Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales Newsletter 2020

Newsletter 2020

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Barrie Janes

… a family man who will be sadly missed It came as a great shock to all of us in the Club to hear of Barrie Janes’ passing on 29th December 2019.

Barrie was the husband of our Club Assistant Secretary Jan Janes. With Jan, Barrie had been a staunch member of the Club almost since its inception, his support and help at every Club event was invaluable.

Barrie and Jan are very well known and respected throughout the Welsh Springer community with the Coedybrain kennel affix. Barrie was always at Jan’s side as they campaigned their dogs to many successes over the years.

He was a much loved family man and enjoyed life with his grandchildren who often came along to Club events. Barrie will be greatly missed and we offer our sincere condolences to Jan and family.

Thanks to The Judges and Stewards The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales would like to extend their thanks to the judges and stewards who helped make our breed shows of 2019 a great success.

The Club always presents gifts to the judges at our shows to show our appreciation of all their hard work. That enjoyable task falls to Chairperson Jan Rees and she is seen here with: Judge Mrs Julie Frost (Bushwacker) at our February Open Show (above left); Special Awards Judge Ms Victoria Ellis (Shannara) at the February Open Show (above centre); Judge: Mrs Jane Sutherland (Jacranella) at our July Open Show (above right); Judges: Mrs Sue Aston (Tasa) and Mrs Pam Tew (Pamicks) at our Championship Show (left).

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

Chairperson’s Report 2019 Happy New Decade everyone, I can’t believe it’s 2020 already, a brand new decade, where does the time go when you are so busy and having fun? Welcome to this Newsletter giving a summary of the Club’s progress through 2019, I hope you enjoy browsing through this issue to see what we get up to.

This coming year we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the formation of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales in which we hope to provide members with some extra special events and features. Look out for our ‘Champions Parade’ at our March show plus special rosettes and glassware at each of our shows.

In the Spring we plan a very exciting photo call at the famous ‘spiritual home’ of the Welsh Springer, Llanharan House. Look out for the adverts and be sure to take your place in this historic event.

Our shows and walks were enjoyed a Go’ Gundog Training days which were moderately Please go to: by all and we actually managed to successful and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, however facebook.com / finally run our Grooming Workshop I am delighted that we have been able to recruit two much WelshSpringer day which went very well with good needed new Committee members in Jane and Craig SpanielCSW “Like” us and you attendance and definitely something Sutherland, well known to many for their successful show will be kept up and working ‘team’ of ‘Jacranella’ Welsh. Jane will be our we will repeat. to date with club new Working Secretary and is already planning some One of the highlights of our year was news. exiting training days. A big welcome to you both. an invitation to take a few Welshies Be sure to keep in touch with our facebook page: to Penllergare Country Park for their annual ‘Open Day’ albeit at the last welshspringerspanielCSW for all lastest information. minute, it was a quick scramble to Our final event of 2019 was our annual Christmas Walk gather a few willing souls together at Oxwich Bay on the beautiful Gower Peninsular. We and I wish to thank them very much woke that morning to some very tragic news that Barrie for giving up their time to help out. It Janes, husband of Jan our Assistant Secretary had passed turned out a really lovely day just chatting to the public away suddenly in the early hours. We were all in total about our favourite subject, no problem! We made many shock but as many people were already on their way to new friends that day. the venue, we carried on. Barrie was such a huge part of Penllergare however features in the history of the breed the Club, always in the background helping out, we shall as you will see from the article we have put together, very miss him very much. Our sincere condolences go out to interesting indeed and we will be expanding on this story Jan and Family.

Look forward to seeing you all in 2020 this year. We have been invited back this Summer, watch out on our Facebook page for further details.

Jan Rees (Chairperson) Email: Castle_typica@hotmail.com On the working side of things we held a series of ‘Have

Some of the attendees of one of our “Have-a-Go” Gundog training sessions at Ffos-y-Fran, Merthyr – including on the far right, Barrie Janes with wife Jan – he will be sorely missed at Club events.

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Officers and Committee

Who’s Who in the Club – 2019 Mansel Young

Debbie Roberts

Jan Rees

Sue Evans

Jan Janes

Terry Evans

Karen Lancett

Anita Shears

Jane Sutherland

Mary Evans

Lesley Breeze

Craig Sutherland

Patron: Mr Mansel Young President: Mrs Debbie Roberts Life Members: Mr T Davies Dr A Christie Mrs E A Jones Vice-Presidents: Dr A Christie Mrs A Davies Mrs C Green Mrs A Young Mrs D Roberts Mr B Shears Ms M Simmons

Mr & Mrs M. Young Mr & Mrs J Derrick Mrs Jan Janes Mr T Davies Mr M Green Mr M Young, Mr & Mrs J Derrick Mrs J Janes Mrs E A Jones Mrs Jan Rees

Chairperson: Mrs Jan Rees Vice Chairperson: Mrs Debbie Roberts Secretary: Mrs Sue Evans e-mail: welshspringerspaniel.csw@gmail.com

Assistant Secretary: Mrs Jan Janes Treasurer: Mrs Debbie Roberts Joint Health Group: Delegates: Mrs J Rees, Mrs J Janes Reserve Delegate: Mrs K Lancett Trustee: Mrs S Evans Cup Steward: Contact the Secretary United Spaniel Association Delegate: Mrs A Shears

Committee Members: Mrs Mary Evans Mrs Lesley Breeze Mr Craig Sutherland Mr Terry Evans Mrs Jane Sutherland (Working Secretary) Web Site: Mrs J Rees (content) Mr Terry Evans (Design & Photography) Newsletter Production: Terry and Sue Evans WSS Rescue and Re-homing Scheme UK Co-ordinator, South Wales & Three counties Representative: Mrs K Lancett

General enquiries email address: welshspringerspaniel.csw@gmail.com Website: www.wsscsw.co.uk Photo-Gallery Website: www.wsscswgallery.wordpress.com Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors and reproduced in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the WSSCSW

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

Secretary’s Report Happy New Year to all our members far and wide…

First of all I would like to thank my fellow Officers and Committee, for their support and tireless efforts to ensure we offer our members a full programme of events during the year. It’s always heartening to get compliments about the quality of our events provided by such a small committee so it is great to welcome two new Committee members, Jane and Craig Sutherland, who joined us this year – we promise not to work you too hard.

Also, of course, thanks to all of our members, their friends and family, who come to these shows and events with your dogs, and make it all worthwhile!

Our three Shows continue to be well subscribed, against a national trend, and our Members’ walks and Training days fill out a busy calendar.

This year we tried a new venture, joining with Gundog Society of Wales to share a venue for us each to hold our Open Show together, in July instead of our usual September date, which had come to clash with two Championship Shows in England. Thank you to Secretary Richard Stafford and his team for doing the major part of the organisation, we were able to run our breed show alongside, after their WSS classes.

As the WSS is officially regarded as a ‘minority breed’ we are always keen to promote the breed to the public. I was therefore very happy when ‘out of the blue’ we were invited by the Friends of Penllergare Valley to take our Breed Awareness Stand to their open day.

Penllergare was one of the country estates instrumental in the development of the breed at the turn of last century, similar to Llanharan, sadly the house has been demolished, but the woodland and walled gardens were saved, and are being restored by a volunteer group. (see more on p29). It’s a great place to visit and we are

delighted to have been invited back this summer.

Our ‘informal walks’ started as a thread on Facebook, asking ‘where is that?’ after a pic was posted of a beach, or lakeside, or woodland, complete with happy Welshie/s.

We would check out the location and if suitable organise a group walk there. So far we’ve enjoyed new adventures all over South Wales, with a couple of new ones pencilled in for this Spring, notably an opportunity to visit Llanharan House, Near Bridgend, for a photocall, to mark our 40th year as a club (see p20). If your Welshie has a spot on top of its head, it is said to have a ‘Llanharan Spot’ as their line were identified with this marking.

Please contact me if you would like your favourite walk added to our list.

At the top I said “…members far and wide” because we have members around Europe, Australia, New Zealand and this year I’ve had to add Japan to my overseas mailing list, as two of our active members, Ian and Harumi, are emigrating there, with their dogs, due to work commitments. We wish them good luck and bon voyage and hope they find some Welshies there to tell us about in next year’s newsletter.

I hope you all have a great 2020 with your Welshies and if you have any noteworthy adventures please let us know.

Sue Evans (Secretary)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – 2020

Open Show Sun, 9th February Drill Hall, Chepstow,

Judge: Mrs Hilary Male (Malenbrook)

Special Awards: Karen Lancett (Cwmbeili) Annual General Meeting Sun, 23rd February Ponthir Village Hall, Ponthir, Gwent Championship Show Sun, 22nd March Chepstow Leisure Centre

Judge Dogs - Mr Tim Harrison (Glenbrows)

Judge Bitches - Mrs Jan Janes (Coedybrain) Historic Breed Photo Shoot Sun, 3rd May Llanharan House Summer Picnic Sun, 19th July Penllergare Valley Woods Breed Awareness Stand Sat, 12th September at Penllergare Country Fayre Open Show Sat, 26th September Drill Hall, Chepstow,

Judge: Miss Jenna Cocking (Ruskinite)

Special Awards: Helen Upton Dates could change and we often add new events such as Training Days, Working Days and Informal Walks – so please regularly check our Website or Facebook page for up-to-date details.

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wsscsw.co.uk This coming year, 2020, we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales.

To mark this auspicious year we will be awarding special prizes at our Open and Championship Shows and we hope to hold some special events such as a visit to the spiritual home of the WSS at Llanharan House. We hope our members will enjoy celebrating with us and we look forward to seeing all your beautiful Welshies throughout the year.

Our Patron Mansel Young tells us how it all started…

In the Beginning....

The date of the historic meeting to form a separate club was in fact 1st April 1980 which took place at the Mason’s Arms, Pontypool, Gwent, addressed by Mr. Cyril Williams, with well known members of the Kennel Club, Welsh Kennel Club and quite a number of local breeders/exhibitors some of whom are still serving the Club today.

For a number of years previous the South Wales enthusiasts had helped the WSSC run the Limited Shows at Chepstow Drill Hall to great success with similar arrangements for their 1979 Championship Show. Many realised that the breed was so well established in the area that a new breed club would enhance its popularity even further and it seemed quite appropriate that the next Show should appear in its country of origin.

A meeting was called and the response was overwhelming with Mr Williams guiding those present to the practicalities of forming a new breed club with particular reference to Kennel Club requirements.

A quote from the Minutes taken that night ‘that they were desirous of forming a breed club for the Welsh Springer Spaniel in the Principality’ with the first officials being elected : Patron: George Couzens JP Joint Life-Presidents: Cliff & Mary Payne Chairman: Tom Davies Secretary: Betty Williams Treasurer: Mansel Young Other people present that night who became founder

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members and were to make a major contribution included Len & Kath Morgan, Mike & Carol Green, Jan Rees, Jan Thomas (now Janes) Harold Williams, Pat Shewin, John & Maureen Kenefick, Dave & Lyn Medlicott, Agnes Davies and Averil Young.

We were very fortunate in having so much experience at our disposal. The names of Cliff & Mary Payne with their Tregwillym affix were well known throughout the world, with their enthusiasm for the new Club being infectious.

Other influential supporters of this new venture were Noel & Dodo Hunton-Morgans (Dalati) and Ron & Tydfil Bebb of cocker spaniel fame.

Finally in May 1981 the Kennel Club letter arrived that we had been waiting for, official approval that the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales was born.

A lot of water has gone under the proverbial bridge since then, the formation of a new club did not meet with everyone’s approval, but time heals and more and more people began to see the benefits of a second breed club, expanding the breed, increased number of shows etc. In fact universal acceptance was achieved when the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club kindly donated a trophy for our first Championship Show in 1985.

The Club today is thriving and has enjoyed the past 40 years with new enthusiasts coming and going all enjoying their Welsh Springer Spaniels.

The photo below shows the first Committee and Officers taken at the Open Show in October 1982

Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

Treasurer’s Report 2019 Amazing membership support

2019 was a favourable year for the finances of the Club. We have had a number of years where the Club accounts have been in a deficit or shown a small profit.

This year importantly the Club funds have returned a larger than usual profit. We have an amazing membership who support the Club in all the events that we hold, and I thank you personally for your continued support.

The 2019 accounts are as yet to be finalised and the balance sheet accepted, so final figures cannot be announced.

The February Open and March Championship Shows returned a handsome profit and, as usual, were very well supported by the membership.

Our second Open Show, that we usually hold in September, was due to clash with dates of other Clubs’ champ shows, which would adversely affect the potential entry to our show – so we took the decision to move the date to July. In doing so, that brought a problem with the venue so we were grateful when the Gundog Society of Wales suggested that we share the venue of Cwmbran Stadium with their summer Open Show.

It proved to be a good workable solution and as a consequence both clubs benefitted with reasonable entry numbers and therefore a small profit margin.

The Second Open Show continues to be a concern to the committee. The usual date and venue we have been used to for many years is at the height of the showing season and clashes with Championship Shows, Summer holidays and exhibitors’ other commitments. Sometimes something has to give and the viability of holding the this show is an ongoing discussion.

Away from the showing arena, the Club held a Grooming Workshop Day that was very well attended by a number of owners. Our team of experienced groomers revealed some tips and tricks and gave demonstrations on volunteer dogs. Many owners were given ‘have-a-go’ opportunities, under expert supervision, on their own dogs. A full report of the day appears later in this newsletter but from a financial point of view I am pleased to say that the event returned a small profit – even though the aim of the day was to educate new owners of Welshies in the nuances of grooming.

Our Christmas Beach Walk again took place at Oxwich Bay and as always a Membership good cross section of old and new members came along for the day. As seems Reminder only fair, the Club paid for the warming drinks in the Oxwich Bay Hotel prior Can we please remind you that to the cold walk along the beach.

Annual Subscriptions are now due: Here’s looking forward to doing it all again next year.

Single Member: £4.00 Debra Roberts (President and Treasurer) Joint Members: £6.00 Junior Members:

(under 18) 50p If you have not already renewed your membership please send it to: The Secretary: Mrs Sue Evans,

Never forget again! Subs can be paid via Direct Debit. You can download a form from the website or contact the Secretary.

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Presentations & Celebrations Our new Club President Debbie Roberts presented the various trophies that are awarded annually – many congratulations to all winners and we wish you luck in defending your trophy in the coming year.

Wyesider Trophy The Wyesider Trophy is awarded to the Top Dog or Bitch born in Wales. Awarded this year to Karen Lancett’s Sh Ch Coedybrain Nia at Cwmbeili (pictured above).

Karen is pictured left receiving the silver plate from Debbie Roberts at our AGM.

Typica Breeders Trophy

Tregwillym Points Trophy

Also known as the Cliff Payne Trophy, this trophy is awarded to the Club member who has gained the most points with the same dog throughout the year. This year’s winning dog Tydfil Ffos-Y-Fran is pictured above with owner Zoe Phillips as she collects the trophy from president Debbie Roberts at our Champ Show in March.

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Tim and Honor Harrison’s ‘Glenbrows’ kennel, were winners of this year’s Typica Breeders Trophy – they are pictured above receiving the award from Debbie Roberts, at our Champ Show. Shown on the right with just two of the dogs that helped them win the trophy. Tim is with Sh Ch Glenbrows Picture Me Now JW winning BIS at our Open Show and Honor is with Sh Ch Glenbrows Tribute To Weslave JW winning BVIS at our Champ Show.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

Winners’ Crystal Trophies After many years of presenting winners with silver cups, which had to be returned to the Club every year, it was decided to award Best Dog, Best Bitch and Best in Show at each of our shows with beautiful engraved Welsh crystal trophies that they are able to retain. This has proved to be a very popular move and we congratulate everyone who has been awarded these trophies.

Silver Pheasant Working Trophy The Silver Pheasant Working Trophy was awarded to Tina Smith with Isfryn Peeping Tom JW. Tina said “What an amazing year with the mutts, Isfryn dogs proving the dual-purpose of the breed” Pete has had a very busy year, in the field and the show ring, also winning “WSSC Dog of the Year (field & bench)” and “WSSC Best Working dog of the year”, he has been consistently placed at Championship shows, gaining his first RCC, and at working events.

His two litter sisters who are out in the showring have also excelled, being well placed in their classes (Isfryn Lady Godiva at Fireglow JW - 2 RCC and Isfryn Lady Grey of Gilstonia winning a shed load of her classes). His litter brother Isfryn King Leir at Blythway has held his own, winning PG classes and not to forget his two close relatives Dutch & Int Ch Isfryn On the Spot, and Isfryn Spot the Difference at Trebettyn with 2 RCC.’ Newsletter 2020

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Gundog Training For All Jane Sutherland – Working Secretary I’m taking this opportunity to pen a few words to introduce myself as the Working Secretary for the WSSCSW. I’ve worked my Welsh Springers seriously for over 25 years, and have found a deep satisfaction and joy in developing the close working relationship and partnership between myself and my Welshies.

Some of you might have met from which to launch your future us at the Game Fair where we were training. The keystones to a good meeting the public and chatting steady gundog are the sit and the recall. These are achieved using a about our lovely Breed.

Whether you choose to take your whistle – much easier for your dog to Welsh into the shooting field or just hear when he’s out in the wind and want to enjoy watching your Springer thick undergrowth than your voice, develop and blossom, as he fulfils his which can be blown away.

Once these basic lessons are potential, and expresses the instincts and skills that generations of careful firmly in place you will have the allbreeding have given him, matters not. important “Brakes and Bungee” to Training for the field allows you to stop your dog anywhere, regardless work with your Welsh by channelling of temptations, and recall him safely. his strengths and focusing his natural Even if your training ambitions go no further, these are both valuable skills instincts to hunt and retrieve.

Like all training, gundog training to have.

From there we’ll move on to is simply a matter of small steps all progressing towards your goal, in this shaping his hunting skills, learning case, a happy, confident and steady to work as part of a partnership companion in whom you can trust instead of for himself, along with developing his natural ability to and who returns your trust in turn.

It’s important to bear in mind find and retrieve items through however, that all steps need to be fun learning. The primary thoroughly learned before taking objective of the group is the next one, but each lesson is fun training within a fun and and rewarding for both you and your relaxed environment, with no pressure, so you and Welsh. your Welshie can progress With this in mind I’m keen to at your own pace. You’ll invite anyone who fancies having a probably find that some go at training their Welshie (or any steps, which seem easy for other Gundog, or not a Gundog at you, are more challenging all!) to join our training groups which for others. When you train will be starting in the Spring. All are on your own it’s very easy welcome for a fun and exciting day to become discouraged at with your Welshie, meeting new this point, but being part friends and enjoying a day in the of a group provides support and vital countryside. encouragement, allowing us to watch We will be starting from the others and work through problems beginning, building solid foundations together.

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For those who want to take their training further, there’s the goal of Working Tests and Assessments – with awards, trophies, rosettes and prizes – that are run throughout the year.

For everyone who comes along to give it a try there’s plenty of fun and fellowship.

Details of dates and location will be posted the Club website and Facebook page, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all in the Spring!

Jane Sutherland

Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

Have-a-go Gundog Training Days In the Spring of 2019 the Club organised a series of three Gundog Training classes, aimed at members whose dogs had done basic puppy and obedience training but who were interested to see what added advantage they could get from gundog training.

The classes were once a month over April, May and June. Two were held in at Cwmyoy near Abergavenny in the most beautiful surroundings.

We have always been welcome at this venue by the kind permission of Richard Morris.

Another session was held at Ffosy-Fran in Merthyr by kind permission of Zoe Phillips and splendidly hosted by her and husband Matthew who served up refreshments for us all.

Our trusted trainer for the series was Alan Willis (Keldeb Gundogs) a hugely successful Field Trial Competitor. Alan has a soft spot for the Welsh Springer and is the most kind, quiet and patient trainer.

We called the series ‘Have-a-Go Gundog Training’ to hopefully attract total beginners and introduce them to the job that their Welsh Springers were originally bred for.

The first session in April was well attended by several new enthusiasts.

Alan started with the basic sit and stay and walk to heel commands and the dogs all finished the day on positive notes. Alan said that most of the dogs showed a great aptitude for the training At the second session, held in Merthyr, there were a few trainees missing but we had a relatively good session in the cold biting wind on the high hillside. This time saw the dogs trying a few retrieves – some with more success than others.

The third session was back at Cwmyoy, which was great because we were able to move onto water retrieves – let’s just say it was a good Newsletter 2020

job we had a few experienced dogs with us to retrieve the dummies that the beginners failed to get in the fast flowing stream.

This year, 2020, we have new Committee members in Jane and Craig Sutherland and Jane especially has worked her own dogs with great success. Jane has taken on the mantle of ‘Working Secretary’ for the Club and she is already planning new training days in other areas so hopefully more will come and see what their Welshies are capable of, what they were bred to do and thoroughly enjoying it as well.

Please make sure to watch out for announcements on our Facebook page and website.

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The Long Road to Becoming a French Champion Although the number of Welsh Springers born in France is very low (33 registered in 2018) and the number shown even less, it is certainly not true to say that is it “easy” to become a French Champion, known as CHCS (Champion de Conformite au Standard).

Firstly, three CACS (the equivalent of a CC) have to be won under three different judges, one of which has to be French. However, this is not just any three CACS, one of them has to be won either at the French Championship Show (the French KC’s own show and their equivalent of Crufts) or at the French Spaniel Club’s Championship show. There are therefore only two chances each year to obtain one of these required CACS. At these shows the judges are rather stricter than usual and will not give out the CACS unless they are entirely sure that the dog is of champion quality both in conformation and temperament. In fact, at any FCI show, National or International, you may have the only dog of your breed being exhibited and even though it is a awarded 1st prize with an excellent qualification, the judge does not automatically award the CACS. Apart from the CACS at the French Championship or the French Spaniel Club’s Championship show, the dog has to obtain another two CACS, within a two year period, one from a French National Show and another from an International Show held in France.

So, you’ve won the allotted three CCs is that it? Is my dog now a French Champion? No, far from it! There is only one French show title for all breeds unlike in the UK where we have Show Champion (Sh Ch) and Champion (Ch) for gundogs. Many breeds of dog in France have to undergo some sort of working or character test before they can become a French Champion and it’s the relevant breed club not the French KC that decides what form this test takes.

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There are no separate breed clubs for spaniels in France, they all come under the umbrella of the Spaniel Club Francais, and the club has decided that all spaniels (except the American Cocker) has to obtain the qualification of a Tres Bon in actual Field Trial competition in order to become a show champion! This is the hard part for many dogs and owners and the result is that there are many spaniels worthy of being show champions which cannot be because they have not achieved this Field Trial award.

In order to compete in a Field Trial you have to buy an “Owner’s Licence” which needs to be renewed annually and each dog has to have a “Carnet de Travail” a “record of work” book, where its Field Trial results are completed by the judges on the day of each Trial. If you wish to handle a dog in a Field Trial you also need a “Handler’s Licence” which again needs to be renewed annually.

In the Field Trial competition, your Welsh Springer will mostly be competing against working English Springers so the competition is tough; each dog is graded on its performance and then placings are given – at the discretion of the judges.

And that’s not all! To be a French champion the dog also needs to have its hips scored and its eyes tested within the previous two years of applying for the title.

It also has to have its DNA taken and registered in the French KC’s database.

I have been showing my Welsh Springer dog, Dylan (Mariemead Winters Mist of Walgoreg) in France and other European countries for several years now and he has obtained the title of International Show Champion plus two Swiss Champion titles but the elusive French Champion title just seemed to be too high a mountain to climb. However, that was before I met a lovely French gundog trainer, Monsieur Francois-Michel Pelletier. He is a third generation trainer and many years ago owned Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

a Pencelli Welsh Springer which he made into a French Champion of show and also a French Working Champion.

He came highly recommended as a ‘gentle trainer who understood the Welsh Springer’ by show owners of both English and Welsh Springers.

We decided to bite the bullet and took both Dylan and our young bitch Ffion, (Bushwacker French Twist With Walgoreg) who has already won all the necessary CACS in France, to see Monsieur Pelletier in the centre of France for a working assessment. Fortunately, after about half an hour’s work, he declared that he could train them up to Field Trial standard. He wanted to keep them for four weeks and then we were to come back and take them home for at least a week so that they could rest and ‘assimilate all that they had learned’ he said. That was indeed a long four weeks for us without them. When they returned home, they were extremely tired but wellmuscled. All too soon, it was time to take them back again to Monsieur Pelletier. I rang him every week for an update and within two weeks he felt confident enough to tell me to enter them both in some Field Trials. I was so excited to hear this news.

They went to four Trials on consecutive days on the west coast of France near to Bordeaux and during the first two days there were horrendous storms which made conditions very difficult for both dogs and handlers.

However, at the second Trial, Dylan worked very well and obtained a 2nd place with a Tres Bon classification and Ffion, in the fourth Trial shone with a 4th place with a Tres Bon classification. They had both done it! I could

hardly believe that in such a short period of time they had won Field Trial awards. In fact, Ffion proved to be so extremely enthusiastic and thorough in her working that we have decided to continue to enter her into more Trials, starting with Spring Field Trials in 2020.

All we need to do when we have all the health test results is to get together all the paperwork - evidence of awards, health test results etc. and send them the ‘title scrutineer’ of the French Spaniel Club who checks it all and then sends it off to the French Kennel Club. This has to be done within two months of the last result/health test. Fingers crossed all will be in order and we will have two CHCS Welsh Springers at home!

Kathy Gorman (Walgoreg)

Llanharan House ~ Photo Call Sunday May 3rd 2020

Calling all Welsh Springers A day not to be missed by breed enthusiasts everywhere – come and join us to be part of breed history.

We intend taking a group photo of as many Welsh Springers as possible outside their spiritual home of Llanharan House, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the formation of WSSCSW Newsletter 2020

After the photo-call we plan a buffet at Llanharan Rugby Club who carry a picture of a WSS on their club crest.

This promises to be a unique, memorable day, so we would love to see a huge turnout of Welshies.

Watch our website and Facebook page for more details closer to the date.

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BRED, OWNED & MUCH LOVED BY JANE & CRAIG SUTHERLAND TEL: 01636 822 618 email: janeysutherland@yahoo.co.uk 14

Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

OPEN SHOW SUNDAY 10th February 2019 The Drill Hall, Lower Church Street, Chepstow. NP16 5HJ Judge: Mrs Julie Frost (Bushwacker) Best In Show - Thomas’s: Bowdonia Anastasia JW (left centre) Reserve Best In Show - Connolly’s: Ambika Tranquil Spirit for Benmorbry (left) Best Puppy In Show - Harrison’s: Glenbrows Temptress (right centre) Best Veteran In Show - Sutherland’s: Ch Julita Rezanella of Jacranella (right) Best in Show Lineup

Judge’s Comments I would like to thank the committee of the WSSCSW for the opportunity to judge at their friendly and well organised open show. I had a wonderful, quality entry with very few absentees on the day. Also my thanks go out to the exhibitors who entered their dogs and accepted my decisions in good spirit. Dogs were all well presented and temperaments were very good.

Judge: Mrs Julie Frost (Bushwacker)

Best Dog Line-Up Best Dog – Brown’s: Bowdonia Ozzie Reserve Best Dog – Williams’: Isfryn Spot the Difference at Trebettyn Best Puppy Dog – Harrison’s: Glenbrows This Is Me

Best Bitch Line-Up Best Bitch – Thomas’s: Bowdonia Anastasia JW Reserve Best Bitch – Connolly’s: Ambika Tranquil Spirit for Benmorbry Best Puppy Bitch – Harrison’s: Glenbrows Temptress

Full list of results and the Judge’s critique can be seen on the Club’s website at www.wsscsw.co.uk Newsletter 2020

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CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW Chepstow Leisure Centre, Chepstow, NP16 5LR SUNDAY 24th MARCH 2019 JUDGES: DOGS: Mrs Pam Tew (Pamicks) • BITCHES: Mrs Sue Aston (Tasa) REFEREE: Mrs Debra Roberts (Cwrtafon) Best In Show - Lancett’s: Sh Ch Coedybrain Nia at Cwmbeili (left centre) Reserve Best In Show & Best Veteran - Ellis’: Glenbrows Fascination with Shannara (left) Best Opposite Sex - Clarke’s: Ferndel High Fidelity with Tigerrock ShCm ShCEx (right centre) Best Puppy In Show - Harrison’s: Glenbrows This is Me (right) Best in Show Lineup

Judge’s Comments Dog Judge, Pam Tew (Pamicks) said, “My thanks go to the committee for inviting me to judge at their Championship Show. I had a quality entry with many lovely dogs not being placed. Thanks too to all exhibitors who with their wonderful dogs made my day very pleasurable, some very difficult decisions had to be made. All dogs were well presented. Finally, thanks to my stewards, Anita Shears and Karen Lancett”.

Bitch Judge, Jane Aston (Tasa) said, “It was an honour and privilege to be asked to judge at this Show and I thank the Officers and Committee for their invitation.

The hospitality was amazing as was the atmosphere of the Show. Of course there would be no show without exhibitors, so thank you all for giving me the opportunity of judging your lovely breed”.

Best Dog Line-Up Best Dog – Clarke’s: Ferndel High Fidelity at Tigerrock ShCM ShCEx Reserve Best Dog – Harrison’s: Sh Ch Glenbrows Picture Me Now JW Best Puppy Dog – Harrison’s: Glenbrows This Is Me

Best Bitch Line-Up Best Bitch – Lancett’s: Sh Ch Coedybrain Nia At Cwmbeili Reserve Best Bitch – Ellis’s: Glenbrows Fascination with Shannara Best Puppy Bitch – Harrison’s: Glenbrows Temptress

Full list of results and the Judge’s critique can be seen on the Club’s website at www.wsscsw.co.uk

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

130 Welsh Springer Spaniels and their owners descended on Chepstow Leisure Centre in March 2019 for the South Wales Club’s Championship show.

Mrs Pam Tew (Pamicks) judged the Dog section in the morning session with 100 entries in 16 classes. While Mrs Sue Aston (Tasa) judged the Bitch section, in the afternoon, with 90 entries across 16 classes.

The high quality of the dogs presented made the judges’ work difficult - highlighted by the fact that they had to call on the services of Show Referee, Debbie Roberts, to decide the BIS. Both judges said in their critiques that it was a very enjoyable show. The Club is very grateful to them for their expertise and fair play.

Despite there being a fire alarm half way through the day when we all had to evacuate the building the show itself went off as smoothly as usual and a special thanks goes out to all those members who helped make it such a successful day.

The photos here by photographer Terry Evans show what a great day it was.

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OPEN SHOW

at CWMBRAN STADIUM, Henllys Way, Cwmbran NP44 3YS

SUNDAY 14th July 2019 Judge: MRS JANE SUTHERLAND (Jacranella) Best In Show - Harrison’s: Sh Ch Glenbrows Memoir (left centre) Reserve Best In Show & BOS - Lancett’s: Sh Ch Coedybrain Nia at Cwmbeili (left) Best Puppy In Show - Barkley’s: Chanangel Mr Whodat at Cherryheath (right centre) Best Veteran In Show - Barkley’s: Sh Ch Cherryheath’s Mr Mischief JW ShCM (right) Best in Show Lineup

Judge’s Comments I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at their open show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I also want to thank all the exhibitors for providing me with a lovely entry of quality Welsh Springer Spaniels, for their sporting attitude and making the day so enjoyable.

Judge: Mrs Jane Sutherland (Jacranella)

Best Dog Line-Up Best Dog – Clarke’s: Sh Ch Ferndel High Fidelity With Tigerrock Sh Cm ShCEx Reserve Best Dog – Stone’s: Stedigan All In Good Time for Merrem Sh CM Best Puppy Dog – Barkley’s: Chanangel Mr Whodat at Cherryheath

Best Bitch Line-Up Best Bitch – Harrison’s: Sh Ch Glenbrows Memoir Reserve Best Bitch – Lancett’s: Sh Ch Coedybrain Nia at Cwmbeili Best Puppy Bitch – Revill and Monday’s: Julita Ryveeta

Full list of results and the Judge’s critique can be seen on the Club’s website at www.wsscsw.co.uk

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

SPECIAL AWARDS The WSSCSW schedules special classes at our Open shows

to encourage and help develop up-and-coming judges. If you have already judged the breed and are already on a club C list and would like to be considered to judge these classes at a future show can you please contact the Secretary.

At our Open Show in February, Judge: Ms Victoria Ellis (Shannara) judged three Special Award classes in which there were 33 entries, plus the Special Breeders stakes in which there were two kennels, 8 dogs.

The photo above shows the class winners: (L to R) Kath Morgan Memorial Junior Dog or Bitch Harrison’s: Glenbrows Temptress Kath Morgan Memorial Post Graduate Dog or Bitch Waller’s: Isfryn Lady Godiva at Fireglow JW Len Morgan Memorial Open Dog or Bitch Pick’s: Llon Blodyn Ymenyn

The Special Breeders’ Stakes was awarded to Jane and Craig Sutherland’s kennels Jacranella - shown in the photo above are (LtoR): Sh Ch Jacranella Symphony; Jacranella Serenade; Jacranella Sonata; Jacranella Solo

WSSCSW Merchandise If you come along to one of our shows make sure you check out the Club Shop. There’s loads of desirable products for sale with the Club logo or other Welsh Springer images – these include: n Sweatshirts n Polo & T-Shirts n Jackets n Bags n Hats n Gilets n Mugs n Pens n Coasters n Cards n Badges n Books There’s always plenty of new items available and very often some last season’s bargains. But if we haven’t got the item you fancy in your size or colour we can usually order it for you – just ask.

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Sh.Ch.Cwrtafon Cadfor – End of a Famous Line Those who have had the pleasure to be in the company went through a phase of not liking to be judged indoors, of Len, Kathy and especially Cadfor will raise a smile then outdoors. He didn’t like it too windy or too sunny. or two with this obituary and understand our pain/joy We tried all the tricks (and bait) in the book, to no avail.

There is nothing worse that someone saying to you ‘its (it’s a fine line).

Kathy had got to a point where she didn’t want any such a shame he won’t show’ and we had that said a lot. more puppies. However, Len being Len, always had a way So, for nearly three years we travelled the country hoping that Cadfor would have a good day. of talking her around and usually I would be picked up and within 10 got his way. He knew how to read minutes Kathy would say ‘I don’t pedigrees and breeding lines; he know why we bother; this is a waste did his homework and knew that of time’. As calm as a cucumber Len the pedigrees suited. A mating was would say ‘Now, now Kath, we are on the horizon. When the litter out for the day, let’s have a nice day’. arrived, Kathy often reminded him In the ring Cadfor would perform ‘you’re not keeping anything’. For (or not) and on the return home the a number of reasons Len finally conversation would often be about agreed. In the litter was a lovely boy.

It wasn’t long before it was clear Cadfor portrayed on Kath & Len’s headstone how much more money was going to be wasted before Len accepted that he was something ‘special’.

Len had promised Kathy that he wasn’t keeping that he didn’t like showing. Then Kathy would often add anything. Then an enquiry came in from Sweden. Kathy the killer line ‘He should have gone to Sweden’. Len loved was relieved and said it was an ideal opportunity for him a battle (from his trade union days I guess), Cadfor was to go to a show kennel on the continent. For anyone who definitely worth the battle, if only in Lens eyes. Then one has exported a puppy you will know the hoops that have day Cadfor had an epiphany, he realised that no one was to be jumped through. When finally, all of the paperwork going to hurt him. Life was so much easier and he was and inoculations were completed, Len decided that he quickly made up. Just to remind us who was in control he was staying (Len did things like that, very often). Kathy would give you ‘the look’ or more of a death-stare. It was wasn’t happy, she only said ‘on your head, I’m not having wise not to get too confident.

At home he was just as odd. He didn’t like men. Only anything to do with it’.

Cadfor grew up to be a very ‘quirky’ dog in the show loved one - Len, he tolerated Steve (my husband), I think ring. In his early show career, he didn’t like male judges this had a lot to do with the gravy bones that he bribed and would back off. If he wasn’t in the mood his tail him with. When Len and Kathy went on holidays Darren would be clamped to his bottom, then as soon as he was (Len and Kath’s son) would look after the dogs. The outside the ring, he would be full of the joys of Spring. He phone would ring ‘Debbie I can’t get him in’. I would drive to Cwrtafon and there was Cadfor stood on the garden wall barking at Darren, refusing to move. I would shout Cadfor and Len at ‘Caddy in’, and in he would go, no resistance almost home in the garden smirking as he went. After that happening several times at Cwrtafon Darren walked Cadfor around the garden on a flexi-lead.

Cadfor would also thoroughly track the garden checking where Darren had previously walked, barking as he went.

He would do this for hours. It was Darren’s job to mow the lawns, so you can imagine how many times he went up and down. He was also found a number of times in the garage barking at Darren’s boots.

If you’ve ever been to Cwrtafon and sat in the garden, Len would sit in a chair, Cadfor sat between his legs, Len holding/massaging his ears. Cadfor would either bark or give you his death-stare, encouraging you politely to leave. Mostly he would sleep on Len’s feet, so he knew if Len moved.

When Kathy left us Cadfor came to live with us. He had stayed here many times, so it wasn’t too much of a shock for him, especially with three ladies to co-habit with.

What more could he want. New things to keep us on our toes, he barked when he wanted to go out, come in, when hungry, when thirsty, go for a walk, bored, time to get us

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up (even if it is 4.30 am) or just for the hell of it. Kath, Len Debbie and Cadfor winning Best in Show at the As time went by the bark had morphed into an WSSCSW Champ Show in 2010 ‘ouf’. His favourite new hobby was, let’s mess the bed every night. Good job he came with Kaths old washing machine! He was much more ‘tolerant’ of our visitors, but still barked and patrolled the garden. In his later years as his senses faded, it was Hafina who became his eyes and ears. She looked after him, nudging his bed in the morning to wake him up and walking by his side, keeping him on track.

In late May it was evident that Cadfor was going downhill. He was losing weight; his appetite was poor and he was becoming very lethargic. It hit home when I lifted him into the bath and there was no weight to him. Cadfor peacefully drifted off to sleep. The strange thing is, the house is very quiet and we miss him terribly. For all his sins, he was a magnificent specimen of the breed and may have won far more than he did, if he had put his mind to it.

Sadly, it’s the end of the Cwrtafon line that Len and Kath worked so hard to establish.

When his ashes were returned, we took them for one last theirs. Was this a subliminal message to me, I would like to drive up the Varteg Hill, past Cwrtafon and onto his final think so. As I left, I heard a dog bark, “…was that Caddy?” I resting place with Kath and Len. There can’t be many Welsh said to myself ‘Man up Deb it’s just a barking dog from the Springers featured on their owners’ headstone, but what an village’. However, I definitely heard Kathy say ‘He should ingenious idea of Len and Kath to have Cadfor’s image on have gone to Sweden’.

Debbie Roberts

Parade

of

Champions

We invite entries to our Parade of Champions, to be held in the break after the Dog Judging at our Championship Show, 22nd March 2020 ALL Champions welcome - especially the Veterans.

Every Champion will receive a Commemorative Medal.

Entries are FREE, but need to be entered on the Entry form, or online as usual.

The photos here show some of the Parade of Champions at our 25th Anniversary Show

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STATESMAN and SARABANDE SH CH/AM GCH

SARABANDE SWEET NOTHINGS (AI) (RE-IMP)

’ e s o ‘R

AM GCh Stateman’s Amicus x Sh Ch Shandwick Premier Rose at Sarabande JW ShCM DOB: 22/11/2015 Rose was exported to Susan Riese & Meghen Riese-Bassel of the STATESMANS kennels Atlanta.

Rose was campaigned to her Am Grand Champion Title completing this title in five straight shows all with 5 point majors.

Rose has made breed history by being the only WSS to be re-imported with an Am Grand Champion title and then go on to achieve a UK Sh Ch Title.

Owned by: Meghen Riese-Bassel, Statesmans Kennels, Atlanta USA & Anne Worth, Sarabande. UK Bred by: Nigel & Anne Worth (Sarabande) w w w.SA RA B A N D E-W S S. C OM

BEST OF BREED ~ CRUFTS 2019 22

Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

From Puppy to Champion Am Grand Ch., Sh Ch Sarabande Sweet Nothings (ai) (Re-import) Pet name: Rose Sire: Am G.Ch Statesman’s Amicus WD Dam: Sh Ch Shandwick Premier Rose at Sarabande JW Sh CM D.o.B. 22/11/15 Breeders: Nigel & Anne Worth Owners: Mrs. M. Riese-Bassel (USA) and Mrs Anne Worth Rose was exported to the Statesman’s kennel (USA) as a young pup where she had a very successful Show career culminating in not only gaining her American Show Champion title but her Grand Champion title as well before returning home to Sarabande.

Rose returned to the UK on the 8th Nov 2018, and preparation started for Crufts on the 7th March.

We attended Crufts show and she was awarded Bitch CC and B.O.B under judge Miss C. Dods.

Then at the National Gundog Association she gained her second CC with judge Mrs H. Leary At the Gundog Breeds of Scotland Rose gained her third CC and her Sh Ch title under judge Mrs J. Jackson – thus making breed history.

Our sincere thanks to the three breed specialists who gave her the three CCs and her crown.

Nigel & Anne Worth (Sarabande) Newsletter 2020

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From Puppy to Champion

Charis at 6 weeks

Sh Ch Sarabande Eternity at Slapestones JW (ai) Pet name: Charis Owners: M r. A., Mrs T.C. & Miss D.T. Ritchie Breeders: Nigel & Anne Worth Sire: A m. Grand Ch. Statesman’s Amicus WD (USA)

Charis at 12 months

Dam: Sh.Ch. Shandwick Premier Rose at Sarabande JW Sh.CM D.o.b. 22/11/15 Qualifying CCs: 1st at GSOW 2018 2nd at Windsor 2019 3rd at Leeds 2019 She also has 9 Reserve CCs My interest in this litter stemmed from the American sire Am G.Ch, Statesman’s Amicus who was my favourite offspring from a bitch I exported there, Am Ch. Slapestones Sea Breeze. After looking at photos of the litter Dawn and I decided to make the long trip from Cumbria to Wales where we fell in love with a particular bitch. It was a fabulous litter and we decided Sarabande Eternity was coming to live by the lakes. She is the most mischievious WSS we have ever had – well worth the trip though.

Charis at 31/2 years

Thank you Nigel and Anne.

Thelma Ritchie (Slapestones)

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

As we were preparing this newsletter we had an email from the Kennel Club Press Office saying …

Just a short note to let you know that your breed is once again on the Vulnerable Breeds list with just 243 registrations in 2019. Can I check with you that you are still OK with the Kennel Club press office using Welsh Springer Spaniels in promotional material in order to raise the profile of the breed?

Last year your exhibitors were brilliant at Crufts when it came to highlighting proposed legislation in Wales – we’d like to continue with that sort of thing, it would be brilliant and much appreciated. … and that’s one reason we love doing our breed promotion days and would like to encourage all our members to join us in promoting this wonderful breed of ours to the general public.

Breed Promotion Day at Penllergare Woodland The enterprising volunteer group that runs Penllergare Valley Woods invited us along to their open day on 21st September. It was a dog themed day so we thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce the Welsh Springer Spaniel to the visitors – especially as there is a special link between the breed and Penllergare.

It was a bright sunny day and we had nearly a dozen Welshies on display and they thoroughly enjoyed loads of pats on the head and tummy rubs from many passers by – and I think we managed to convince quite a few people that their next dog should be a Welshie.

Many thanks to everyone who helped us on our stand and thanks to our hosts for a very enjoyable day – if they do it again next year we will certainly be back.

But what’s so special about Penllergare and Welsh Springers? The Llewelyn family who owned Penllergare in the 19th century were instrumental in developing and getting the Welsh Springer Spaniel recognised as a unique breed by the Kennel Club. The estate was predominantly a woodcock shoot, a ground nesting bird that Welshies are particularly adept at flushing.

Penllergare is also famous for its association with Fox Talbot, the pioneer of photography, who was a cousin of John Dillwyn Llewelyn’s wife Emma, and spent much of his time at Penllergare and inspired JDL’s own fascination in photography.

It’s a lovely place to visit – with or without dogs – it’s conveniently situated off junction 47 of the M4 near Swansea, check out their website. https://penllergare.org

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Grooming Workshop We had been promising to do a grooming day for some time, as we are often asked by members at our shows and events for advice on not only how best to present their dogs for competition, but also how to keep their dogs well groomed on a day to day basis.

We hired the village hall at St. Brides near Newport, which was ideally suited and conveniently located for this event, and so our day was booked for 6th October 2019. Nearly 30 people come along, some to take part and some just to watch and learn from our experienced team of breeders/groomers.

Our plan was to help owners get to grips with grooming/trimming their Welsh Springer Spaniels in a very informal day. We had printed leaflets to take away and loads of equipment on display especially showing different thinning scissors – an essential tool.

The day started at 11am with a welcoming cuppa and a general introduction given by Chairperson Jan Rees.

Whilst giving a demonstration on Gary and Vicky Dixon’s Floki, Jan explained the importance of good grooming whether your dog is a family pet or show dog and outlined the equipment needed for different jobs.

Our team of experts set up their grooming tables around the hall and took a pre-booked, volunteer dog to demonstrate their various trimming techniques – each concentrating on a different part of the dog. Some people wanted to know how to trim ears, some feet, some on spayed/neutered coats, and of course the tails.

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People were free to wander around each table to look and learn from each demonstrator.

All our demonstrators are very knowledgeable having owned the breed for many years and showing them successfully at all levels – some are also professional groomers. They answered queries as they groomed, giving everyone the benefit of their experience, and after the lunch break they took questions from the floor.

Together the team covered the whole dog, giving loads of tips and tricks – and a few dogs went home having had a full grooming session. It seems every demonstrator has his/her own way of doing certain things which gave the owner the opportunity to learn which is most comfortable for them.

The lessons in how to trim toenails was very well received because it’s a procedure many dogs, and

Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

indeed their owners, are wary about – even including the mysterious dew-claws. Demonstrator Debbie even showed us how she does nails with a Dremel grinder instead of the usual clippers – a very efficient method but maybe not for all dogs.

The most important thing was supervising the owners while they had a go themselves, practicing the various techniques they’d been shown. Some owners were a little nervous but under our experts’ watchful eyes they all achieved a great result on their dogs and went away with a new confidence that they were doing it right.

Some of the volunteer dogs were youngsters and were quite nervous about grooming, while others were more laid back and relaxed – so we were able to illustrate how getting your dog used to grooming at an early age is beneficial to all concerned.

It proved a lovely happy, informal day with a lot of dogs going home looking a bit better than when they came.

We took plenty of photos on the day which we hope to put into a printed guide to grooming – so look out for that on our website in the near future.

I’m sure we will run another Workshop, maybe in another area, it proved so successful and encouraging that people really want to watch and learn and have a go themselves.

Jan Rees

Newsletter 2020

Photos clockwise from top left: Jan gives the introductory demonstration; The Hall gets busy as people go from table to table to look and learn; Jan shows great technique on a tail; Note the concentration on these ladies’ faces as they try out their own skills; Here’s the team - Jan J, Hayley, Debbie, Karen, Jan R, Sue and Terry (photographer); Honestly this one is not howling in agony as Sue trims his feet; Debbie shows the importance of stripping around the neck and chest; A neatly finished ear; A crazy dog excited at the prospect of the lovely grooming to come.

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Club Gatherings and Dog Walks Throughout the year we like to arrange informal dog walks. We say “informal” because there’s no training, no showing, just socialising and enjoyment for dogs and humans alike.

We simply announce on our website and Facebook page that we are going to meet up at a suitable location and off we go for an easy walk with our ‘pack’ of Welshies.

We like to choose a location where there’s a nearby café and facilities. We keep the walks fairly short and undemanding, and we’ll find an area where we can let

the dogs off their leads to let them race around enjoying themselves free from the constraints of the showring or working training ground. It’s a great opportunity for both the dogs and their owners to socialise and it’s a relaxed atmosphere for new members to join us and find out more about the breed.

There are loads of photos of these events on our website - go and see if you can spot yourself. If you have any ideas for a suitable location in the coming year please let us know and we’ll arrange a Welshie day out.

Spring Dog Walk at Kenfig Nature Reserve Thanks to everyone that joined us for our Spring Walk, at Kenfig Nature Reserve, and afterwards for a pint and a snack at The Prince of Wales.

Early rain in Cardiff and Newport gave way to clearer skies and a warmer outing than we anticipated. Our regular Club group happily welcomed two new members from the Cardiff area, and as usual, all the dogs seemed to appreciate seeing so many other Welshies. The walk was led by Paul Stapleton, whose ‘Favourite Walk’ was featured in our Newsletter last year, and we all agreed that it is indeed a brilliant place.

Kenfig National Nature Reserve is one of the finest wildlife habitats in Wales and is also one of the last remnants of a huge dune system that once stretched along the coastline of southern Wales from the Ogmore River to the Gower peninsular, the paths wander through dunes to the pebble fringed, sandy beach, which stretches for miles.

Beautiful walks that you can spend hours exploring, and amazing wild life.

It was a bit of a trek through the sand dunes to get to the beach but the dogs made the most of it once we got there.

Our reward for the long walk back was a pint in the dog friendly Prince of Wales, at the end of the walk, which was definitely an added bonus!

Going Walkies?

If you are planning an interesting dog walk and fancy the company of a few more Welshies, why not announce it on our Facebook page? Give the time and place you intend to be there and, you never know, a few others may turn up no fuss, no obligations - you may strike up some new friendships and get your dogs better socialised too.

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

Christmas Get-together and Beach Walk Oxwich Bay, Gower – 29/12/19 For the fifth year we held our Christmas get together at Oxwich Bay on the Gower peninsula, Swansea – we obviously like it there – we know the dogs do.

Again there were almost 40 humans and over 30 dogs.

We had our customary cup of coffee at the Oxwich Bay Hotel before all lining up for the obligatory group photo.

If you count the Welshies in the group photo you’ll find 21 and 7 others, but there were quite a few still in the cars or arrived a bit later.

After a few weeks of miserable wet weather, the day turned out fine, dry and not too cold.

The tide was on its way out as we started out on our walk giving us plenty of room for the dogs to race around and of course there were plenty who wanted to go crazy splashing through the waves.

There were a few new faces with us this year and we hope they enjoyed joining in the fun – maybe we’ll see you at the next organised walk in the spring.

We also had a few other breeds who became honorary Welshies for the day.

Newsletter 2020

All the dogs were very well behaved and proved to be a great advert for the breed and it was nice to get compliments from other beach users as they admired the spectacle of so many Welshies in one place.

After the walk, and with the dogs dried off and snoozing happily in the back of our cars, we drove on to the King Arthur Hotel in Reynoldston for our post-walk meal – we had more in our group than we had booked space for and as there was also a large wedding going on there, we didn’t manage to all eat together – but nonetheless it was a great meal and it rounded the day off quite nicely and I, for one, can’t wait to do it all again next year.

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On the Trail of the Original Welsh Springer Spaniel

by Molly Simmons Four years ago, I wrote in the WSSCSW newsletter, that I had “discovered” the original painting of Ch Corrin, the first recognised Welsh Springer Spaniel, in The National Museum of Wales Folk Museum in the village of St Fagan’s near Cardiff. Jan Rees (our Club’s Chairperson) and I viewed the beautiful painting by the Welsh painter Rose Dempster Bonnor, along with a painting of one of Corrin’s sons, Ch Rover of Gerwyn.

Although the Museum offers high-quality prints of the many paintings held at St Fagan’s Museum, and those of some of the paintings by world-famous artists on view at the main National Museum in the centre of Cardiff, the museum’s legal department were unable to track down the copyright holder of these paintings, despite my many nagging emails telling them that Welsh Springer Spaniel enthusiasts from all over the world would be keen to buy prints. The late Maria Hutsteiner in Austria for one, also contacted them several times writing that she wanted several prints for herself and friends.

Eventually I gave up, realising that sadly I wasn’t to get any further in my search! Then in 2019 I was again looking for WSS art online. I came across a website in America that offered a huge number of prints of paintings from across the world. And yes, they offered prints of the two paintings that we saw in St Fagan’s. There were many options – size, media, frame style etc. – all at a very reasonable cost. Of course I sent for two prints and I am thrilled with the quality of the two I now have hanging my living room.

The website is https://en.wahooart.com/, do a search there for Welsh Springer Spaniels and you will be presented with a wide range of prints including these paintings and other lesser known paintings of spaniels – as well as a few paintings of some dubious looking Welsh Springers.

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Penllergare While writing this piece I was hoping to find some connection between Corrin and the Gerwyn Welshies of A.T.Williams, and the Welsh Springers of Sir John Talbot Dillwyn Llewellyn, who was another important breeder and promoter of our breed in South Wales in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

One of his estates was at Penllergare near Swansea and our Club hopes to visit Penllergare Valley Woods Open Day again this anniversary year for a breed promotion, as they did last year.

Another of his estates was at Ynysygerwyn in the Neath Valley, where, coincidently A.T.Williams, his father and grandfather and earlier forebears had bred and worked their Gerwyn Welsh Springers since about 1750.

Surely they used each others dogs from time to time?

Sadly it seems that although John Talbot Llewellyn had an important influence on Welsh Springers of the time, the dogs were all working dogs and weren’t Kennel Club registered, as there were no dogs bred or owned by Sir John in the early KC Stud Book records. I’m very grateful to Maddy Bowman who searched, but failed to find any dogs belonging to, or owned by Sir John in her database of registration details of early Welsh Springers from their first registrations in 1902 until 1927 when John Talbot Llewellyn died.

A.T.Williams, having persuaded the Kennel Club that the Welsh Springer Spaniel was a distinct breed, registered his show, working and breeding dogs between 1902 and nearly up to his death in 1916. I have no doubt that at least some of these Gerwyn dogs had Penllergare blood, but we will probably never know unless some new breeding records come to light.

Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

Llanharan Another event that the Club hopes to put on in our anniversary year is a visit to Llanharan House with as many Welsh Springers as we can muster!

Now of course there is a clear link between Corrin and Llanharan House! He was born there! He was bred by Col Blandy Jenkins, or more correctly by his gamekeeper William Jenkins and his sons Abraham and Elias of the Mill House, Llanharan, who had developed the very successful Llanharan strain over many years.

A characteristic of the kennel was the identifiable spot or lozenge on many of their heads, giving rise to the old saying “penny on the head - Llanharan bred”.

I once met the grandson of Abraham Jenkins while exercising my dogs and he said that the Llanharan Welsh Springers were always referred to as lemon and white.

Well the painting of Corrin certainly shows him to be a rich red and white, even on the original. This might have been artistic license on the part of the artist, as I suspect she painted the portrait from the well-known black and white photo of Corrin, possibly after Corrin’s death – the painting of Rover is more ‘alive’.

I once searched the papers of the Llanharan Estate in

the Glamorgan Archives in Cardiff, hoping to find some letters between Col Blandy Jenkins and A.T.Williams relating to the transfer of Corrin from one to the other.

Sadly I didn’t find any correspondence relating to dogs!

It was worth a try!

It would be wonderful if as many Welshies and their owners as possible could collect at these two sites so important in the early history of our breed. Sadly there are no remains of the Ynysgerwyn Estate of the Williams family nor of Baglan House near Neath where he spent a lot of his life, though Kennelman’s Cottage, near the entrance to the grounds, still stands.

Molly Simmons

We asked our members to tell us about their favourite dog walks and it’s great to see that you all like to get out to enjoy our lovely countryside as well as giving your Welshies the exercise they need - here’s an example that we will definitely visit as a group one day.

Craig Y Nos Castle & Country Park ~ Nestled on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in the Upper Swansea Valley stands Craig Y Nos Castle and Country Park which was once home to the famous Italian Opera singer Madam Adelina Patti.

This has to be one of our favourite places to visit and today we are going to make the short journey to visit the park. Gruff is already getting excited as I put his harness on before putting him in the car. Once we arrive and I feel it is safe to let him off his leash he immediately takes off with his nose fixed firmly to the ground.

The varied terrain allows him the opportunity to explore and flush out whatever wildlife is or has been around. He’s always checking to ensure that I have not wandered too far from him.

Newsletter 2020

OS grid ref SN839155; postcode SA9 1GL

I’ve been bringing Gruff to the park since he was a young pup and it has been interesting to see his progress and behaviour particularly during the different seasons. In Winter he loves to roll on the ground during the frost and snow. In Spring he’s more active reacting to the new scents that the season has brought along. Summer sees him at his best springing through the high grasses like a gazelle. Then Autumn gets him excited when he knows that there are more squirrels to chase.

There’s something magical about this park and the beauty of its surrounding landscape that gives us the feel good factor. Gruff is one very happy dog and I am one very lucky owner to have such a special Welshie.

Gruff and Eira Miles.

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WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL JOINT HEALTH GROUP Incorporating: n The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club n The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales n The South Eastern Welsh Springer Spaniel Club n The North of England Welsh Springer Spaniel Club The Welsh Springer Spaniel Joint Health Group was formed in 1994 and is made up of Delegates and Trustees from each of the four breed clubs along with a Treasurer and an independent Chairman. The JHG meets three or four times a year to discuss anything that affects the health of the breed. An appointed Secretary of the group deals with the enquiries and correspondence.

WHAT DO WE DO? We monitor and keep records of any health issues that are notified to us and work with research establishments such as The Animal Health Trust and The University of Nottingham and also The Kennel Club to improve the health of our beautiful breed. For us to be able to do this we need owners to help us by telling us about any health issues that their dogs may suffer from.

WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED AND WHAT DO WE DO WITH INFORMATION? Three main conditions are under investigation at present these are Glaucoma, Fitting and Hip Dysplasia.

Information sheets on these conditions are available here today and on all four breed club websites or by contacting The Welsh Springer Spaniel Joint Health Group Secretary (details below).

All information is useful to enable us to know what conditions need further investigation. Conditions that are not at present under investigation will be kept on file pending reports of further cases in the breed. When a condition is seen in a number of dogs specialist advice is sought to consider if any research is available that could help or if any further action can be taken, With conditions that are being investigated such as Glaucoma (and Fitting) the secretary will send out a DNA mouth swab kit for the owner to take a mouth swab and send to The Animal Health Trust to include in the research. The breed clubs and the JHG have donated several thousand pounds towards the research into finding a DNA test for Glaucoma for our breed.

WHAT IS OUR AIM? To see tests available for conditions such as primary Epilepsy and Glaucoma so that no more dogs need to be produced that will go blind or suffer from epileptic fits due to hereditary conditions. Whilst this is some way off at present with help from more owners of affected dogs it brings this goal ever closer. Please help us to help our beautiful breed!

We are here to help and we would like to say that the owner or the breeder is not to blame for these conditions it is something that happens from time to time.

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HOW CAN OWNERS HELP? We know that it is difficult and upsetting for owners who have a much loved pet diagnosed with Glaucoma or that is suffering from hereditary fitting but please help us to help the research into these conditions. If you have an affected dog then please, please contact: Secretary of The Joint Health Group: Mrs Arlene Tester Email: arlene.tester@mailfence.com Tel: 01954 780820 or your regional club delegate who will be listed on the Club’s website and below.

Use the above also to notify us of any condition that you would like to tell us about.

We have recently been working with Nottingham University who are undertaking work into Cancer in spaniels. Other areas have also requested help from us.

Whist the Joint Health Group has a small amount of money we are mainly reliant upon support from the breed clubs and donations from breed members. When large sums of money are required like the £5000 for the Glaucoma research we have to go to the breed clubs to provide this.

DELEGATES Mrs Arlene Tester (Sec. JHG) – Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Mrs Heather Michie – Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Mr Stephen Pick – South Eastern Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Mrs Julie Revill – South Eastern Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Ms Judy Yacoub – North of England Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Mrs Honor Harrison – North of England Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Mrs Jan Rees – Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales Mrs Jan Janes – Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales Acting Chairman: Mrs Anne Morgan Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

JOINT HEALTH GROUP ANNUAL REPORT (2019) There were two meetings held during the year with Delegates Jan Rees and Jan Janes attending both.

The JHG is here to help owners and breeders research disorders that affect our breed. We can only do this with your help. We need owners and breeders to contact us with information on any of the conditions affecting their dogs but in particular Fitting and Glaucoma. If your dog or one that you have bred is suffering from Fitting it is not your fault or the breeder, it is something that happens from time to time.

To help progress the research and try to produce a DNA test we need all the help that we can get. We have had few reports in the last few years even though owners may sometimes be putting information onto social media.

Please help us to help the breed so that eventually we will have a test available ensuring that our beautiful dogs will no longer have to suffer from these conditions.The JHG group work closely with the Animal Health Trust to try and prevent other dogs suffering from this condition.

If you wish to submit some information please contact the Secretary Arlene Tester: email: arlene.tester@mailfence.com. Tel: 01954 780820 or your own JHG Delegate

FITTING

One new overseas case with a UK parent has been reported: Sara Our Loyal Welsh; Sire: Julita Ranger; Dam: Jayne Our Loyal Welsh

GLAUCOMA

James Oliver conducted an eye testing session at the WSSC Championship Show in August and we are pleased to report that as well as the dogs booked for certificated tests we had approx. 8 dogs of 8 years and over that came for the research project.

Of the certificated dogs that were tested results are as follows.

Grade 0: 3 dogs Grade 1: 3 dogs Grade 2: 2 dogs Grade 3: 0 dogs James examined the 8 older dogs FOC and no certificates were issued but verbal results were given to the owners.

The majority of the dogs were unchanged but two demonstrated mild progression.

There is one case of clinical glaucoma and samples and information have been supplied to James.

Owner’s permission to publish has been given.

Newsletter 2020

Sherdrew Modern Girl. Tested at 10 years and diagnosed clinically affected.

Sire: Sh. Ch. Ferndel Storyteller for Glenbrows JW ShCM; Dam: Sherdrew Conway’s Girl.

HIP DYSPLASIA No new information.

CANCER SURVEY

If you have filled in the survey can you please contact Dr. Mark Dunning email: Mark.Dunning@nottingham. ac.uk as he is trying to identify the breeds on the 206 surveys without breed names on them. He cannot use them without knowing which breed they relate to.

CANINE GENOME PROJECT

77 breeds have signed up for the project since its official launch, all donating £1000. Some breeds have chosen to pay for 2 genomes to be sequenced (2 dogs).To date £150,000 has been donated to this project by the Kennel Club and other breeds.

89 Genomes have been sequenced and analysis is well under way. Of course 69 are affected with a health disorder that is of concern with breeds. 20 Genomes are of healthy dogs and are Controls.

Analysis of some Genomes is being undertaken at the AHT. Data from 29 dogs have been shared with 17 Research Groups from Europe and USA. There is a lot of variation with the Canine Genome. Most is neutral, some is positive (or advantageous) some is deleterious (contributes to risk of disease). The challenge is to identify the deleterious variants from the rest.

Complex Diseases include Epilepsy, that is, it has multiple variants in more than one gene can combine to cause risk of disease. Environmental factors can also contribute to risk – e.g. may be a trigger for disease onset if the individual has a set of risk variants.

Aim of the Research: To develop predictive tools to identify dogs at greater risk of these diseases. To better understand the biology underlying disease development.

Breed Study: Current focus - Border Collie, Italian Spinone.

Future breeds will (5 in the first instance) will be selected after a review.

SARDS

Two unrelated dogs affected with Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (aka SARDS) came to the WSSC Rally Day. This is a problem that we have not come across before in our breed although it affects all breeds of dogs. It is not hereditary and it appears suddenly as the name says. We are interested if there are any more cases within our breed. If you have a dog with this condition or know of one then please ask the owner to contact us. (We have the details of the two previously mentioned).

SARDS affects the thin-layered retinas which receive visual input and then transport this information to the brain via the optic nerve. In dogs with SARDS the photoreceptors (rods and cones) and possible the nerve fibre layers with

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wsscsw.co.uk the retinas undergo degenerative changes. The end result is complete blindness. These changes are microscopic in nature - one cannot detect them by performing a basic eye exam. Therefore, the diagnosis of SARDS is made based on the patient’s history, the presence of partial to complete blindness in both eyes, normal appearing retinas and characteristic changes on an electroretinogram (ERG).

The ERG is a test used to evaluate photoreceptor function and is performed by veterinarians who are specialists in ophthalmology.

During the weeks and months preceding blindness most SARDS affected dogs also experience marked increases in

appetite and /or thirst with subsequent weight gain and changes in urinary behaviour.

Diagnosing SARDS in dogs: Testing for hormonal imbalances (Diabetes & Cushings) that classically cause these symptoms is commonly pursued and typically comes up empty. Savvy veterinarians consider the possibility of SARDS before loss of vision becomes apparent. In most cases it is not until vision wanes that the diagnosis of SARDS becomes suspect.

Arlene Tester, Secretary JHG

ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST / KENNEL CLUB RECEPTION The Animal Health Trust/Kennel Club held a Reception at the Kennel Club in April in the presence of the AHT’s President HRH The Princess Royal. To thank the JHG for their continued loyalty and support two Representatives were invited to join them at the lunchtime champagne reception.

Julie Revill and Jan Rees had the pleasure together with Arlene Tester and Di Monday who were already attending.

We were treated to a tour of the superb Art Gallery and a very interesting speech by HRH afterwards. During canapés and more champagne we were then split into smaller groups to chat to HRH. It was a very memorable day for all concerned.

Julie Revill (right) and Jan Rees (2nd right) chat with AHT’s President, HRH The Princess Royal (left).

Mystery Painting

We have had a lovely print donated to the Club, produced in 1992 by the renowned animal artist Stephen Nesbitt.

He has worked as a professional artist, specialising in painting dogs since graduating in Fine Art from Portsmouth in 1990.

This painting is a study of two Welsh Springers, approx A3 size, from a numbered edition (18/250).

We contacted the artist and he has no record of who the dogs belonged to – so does anyone recognise these two Welshies?

We intend to sell this Limited Edition print at our Championship Show in March, with the proceeds going to Breed Health, and our Rescue Group.

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... we are very pleased to help & support the WSSCSW Tel: 07876 358884 e-mail: evinrisca@gmail.com www.terry-evans.com Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

Where are you Mabli?

In October 2016, my beautiful Welsh Springer, Gyp gave birth to a very special litter, special as one little girl would become our new family member. As the weeks went by a strong bond was forming with one particular pup. We named her Mabli meaning beautiful and loving, a name so strong a reflection of this beautiful soul.

On Monday 28th October 2019 our lives drastically changed. Mabli went missing from our home and hasn’t been seen since. We began a thorough search of the farm, thermal imaging cameras were used throughout the farm buildings, haystacks and every inch was covered on foot.

The following day a drone was flown around the farm and surrounding areas, but no sightings of Mabli. We continued our search on foot with Mabli’s mum and sister for days, becoming desperate for any information, I was lost and heartbroken.

A friend suggested I see a very well respected Medium and the information I was told opened up a whole new ball game, ‘No point in searching the farm – Mabli has been taken’ those words still haunt me until this day. Why would someone take one of my family members and break my heart in the process?

Since then I have spoken to Mediums around the world who have come forward and offered their help, the common threads are – she has been taken because they like her. She is being well looked after and you will see her again, along with a lot more information it’s like a big jigsaw puzzle.

By this time I was grieving for Mabli, my beautiful girl, whom I hope is very much alive. I need her back by my side to complete the Pembrokeshire coastal path walk, raising funds for JDRF, (Junior Diabetes) we only have 7 miles left to complete the 186 mile walk.

Things had to change and I have to fight for her return.

Some lovely people joined the search and we now have over 3,000 followers on Mabli’s facebook page BRING MABLI HOME. We have posters up around the country and currently printing flyers to display at vets, car parks, pubs, homes and schools etc. We have been on the local Welsh News, BBC1 Breakfast and local newspapers have printed articles. We have also offered a substantial reward, but still no sighting of Mabli.

The search will go on. It’s difficult to describe the devastation Mabli’s disappearance has caused our family, friends and the local community. Wherever she is, I hope she knows how much we love her and how much we need her home where she belongs.

Thank you to each and every one of you who are helping and supporting the endless search to end this nightmare and bring her home.

Jacqueline George Newsletter 2020

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Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales