50th Anniversary - 2014
This year is the Golden Anniversary of the Norfolk Terrier becoming a breed in its own right in the UK as recognised by the Kennel Club in 1964. Before this they were classed as Drop-eared Norwich.
CELEBRATIONS TO MARK THE 50th
ANNIVERSARY CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW
of the
NORFOLK TERRIER CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN
On Saturday 27th September 2014
What an amazing event! Many people arrived at The Royal Court Hotel in Keresley, near Coventry the night before the show, to meet other owners, breeders and friends of Norfolk Terriers from all over the world who had come to celebrate almost exactly 50 years since the Norfolk Terrier was created and the Norfolk Terrier Club founded on 29th September 1964. Unfortunately it costs so much money and red tape to bring a dog over to compete that only two dogs from Belgium and Germany actually took part in the show, with two entered not for competition.
Luckily there was no event being held on the Friday night at the hotel and the committee of the club were able to get into the Britannia Suite the afternoon before and set up the show in all its glory. And what a sight! Green rolls of ‘grass’ carpeting on top of the hotel’s crimson carpet inside the white fencing surrounding the ringside, with rows of chairs behind, and beautiful flowers in the Club colours of blue and yellow massed round the edges and corners and on the Judge’s table.
On tables around the vast room were displayed silver cups, and all the treasures that had been assembled for the event. A wonderful selection of prizes for the lucky winners, some specials with an explanation of their connection to the breed; displays of Norfolk history and publications, the fantastic arrangement of photographs of past Norfolk Terriers who had all played their part and passed on their genes to those about to perform at the show.
The Norfolk Terrier Stand organised by Gina Dorkins had alluring wares for sale in another corner and appeared to do very brisk trade on Saturday, and next to it Pippa Thew, a renowned canine artist, displayed her delightful watercolours and drawings of Norfolk Terriers and other subjects. On another table were all the items donated for the Grand Draw – tickets had been sold for it throughout the year and were still selling like hot cakes up to the last minute. Also on display were objects from the estates of the late Elisabeth Matell and Jon Rudkin plus donated lots for the Auction which was to be held after the dinner in the evening.
All this before the show even started. Our great thanks are due to everyone who has contributed such a huge lot of work and effort and for the financial help had been put in by so many people to make this day such memorable event. The Sub-Committee was formed more than two years ago and was led by Patsy Green as Chairman, with Terry Cooper, Gina Dorkins, Dorothy Dorkins, Andrew Gullick, Andre Hess, Karen Hurrion, Gail Simpson and her mother, Joan and Andrea Smith. Every class was sponsored, so lucky winners returned with prize money and gifts, and unusual prize cards and rosettes – right down to VHC.
We never forget it was Elisabeth Matell who paid towards the initial booking of the Banqueting Hall more than two years ago with Dorothy Dorkins so that this show could take place, and we were so grateful to the German breeders who brought beautifully embroidered bags and blankets for the top winners, and Yarrow and Venerie Kennels from the USA who gave Norfolk lapel brooches to all winners, both were given in memory of Elisabeth and the Cracknors.
And now THE SHOW. It was judged by MRS DOROTHY DORKINS, a long time owner, breeder and former President of the Club with Gina Dorkins judging the Junior Handling.
BEST IN SHOW: | CH BELLEVILLE SEDUCTION |
DOG CC: | CH BELLEVILLE SEDUCTION |
RESERVE DOG CC: | STRATHINVER SMART ENOUGH |
BITCH CC & BEST OPP SEX: | WATERCROFT TOP TIA |
RESERVE BEST IN SHOW | WATERCROFT TOP TIA |
RESERVE BITCH CC: | CH BLAKENS SUGAR CANDY KISSES |
BEST PUPPY: | WATERCROFT TOP TIPPLE |
BEST VETERAN: | BRYMARDEN COPPER KETTLE |
After the show closed at 5.00pm, the hotel staff magically transformed the show ring to a banqueting hall. Tables were laid in carefully worked out order with a famous Kennel name on each one, and all had bottles of wine donated by the Jaeva kennel, The Norfolk Terrier Club of American and the Club which was much appreciated. There was just time to exercise and feed our dogs and put them to bed, and then a quick change into our gladrags for the Celebration Dinner.
Michael Green introduced the after dinner speaker, Frank Kane, who drew warm applause for his speech remembering 50 years ago when the drop eared Norwich Terriers were separated from the prick eared variety and renamed the Norfolk Terrier. He recalled the names of well known kennels in the past – Colonsay, Nanfan, Ragus, Hunston, Gotoground, Waveney Valley, Vicbrita and many others, he made special mention of the Moortop kennel and Mary Atkinson who is still at the top today as she was 50 years ago. What a long way the breed had come and could now win Terrier Groups and even Best In Shows with Ch Jaeva Dutch Gold and with Elisabeth Matell first with Ch Cracknor Call My Bluff and then memorably at Crufts with Ch/Am Ch Cracknor Cause Celebre.
After this the Grand Draw took place for some splendid items, most of which had been donated. Several prizes will be going abroad amongst the many guests from different countries seated at the tables.
Gail Jones then took over as Auctioneer, to sell off first items from the estates of the late Elisabeth Matell and Jon Rudkin, and then items specially donated for the Auction. One of the most eagerly sought after lots was a catalogue of pedigrees assembled by Joan Read from the USA, given to Joy Taylor, and then to Elisabeth; this fetched almost £200. A special bottle of whisky with the Norfolk logo on its label, organised by Terry Cooper fetched more than £80, and pictures and other memorabilia sold very well to amazingly generous people.
The finale was a surprise cabaret to the music of Abba, when in amazing white flying wigs and wonderful costumes, our two judges of the day appeared as the Dancing Queens. Well done Dorothy and Gina!
It just remained for Clem Cartledge to entertain us with singing and music as we danced the night away!
Cherry Howard