to be indestructible. The time has come to renew his insurance, currently via …but the fee is, quite frankly, extortionate and I have begun looking for a suitable alternative. Amongst the possibilities that I researched was the RSPCA. I completed the 'Ask for a quotation' form on their website and in so doing I selected Deerhound from ‘their’ list of breeds of dogs. Not unnaturally I expected to receive a quotation. Not so. The reply I received was that the breed was ‘not acceptable’. I am astonished and dismayed by this outcome. Without further evidence speculation is clearly idle but if the outcome is actually a genuine result of ‘the RSPCA's’ internal policies I believe that to be outrageous and indeed I have already informed the RSPCA of my views. Moreover, in my reply I pointed out that the situation raised interesting issues with regard to their Charter. I would be interested to know if any other Deerhound owners have had the same outcome when trying to purchase insurance through the RSPCA. In that context it would also be helpful to know of the companies favoured by owners for the insurance of their deerhounds.”

I do not recognise the sender of the e-mail, but if you can offer him any advice, please let me know and I will be happy to pass on your suggestions/comments.

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

It is always traumatic losing a deerhound, especially a youngster who was poorly in infancy and needed special attention and care – that very special one. Chuilinn Amulet – aka Golf – was born in April 07, and had lots of antibiotics when very young to cure an abcess (I think) on a hind leg. Bridget Robertson writes “He failed his PSS tests but never showed any symptoms, had no special diet or medication and lived his life riotously and to the full.  Watching him careering around, ears flying and with a huge grin on his face as he launched himself into my arms from the other side of the room because he just KNEW I loved him was a joy. He had an upset tummy, went downhill in a matter of days and eventually his whole system collapsed.” Golf was very special to Bridget, Duncan and Jane Robertson and they are left bereft by his death in early March. Was he a true shunt puppy, or did he have too many antibiotics when he was too young – we shall never know. He did have a short and very happy life.

Mr Robin Spencer (Talgavar) judged Scottish Breeds Champ Show at the end of March. Winning Veterans were Marjorie MacKinnon’s bitch Moireach Flyer of Fingon, and the Robertson’s Pyefleet Orator from Terichline. Best Puppy was Cusidh Righ Innse Gall winning from Puppy Dog – and I guess beating a litter sister, Cusidh Caol Muile who was the Puppy Bitch winner. Best of Breed was Mick and Glenis Peach’s Readwald Thor to Kilbourne, who won the Dog CC from Limit Dog. The Peach’s Pingleholl Ruby at Kilbourne won the Reserve Bitch Ticket from the Open class. Sid Taylor’s Lyart Yes Minister ShCM stood 2nd in Limit dog, and won the Reserve CC. Winning the Bitch Ticket was Marandike Ebonys Choice to Wolfscastle who won from Limit Bitch for her owners Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie.

Mrs Chris Wilson (Hamiltonhill) judged six classes at Houndshow Open, and her Postgraduate Dog winner was Derrick and Sheila Hawkins’ Kwaricott Archimago JW, and ‘Teddy’ went on to win Best Dog and go Best of Breed. BOS and Best Bitch was Sue Hird’s Cloweswood Scilla who won from Junior Bitch.

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

Guildford & District are putting on 3 Deerhound classes at their show on Wednesday, 27th May – show is held at Shalford Park. Linda Aldous is the judge, and entries close 6th April. Hon. Secretary Mrs T Jackson (0208 224 1125) or download the schedule from penneypine.co.uk. Schedules for the Hound Club of East Anglia on Saturday 13th June are now available – a Deerhound Club Supported Entry, with Rod Gillie (Dorrator) judging 6 classes. Entries close 6th May. Show Secretary Mrs Jackie Hodkinson (01775 840 235) or e mail thordell@aol.com. Suffolk Agricultural Association dog show section, day two of a very country agricultural show held at Trinity Park, Ipswich on Thursday 28th May. Entries close 18th April. Hon Secretary Mr Locksmith - 01473 747 615. I have received my schedule for the East of England Championship Show – the new date is Friday 10th July. And a reminder that the South Wales Kennel Association Champ Show is now over the 8th, 9th & 10th October – Hounds on Friday 9th October.

The Events & Education Executive at Crufts has sent the Deerhound Club a very charming ‘thank you’ letter, thanking everyone who helped at Discover Dogs, and who contributed to the resounding success of the 2009 show. Jean and Tom Rhodes together with DJ would also like to thank everyone for kind letters, phone calls and messages of congratulation following their Crufts win with Ch Gentom Peacemaker.

Three classes and an entry of towards 20 Deerhounds for Dee Blatchford to judge at Horsham & District. Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythespirit won the Open class, went Best of Breed and then won Best in Group with Linda Aldous the group judge. Winning Puppy Group 3 was Chris Wilson’s Hamiltonhill Fred D Mercury. It sounds to have been a very jolly affair with a party in the car park - Dawn Hawker was celebrating her birthday and her Wolfscasle Cilydd at Ghylladare’s win in the Junior class.

The sun mostly shone on the Deerhound Fun Day at Newbury, where some 60 Deerhounds were mostly active in the lure chasing and long jump events. Vanessa Lucas and Cliff Dargonne worked hard to ensure all went well, and have recruited a band of willing helpers although thankfully not too many cars foundered in the mud. The long jump was won by the Spring-Arnold’s Lyart Yester who leapt 13 feet. The lure chasing was won by the Longstaff’s home-bred Nengirith Mystique, with Lucas & Dargonne’s Packway Aconcagua the runner up. Gill Smith presented rosettes, and Yvonne Longstaff was presented with The Noby’s Quaich for Deerhounds. Overall a very good day, and a successful raffle resulting in generous donations to the BSFA and Deerhound Club rehoming.

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

Several pals who know I am interested in dogs have told me how disappointed they were not to see Crufts on television this year. I thought this good news - pedigree dogs were positively missed! Always a struggle to get to the NEC on time, we were first in the ring and somehow my car park was a long way from the entrance! I was pleased to meet several friends, including a fine cohort of overseas friends, mostly from Europe but some from Scandinavia and even from the Czech Republic. Best of all was a handsome young man who came up to me grinning with pleasure – and I knew I knew him, but could I place him? In the end I had to ask his name, and it was Young Jo Drew. I hadn’t seen him since he used to come coursing some four years ago with his Father, Wayne Drew. Then a young lad, but now a tall and pleasant young man, it was great to see him again. More of young men later! As we were next to the Saluki ring, it was also very nice to see some Saluki pals, especially Chris Ormsby who was always a supporter of the Dava coursing meetings.

Kay Barret (Stranwith) drew a nice entry of some 140 hounds, and winning the first class of the day – Veteran Dog, was Ch Hyndsight Wind of Change owned by Sue Finnett & Anthea Harrington, and shown by Hector Heathcote. Wind of Change went on to win the Reserve Dog CC – a nice credit to Anthea who has kept him in good shape. Winner of Open Dog was Ch Gentom Peacemaker, who went on to win the Dog Ticket and Best of Breed. ‘Team Gentom’ – Jean & Tom Rhodes and D J Morton – were thrilled as Peacemaker had won the Dog CC at Crufts last year, and it isn’t often that the same hound goes ‘one better’ by winning BOB in 09. The youthful D J takes it all in his stride, and I gather thoroughly enjoyed his big ring experience. Brackenland Tan to Kilbourne won Best Puppy from the Special Puppy Bitch class, owned by Mick Peach & Mrs S J Taylor. The Limit Bitch class held the top winners, with Hyndsight A Box of Dreams winning the class for Sue Finnett & daughter Natalie Heathcote and then going on to win the Bitch CC. Kilbourne Macbeth stood 2nd in the class, and won the Reserve Bitch CC for owners Mark Cannon & Miss Wickstead, handled by Mark. Somehow I seemed to spend most of the day watching the judging, and never got to see the rest of the show. I know that the Paisey family were in attendance at Discover Dogs on Hound Day, and thank you very much to all the Deerhound people who attend on each day of Crufts to make sure our lovely breed is represented. Crufts 2010 Deerhound Judge is Mr David Murray. Eve Hamilton was at the ringside, and told me she is judging the August SKC.

A nice picture in Our Dogs (7th March) of the Hound Group winner at Westminster – Ch Gaylewards Tiger Woods. I was disappointed not to see his owner/breeder Gayle Bontecou in the frame as well. Gayle is one of those eternally youthful people, and there is a picture of her in the Scottish Deerhound Club of America Specialty catalogue for 2006 – winning a BIS with Ch Gaylewards Timber in 1965. Rather sadly, professional handlers are the norm in the USA, especially at a show like Westminster. We saw ‘Tiger Woods’ in 06 and thought him very impressive. He was whelped in January 02 so he certainly seems to have kept his youthful vigour.

Thanks to Rona Kermack for news from the enjoyable Yorkshire Greyhound’s ‘Festival of Gazehounds’ who put on a stake for Deerhounds - unfortunately I gather at rather short notice, so the stake comprised 5 Deerhounds and a very sporting Borzoi! Running out the winner was Peter Coull’s Stainlonan Rikki At Regalflight, with Elaine and Ian McAteer’s Kilbourne Dixie Chick the runner up. Peter was very chuffed, and delighted to be presented with a wonderful trophy of a running hound. Rona says her two deerhounds are getting a bit ‘aged’ for taking part, but have befriended a young male lurcher who is keeping them on their toes.

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

Not noted for my sense of fashion, I was intrigued to spot in The Telegraph (28.2.09) a piece headed up ‘Tweed in vogue for Victoria’. ‘Victoria Beckham has provided a timely boost to a Cumbrian cloth maker. For her latest collection in New York, Victoria sourced the fabric from the Carlisle firm Linton Tweeds. ‘It is thought that the Linton fabric, black tweed with a rubber yarn’ may have been included in a number of dresses and a range of cape-style coats.’ Miss ‘Nessie’ Linton of the Geltsdale Deerhounds was for many years the owner and manager of Linton Tweeds, and in her day supplied many of the top fashion houses such as Dior and Hartnell. I think she’d be tickled pink to know Linton Tweeds were still in vogue!

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

Mrs Sheppard judged two classes at Matlock where Helga Jansons’ Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW ShCM won BOB, and went on to win Group 3. Best Puppy was Kingrock Chieftain’s Choice. At Suffolk Limited Show, Mrs O Harrison judged three classes. Sam Buck’s Tomegem Fizban the Fabulous won the Open class, went BOB and then won Group 3. Stainlonan Solo won Best Puppy from the Junior class, and went on to win Puppy Group 3.

The Kennel Gazette has published the Stud Book Bands for 2009. Deerhounds are Band C – 1st or 2nd in Open, or 1st in Limit at Championship Shows where CCs are on offer. Winning the CC, the Reserve CC or a Junior Warrant also qualifies your hound for a stud book number.

The March issue of The Field carries an enthusiastic article in praise of crossbreeds – are they now the smarter, healthier choice? It goes on to say “Springador, cockerpoo, labradoodle – these canine crosses may be trendy but the results are in the shooting field to stay”. A word of caution from a cutting I’ve just read dated 1870: “A very useful (Deerhound) cross is obtained with a good big greyhound, but after the first cross the quality deteriorates.” That fact was well-known then, but I wonder how long it will take for the present ‘anti-pedigree dog’ brigade to realise the same is true today! I take great pride and pleasure in knowing I own pedigree Deerhounds who can trace their lineage back a century and more. And yes, the present Deerhound does still look like its ancestors, and long may that continue.

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

Having been to Australia and loved the country and people, and enjoyed the generous hospitality of the Deerhound Club of Victoria, the bush fires raging in Victoria from 8th February have been anxious times. Having endured a terrific heat wave, I suppose fire was inevitable. This is what one deerhound friend wrote me: “Yesterday was absolutely terrifying and completely surreal - it was what you imagine the Armageddon to be like. The sky was black and the sun was this tiny orange ball. The wind was so hot and so fierce that you couldn’t stand up in it.  The death and destruction is going to be unbelievable. I’m very worried about people I know who live in the Yarra Glen/Christmas Hills area, including lots of deerhound people (Sally Stasytis, Deborah Guthrie, Paul Wilson etc). Marysville has been completely removed from the map, Healesville and Yarra Glen are under threat. Luckily for us, the wind change last night pushed the fires back in a northerly direction because ember falls had caused grass fires all around. We are just all in shock.” The President of the Deerhound Club of Victoria Kenn Airens and his wife Els together with dogs were safely evacuated, but they have lost everything. I know we will want to send commiserations and best wishes for a lot of luck and much courage in the face of such a disaster. It does seem surreal as we in the UK are in the grip of snow, ice and flooding.

Mr John D Lewington (Australia) is the Deerhound judge for Darlington, so I was interested to note he is also judging Wolfhounds at Darlington. Lets hope we are first in the ring.

The Deerhound Club Breed Show schedules have now been posted to all UK members. The Show Secretary is Vanessa Lucas (01273 517 314). Due to the vagaries of the post, and as it is Vanessa’s first year of action I do hope you will try and get entries and advertisements etc. to her well before the closing date of 6th March.

At the start of February, Mrs Ridley judged two classes at East Kent open show. Sue Piggott’s Greyzicon Blythespirit won Post Graduate, and went on to win BOB and Group 4. Best Puppy was Dawn Hawker’s Wolfscastle Cillydd at Ghylladare, with Res BOB going to Vanessa Lucas & Cliff Dargonne’s Open class winner, Packway Aconcagua. I didn’t enter Isle of Ely as I had a prior invitation to a 90th birthday – it was a good party too! I thought Sue Phillips was the judge. However, on Tom Rhodes’ results page, Mr Parsell is listed as the judge, with BOB going to Jenny Grimshaw’s Greyflax Mystic to Jamalison, and Reserve BOB being won by Lynette Seymour-Jackson’s Ghiltan Hero. Also on 7th February, Worthing had three classes for Sue Kemp to judge. BOB was Lord Seafield of Hartvalley winning from Open, and he went on to win Group 2 for Jean Gilhooly and Jeannie Morrissey. Best Puppy was Chris Wilson’s Hamiltonhill Fred D Mercury, with the Gilhooly’s Freyja at Nobys winning Res BOB. Liza Faircloth judged three classes at Leigh, and she was thrilled with her Junior class winner – Mrs Dixon’s 7 month old Pingleholl Opal to Kilbourne. Opal was attending her very first show, and had a breeze – she won Best of Breed, and was Best Puppy in breed. She went on to win Best Puppy in Group, and also won Group 2! I gather the wins were not without excitement, with Opal being put back in her car for a rest before Puppy BIS and she somehow got locked in. Eventually she was released, and judging had been held back but by then both Opal and her owner were pretty exhausted. But what a wonderful day for them.

Nicola Bailey rang to say that Dogs Today magazine for March is now out, and carries a Deerhound feature. Nicola then went on to say that she and Glenn had been invited to take their top winning bitch to take part in the 64 ‘Top Dogs Contest’. The Contest is on the same day as the Grand National – Saturday 4th April. Held at a Heathrow Hotel, tickets cost £40 per head. Nicola and Glenn have some chums coming with them, but wondered whether anyone else might care to joint them? It’s obviously a classy affair, but I would think a super atmosphere and great fun. Please contact Nicola direct for full details and to book a place. Here’s wishing them lots of success at such a prestigious event.

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

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 16 January 2009

I was sorry to learn from Judith Grayley that her Lealla Gisla had to be put down on 16th November. By Ch Beardswood Garvan out of Lealla Frisa, 'Moniack' was bred by Mary Churchill in June 1997. Judith writes that Moniack's demise has left a huge gap in her life which she is still trying to come to terms with. Loyal, obstinate, wilful and gorgeous, Judith loved her dearly and gave her a happy home.

At Worcester & Malvern Open Miss Heathcote judged three classes. Best of Breed was Sue Hird's Cloweswood Scilla, shown by John Francis and winning from Post Grad. Scilla stayed in until the final cut in the Hound Group. Res BOB was Glena Adams' Hydfron Ula from Zandahar ShCM. Derrick and Sheila Hawkins' Kwaricott Archimago JW was at Heywood & Radcliffe Open and went Best AVNSC Hound and won Group 4. Three classes for Mrs Pip Buswell to judge at Ashford, Faversham & District Open. Best Puppy was Wolfscastle Idole for Honeytail. BOB was won by Sue Piggott's Greyzicon Blythespirit from the Post Grad class. Res BOB was Vanessa Lucas' Sorisdale MacKechnie for Packway winning from Open. Falkirk & District Open proved an exciting show for Sid Taylor whose Lyart Yes Minister ShCM won the Hound Group, and went on to win Reserve Best in Show with Mr J Makin the judge.

Swansea & District CC Secretary and long-time Deerhound supporter Mrs Robin Paisey has asked me to let people know that her Mother, Wyne Thomas passed away peacefully on Christmas Day at the grand age of well over 102. Mrs Thomas together with Robin's late Father Ronald, were founder members of the South Wales Corgi Club in the 1960s. Leo and Robin, and their sons Phil and Alex have appreciated deerhound friends enquiring after Wyne's well being. Fortunately Wyne was still well enough to recently spare a cheesy biscuit for a visiting Deerhound. What an amazing era to have lived through, and I am sure her interest in dogs must have enhanced Mrs Thomas' longevity.

Championship Show judges for 2009 - Crufts - Kay Barret; Hound Association Scotland - Per Iverson; Scottish Breeds - Mr Robin Spencer; WELKS - Brenda Jarrett; Birmingham National - Mrs Liz Cartledge; May SKC - Mrs Wendy Cross; Bath - Anne Davey; Southern Counties - I don't known; Three Counties - Mrs Thorn-Andrews; Border Union - Bryan Doak; Blackpool - Mrs Pat Aird; South Wales - Betina Adams; East of England - Mrs Anne MacDonald; Leeds - Sue Piggott; Hound Association - Mr Bjorn Fritz (Germany); Bournemouth - Joan Wragg; Welsh Kennel - Kathy Codd; August SKC - don't know; Richmond - Hector Heathcote; Darlington - Mr John D Lewington (Australia); Midland Counties - Ken Aird; LKA - Angela Randall; and Crufts 2010 - David Murray. Breed Show 09 - Mrs Denise Courtney; Sunday classes Mrs Jean Malley. Limited Show 09 - dogs Bridget Robertson; bitches Chris Arthur, and Referee Glenda Adams. If you know who is judging Southern Counties and/or August SKC, could you please let me know.

Thanks to Joyce Bond who organised a very enjoyable Christmas/New Year lunch for East Anglian deerhound people and pals. Held at a rather drafty pub in Wood Ditton, the noise levels were astonishing and we all enjoyed a good natter. It was nice to have Our President, Kenneth Cassels and his wife B in the midst of the social whirl. The food was slightly disappointing, and I think Joyce is going to try and find somewhere else for next year - please let Joyce know if you know of a suitably spacious venue.

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

DEERHOUND BREED NOTES 4th January 2009

Mrs Jennifer North-Row judged at LKA, where the entry seemed to reflect the credit crunch and money worries. Best Puppy was Wolfscastle Efa, winning from Puppy Bitch. The Reserve CCs went to Glenn and Nicola Bailey's Ch Greyflax Waterloo Sunset from Open Bich, and Heather & Sarah Helps' Ch Beardswood Marmion from 2nd in Open Dog. The Bitch Ticket was won by Ladygrove Belle Starr from Postgraduate Bitch. An exciting win for Sue and Tony Phillips who bred Belle Starr in May 07, by Wild West Von Der Oelmuhle out of Ladygrove Spook, and who was winning her first CC. Belle Starr then went one better, and ran out Best of Breed. Finishing a lovely year for Kim Owen and Zoe Brodie, their Wolfscastle Wood Melick topped the dog classes by winning Open Dog. Wood Melick went on to win the Dog CC, and thus gains his Champion title so warm congratulations to the final Champion for 2008. By Terichline Windrush at Regalflight out of Gentom Legacy of Wolfscastle, Wood Melick was whelped in August 04, and is a grandson of Caroline Dowsett's Ch Terichline Ripple. We were not the only ones to remember Caroline and regret her untimely death - the Daily Telegraph carried a small notice in memory of her, five years on. LKA was also a special birthday for Zoe - so a very happy birthday present. Zoe would like to thank everyone who sent congratulations etc. on the first Wolfscastle Champion - it was a very exciting day.

Jacques Murray (Moireach) judged Potteries Open just after LKA, and BOB was won by Mick and Glenis Peach's Kilbourne Oh Suzzanna, who went on to win Group 4. Best Puppy was the Peach's Pingleholl Saffire to Kilbourne, and she went on to win Puppy Group 4. John Francis had a successful visit to Bristol & District Dog Club Open Show and won AVNSC Hound Special Yearling - with Cloweswood Scilla, and Scilla went on to win Best AVNSC Hound, and then topped the Hound Group with Di Hammond judging. Cloweswood Acer of Peopleton won AVNSC Hound Graduate class. John also fitted in various limited shows over the Christmas period, with Redditch & District (run by John Wiggan) proving a happy debut for class winner Cloweswood Fagus, and Cloweswood Acer of Peopleton won his class. And then John was at Leominster & District, where Acer won a class as did John's Grafton of Peopleton.

Luton Canine Association open show scheduled 4 Deerhound classes, and drew a nice entry of towards 30 hounds for Alex Paisey to judge. Best Puppy was Steve and Chris De Bolla's Regalflight Mithras. My Pyefleet Rokesby won BOB from the Open Class. Res BOB was Helga Jansons Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW, and they went on to win the contest for the Best of the Reserves, judged by Mr Roly Cross. Usually held over three days, the organisers had to compress the show into two days, and planned well to ensure it all worked. Hounds were judged on the first day, the morning slot. It worked a treat for us, with the BOB and other Group contests all being judged before lunch time. Good sized rings, and Hounds & Terriers were finished before the 'afternoon' Gundogs took over.

Mrs Nell MacBean asks members of the Deerhound Club to please send in their wins for the following trophies. THE DEERHOLT - Best of Breed wins at Open Shows scheduling five or
more breed classes - Champions are not eligible. THE ST. ANDREWS CHALLENGE CUP - wins in Variety Classes - placings at Open and Championship Shows to be listed. THE PENTLANDS TROPHY - placings at Open and Championship Shows to be listed. Confined to members who have not owned a Champion in the breed. THE NEW MEMBERS CUP - wins at Championship Shows . The owner having joined the Deerhound Club in 2006. Please send BOB wins and placings to the Cup Steward : Mrs N MacBean, Killoeter Cottage, The Red Road, Cardross, Argyll and Bute G82 5HH - by 20th January. Thank you.

Jean and David Gilhooly very kindly invite all deerhound exhibitors at the 25th January Chichester & District Canine Society open show to return home via their home at Nobys. A warm welcome and hospitality are assured, and Jean & David have an excellent set-up for hounds to have a scamper around. Please let Jean and David know well beforehand if you plan to accept their kind invitation.

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