Irish Wolfhound Club Rally 2007
The 40th anniversary of the
Irish Wolfhound Rescue Trust
Held at Leigh & Bransford Memorial Hall, Leigh Sinton, Worcestershire, in beautiful surroundings, making a perfect setting for a memorable day. As usual the day was a great success, with over 150 attending plus, of course, the Club committee and Rescue team.
This year celebrated the Rescue Trust's 40th year. During this time they have found new loving homes for thousands of Irish Wolfhounds. There was a good turnout of rescue owners with their beloved pets and also the veterans looking very good for their ages. The parades for these first classes are always heart rending but un-missable.
The rescue owners enjoyed receiving their special ruby anniversary rosettes and a commemorative medal/key fob, and the hounds their goody bags made up especially for them. Caroline Sheppard, Rescue Secretary, looked after the rescue owners and their dogs, many of whom she has helped to bring together. She has been involved for almost five years, and is due to retire at the AGM in March 2008 having then completed her five year stint. She was, as usual, in charge of taking the entries for the parade and presenting goody bags for the hounds, with Jean Malley taking care of the commentary.
The barbecue was as good as ever, with mouth watering food cooked to perfection and served by Tom Brightmore and Mark Allan. The BBQ food would not be the same without the super salads, sweets and drinks, prepared and served by the hard working kitchen staff of Pat Pask, Pat Box, Rosemary Brightmore and Mavis Wild. I doubt if the two Pats, Rosemary and Mavis saw much of the outside events as they were kept very busy inside all day.
The Club Chairman, Peter Pask, as usual efficiently took care of all the announcements and the commentary and rosette presenting for the other tear jerking event, the parade of the veterans, always special.
The weather was kind, sun shining but with a light breeze keeping us all cool, and firm underfoot so enjoyed by all, including the dogs.
Chris Taylorson enjoyed judging the pedigree classes of the Companion Dog Show, and Pam Bains judging the Novelty Classes. Between them they had 36 dogs, making an overall entry of 68 across the classes. They were ably assisted by stewards Kath Sutton and Wendy Bebb. Kath and Wendy have helped us at Club events for a number of years. They have Labradors and Springers of their own, but consider the wolfhounds as their next love.
The photo shows of just a few of the rescue trust workers over the years who had managed to attend: Audrey Hegarty, who with the late Ruth Jenkins founded the Trust in 1967; Treasurer Roger Tebbutt, who more than sportingly joined in the 60s celebration dressed as drag artiste with his lilac/blonde hairdo and 60s gear; ex-secretaries, Marilyn Pursglove and Sue Cole, sporting a teenybopper image and false eyelashes; assistant Jan Pain who is taking over when Caroline retires; Caroline Sheppard, the present secretary, with her young bitch Fable, and lastly, Jean Malley, Chairman.
Sadly missing: the late Ruth Jenkins, (co-founder with Audrey Hegarty, and past president); Pauline Mayman (joint secretary with Anita Boyce); Pam Wells, kennel manager; Allan Hyett ex-treasurer. Previous secretaries, assistants or kennel managers who were sadly unable to attend due to previous engagements: Sue Bevis, Stella Blackmore, Anita Boyce, Lyn Chesterfield, Mel Clarke, Robert Jenkins, Linda Lees, Peter Mitchell, Zena Thorne-Andrews and Sue Wilkinson. Also our president, Jean Taylor, who was in hospital receiving treatment for a broken leg.
Special rosette and medal/key-fob presented to each owner present, and to the rescue teams past and present.
The special 40th anniversary celebration cake was baked and decorated by Barbara Lindopp and donated to the Rescue Trust. This was a very rich moist cake enjoyed by all - and some dogs too!
The rescue parade -
always an emotional sight.
Mark firing up the BBQ, Audrey Hegarty looking after Fable,
and under the blue gazebo are Wendy and Kath waiting to take entries for
the Companion Dog Show and parade of veterans.
and under the blue gazebo are Wendy and Kath waiting to take entries for
the Companion Dog Show and parade of veterans.
Mark serving the last few for the BBQ;
everyone relaxing and enjoying the good food.
everyone relaxing and enjoying the good food.
Dog of the Year
For the first time this year the Club held a competition for Dog of the Year to find the dog who had made most difference. It could have been a hearing dog, blood ponor, PAT dog, or a dog who had received a Good Citizen Award.
The winner was Seamus (on the left, the grey on the right is his best friend). Seamus and his friend are both regular blood donors, but Seamus also regularly visits day care centres for Age Concern, helping patients with memory loss etc. He well deserved his Dog of the Year title. The other contestants are not to be dismissed either, as all had made a difference in similar ways to Seamus.
Companion Show
Judge: Chris Taylorson
Best AV Puppy, Fable
Best AV Hound, Sole
Best AV Sporting, Lachlan
Best AV Open, Quaottro
Best of Pedigrees won by Sole; Chairman Peter Pask; Judge Chris Taylorson; Best Puppy Fable
The Fun Classes
Judge: Pam Bains
Dog with waggiest tail, Bella
Most alike dog and owner, Paddy and Remmie
Dog the judge would most like to take home, Benji
Handsomest dog, Seamus
Best cross breed, Francis
Best six legs, Jill and Wenna
Best fancy dress, Ann and Louis
A few of the early arrivals, members, rescue owners, friends and visitors.
Hearing dog and owner
Roger Tebbutt with Catherine Waring and Veronica Downes
Can't mistake who this is even in drag!
Rescue owners joining in the fun as 60s flower people.
Sue Cole as a teenybopper taking fun race entries.
Some of the members, rescue owners, visitors and friends mingling and enjoying the beautiful weather and convivial company.