Premier Groom competition attracts record numbers The fifth annual Premier Groom attracted more competitors and spectators than any previous grooming competition in the UK, as Alison Thomas of Look North Grooming and Training reports…
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total of 85 competitors from as far away as Belgium, Germany and Austria attended to compete in the prestigious Premier Groom competition. Held on Sunday August 12 at the Kennel Club building in Warwickshire’s Stoneleigh Park, the event was well organised and professional but with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Organisers Groom Team England and Red Cape Ltd are to be congratulated for their efforts in arranging such a successful day. The event achieved its objective of providing the opportunity for groomers to fine tune their competition skills and encouraged more beginners to enter the competition arena as well as providing something of interest for competitors and spectators, groomers and nongroomers alike. This year’s competitors took up the challenge and demonstrated their skills in competing for the many prizes on offer across eleven classes ranging from Beginners to Pure Breed Scissor. Each class was judged with awards for first, second and third places. First and second places were awarded to debutante competitors. Additional prizes were awarded for the Best Transformation, the Best Preparation by a Beginner and the Best Model Dog. The Groom Team England Special Award was also presented. This award is given to the person or persons who, in the opinion of the Groom Team Committee, show the greatest potential to advance their grooming skills at competition level. These, and the ultimate accolade for the Best in Show
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Best in Show winner Linda Barker
(sponsored by Double K) selected from the first-placed dogs from all open and champion classes, Reserve Best in Show (sponsored by Aesculap) and Beginner Winner, meant that a fantastic range of cash and product prizes were given out to worthy winners on the day. Classes were observed throughout the day by judges of national and international acclaim who have a great deal of experience in the industry. Those attending were also able to pick up new skills at seminars which ran throughout the day along with demonstrations by Amy English, Ilse FrenlKleton, Paula Hull and Colin
Sponsors The main sponsors of Premier Groom 2012 include: Double K Industries, Aesculap, The Pet Spa at Harrods, Groomers, Arden Grange Premium Pet Foods, Mikki Interpet, The ProGroomer, Grooming Vans 2 Go, Ashley Craig, Kenchii Shears, Hydrogroom, Ravenstein, Requal, Safe 4 Disinfectant, 2 Sharpen and Tru Sharpe, Pretty Paws Grooming, Look North Grooming and Training Centre, Redcape and Groom Team England.