Better late than never as the saying goes – sorry, but I have been very short of time lately.

It was a busy time last week as I was down at Birmingham National on Friday for the Clumbers and Sunday for our Tibetan Spaniels, so feeling it still today! Sunday, in particular, was a very long day as we had an Open Show and Special Classes after the main Tibetan Spaniel judging, but thereby hangs another story! Anyway, on to the Clumber judging. Chris Hill was awarding CCs in our breed for the first time and had 26 present. Dog CC and Best of breed was Caroline Reynold’s Ir Sh Ch Vanitonia Swashbuckler of Glenariff. This was his second CC here and hopefully his third will not be far off. Reserve CC went to his brother Vanitonia Something Extra owned by Adam Gardner and Dee Carter Hunt. In the girls, it was another CC for Sh Ch Tweedsmuir She’s so Sheek owned by Paul and Hilda Monaghan, with the Reserve CC going to Bebecova Uniquness owned by owned by Mr and Mrs Barrass and handled as usual by her breeder Ricky Furnell. Best Puppy went to Elskerwoo Silver Lining owned by Christine Sainsbury. Suelynda Let Me Be the One JW, owned by Jonathan and Claire Blackburn, had a good day winning the Vulnerable Native Breeds Stakes. Next up is SKC this week where Mr H Frykstand has drawn an entry of 6 dogs and 7 girls making an entry of 7 dogs and 7 bitches. He will be a girl short as I will not be there due to having a more pressing appointment. Clumbers are fourth in ring 9 after the Curly Coated Retrievers, Spanish Water Dogs and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. The Open Show for Clumbers is at 9am in Ring 11 with Mr T Johnston, who replaces our original judge Tania Gardner, with 4 dogs and 7 girls entered, so there will be quite a wait before the SKC judging takes place. Following on from this will be Bath on the Bank Holiday weekend, where Frank Kane has drawn an entry of 15 dogs and 15 girls. Clumbers are second in ring 20 after 24 Import Registered Breeds making 30 entries. Right now, I am off to do some gardening in the beautiful warm sunshine, all covered up and hat in place, of course. I will also be making plans for "running" in the Race For Life to raise funds for Cancer Research UK which as you will know, is something very important to me personally and in terms of family and friends. The race is on the 8th June 2025 and donations can be made at the following link: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/maureens-race-for-life-11203

Jane Eyeington was awarding CCs in our breed for the first time and had an entry of 40, with 5 absentees.  The weather, thankfully, was kind to us and we were judged outside. It always makes it feel like summer is on the way.

We were not present at the show as Gwynn decided now would be a good time to have her first season! At least we will not have to worry about missing more shows this summer.

Well, that’s it over for another year - love it or hate I,t we all seem to turn up year after year. It kept fine so we managed to get the dogs in without any trouble (although had we had a good down pour, it would have washed away the road salt that was all over the place and I know a number of exhibitors had problems with their dogs having foot problems). Gwynn was gnawing at her feet so, as a precaution, we gave them a good wash when we got home. It was good to catch up with friends from here and abroad and as usual have a good laugh with close friends.

First of all, I apologise for the lack of notes, but things have been going rather badly chez Maursett (more of that later).

First of all, I apologise for the lack of notes, but things have been going rather badly chez Maursett (more of that later).