Once again this show was held at the Indoor Sports Centre at Leigh Sports Village.
The Club was celebrating it’s 80th Anniversary since being formed in 1946.
The judges at this show were Paul Sutcliffe (Pendlestaff), a club member for over 20 years and currently serves as Show Manager (but not today) – Paul judged the Dogs; Bitches were judged by Wayne Jackson from the Midlands and half of the very successful Jackabyte family. The other judge at this show was the referee Jimmy Devine. I notice that Jim and Geoff are wearing Club ties – these were around 30 odd years ago – the ties that is – when the Treasurer was Tec Norton!!
As Paul was judging, the show was set up by stalwarts Andy Mayren and Tom Lowe, amongst others. New committee members Louise O’Malley and Mark Lomax were plunged into the deep end taking on unfamiliar tasks – on the gate and helping Elaine with the raffle – well done them. The Club Secretary Claire Crossman has taken over the Show Secretary role and well done to her, at least it keeps her quiet!
The venue informed us at the last minute that they couldn’t put on any food (usually they don’t allow us to serve food, only drinks, in the hall, but on this occasion they reversed this decision) so it was Eleanor Boote that come to the rescue – she actually made the sandwiches and bought a pile of pasties. Dave Heyes (kitchen hand, chef and general dogsbody), was left largely on his own with occasional help from Andy, just got on with the job as he does.
It was the first time we have used a card reader at a show and despite much trepidation we managed to bank £166 ranging from payments for subs, the raffle, an entry and food sales. A tad chaotic with only one reader and four/five sources of income – still it’s the future I’m sure.
The Club shop manned by Geoff and Eleanor Boote has been extending the range of products on offer. As well as collars by Chrissy Howard and leads & Collars made by Geoff himself along with Paul Sutcliffe we now have keyrings with a Stafford attached and a new Club pin badge. See photos below – we are looking into creating a ring clip out of the latter.
As part of the Anniversary “celebrations” the club organised a Champions parade – with 23 entered. Whilst on the subject of entries, this show attracted 178 dogs, some 20 odd more than the last two years.
Sponsorship for this show was Burns Dog food – thank you very much.
Prizes for the main winners were Stafford head models made using a 3d printer, sign of the times.
In addition Wayne brought some delightful gifts for his main winners.
So, on with the show.
North West Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club 