Championship Show 2008

A glorious day dawned for the Northern English Springer Spaniel Society Championship Show, held at its usual home of Hurworth Grange, Nr Darlington, Co. Durham.

Judge elect was Diane Conrad nee Gunn and she had drawn a very nice entry of 126 dogs/bitches with relatively few absentees and exhibitors attending from North, South, East and West.

The sun shone hot and long from beginning to end of the day and the exhibitors arrived in good time and 'set up camp' in the shade provided by the trees that encircle the grass area, making a natural amphitheatre and the perfect 'stage' to show ones dogs on the grass that was cut short especially for the occasion by members of the committee.

DCC and RBIS went to Sue and Derek Hale's Sh Ch Trimere Trading Places With Sheladams. Res Dog CC to Jackie Beaton and Dave Mitchell's Barecho Hold Your Horses At Peasblossom (Imp). Making it a 'full Southern routing' the BCC (her second) and BIS went to John & Joan Palmer's Roandew Farr Frommit JW. Res Bitch CC went to Edith Rose with Rosannoch Berkano JW. Best Puppy, on a lovely run, was Jane and Steve Eyeington's Trinitas Newky Brown of Meadowdale

The day seemed to be enjoyed by all and the catering was a huge success with many homemade goodies and ice cream cornets served in the afternoon. One can only suspect that there would be quite a few cases of sunburn and Diane took refuge beneath the ring gazebo to try to get some

respite from the extremely hot afternoon sun.The 'Northern' is a very special show when blessed with the beautiful weather. It is the only Breed Club Champ Show that takes place outdoors

and because of the extremely pretty setting, we get a lovely garden party atmosphere with 'The Grange' itself as the backdrop.

The begonia hanging baskets that are used to decorate the show ring have become a talking point over the past two years and we know receive orders in advance of the day from exhibitors who wish to purchase them to adorn their own gardens once the show is over. The good news is we shall be ordering more next year and hopefully more good weather too.

Our judge for next years Championship Show will be Judith Hancock (Hawkhill)