2009 Championship Show Week-end

            The weekend of the 26th and 27th September saw the BMDC of GB’s combined championship show and working day at the new venue of Stoneleigh Park. It was our first time at this purpose- built Kennel Club venue and overall it was very successful. There was masses of room to walk dogs (albeit on leads because of the traffic going through); a camping area a short walk away on the same campus; a large car-park, a bit further than some people liked but no further than the general championship shows plus accommodation in hotel or hostel on site.

There are a few things which can be tweaked in future years and we shall do everything in our power (and things such as car-parking and wheel clamping vehicles on the roads are not in our jurisdiction) to get the BMD weekend as perfect as possible so constructive suggestions would be welcomed and discussed.

Once again we succeeded with the weather: it was just perfect for the dogs.

The show day started with the colourful, traditional display of decorated carts with that tinkling of bells so reminiscent of Switzerland. This is so much enjoyed each year, especially by our newer members.

The judging method of our German judge was not always in accordance with what U.K. exhibitors are used to but the members voted again for a foreign judge and none of us know exactly how they will judge and there is always likely to be a slight language barrier. We do, of course, invite a recommended judge who is known to speak some English but judging continental (FCI) fashion is not done in quite the same way as in the U.K. As usual, the good humour of our Bernese colleagues soon kicked in and exhibitors came to find amusement in the dread of having one of the two “Grim Reapers” (ie 2 stewards) heading in their direction! (Apologies from Karen and me.)   Congratulations to all whose dogs won.

The catering for the evening meal was highly praised this year. (I didn’t hear one moan!) Excellent food and plenty of it, thanks to June Miles – a job for life I feel, June !

Sunday was the working day where we encourage the working traditions of the Bernese with carting, obedience, agility as well as character assessments and the K.C. good citizens tests. There was also a companion show and novelty classes held in the hall. These events were well supported and much enjoyed.

We were fortunate to have sponsorship from Royal Canin for the championship show and Cobby Dog for the working day, enabling the winners to go home with bags of food for their dogs as well as our traditional superb club rosettes and (on show day) the much sought after Bernese shaped prize cards.

Results will be on our website as soon as we receive them.

 

We hope to see you all next year.

 

Sandra Gatward (aka The Grim Reaper)

 

I was away at the International Bernese Symposium and completely missed the whole week-end so I am relying totally on information from everyone else to put the website report together so the development and end result maybe a little different to normal this year.

Nevertheless enjoy it while it grows by clicking on the links below. More Information and photographs will appear as they are received and processed so it might be an idea to press your refresh button from time to time to make sure your browser is displaying the latest update. (Steve Green)

 

Championship Show Saturday

Saturday Evening Event

Companion Show, Working Day and Funday Sunday   

Return to Contents Page