The Northern Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel Society

Northern CKCS Society Breed Specific Judging Seminar

Seminar Report - by Megan Cumberledge

The Northern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Society held a Breed Specific Judging Seminar at Blackburn Hall, Rothwell, Leeds on Sat. 31st October from 10.00am until 4.00pm. This Seminar was organised along the lines of the Kennel Club’s Code of Best Practice for Breed Seminars.

Dick Terry, Chairman, welcomed everyone to the Seminar and introduced Lorraine Gillhespy, as vice chairman, who delivered the order of the day, which began with a talk on the breed standard, given by Virginia Barwell (Charlottetown), to the 21 eager candidates from up and down the country. As well as sharing her vast knowledge of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, using her blenheim boy “ Motivator” as a model, it was also very interesting to hear a little about Mrs. Barwells’ history and involvement with race horses and the comparisons that can be made to our breed.

The candidates then used their knowledge of the breed standard to complete a multiple choice written paper, organised by the club secretary Ian Sidgwick. This was followed by a magnificent buffet lunch, provided by Margaret Mallows (Binglui Pekingese and King Charles Spaniels).

The day continued, after lunch, with a Kennel Club Hands on Assessment on the points of the dog for 5 of the candidates; this was organized by Kennel Club Assessor Arthur Rowe, who had made the journey from Carlisle.

Also after lunch the candidates took part in the Breed Specific Judging Seminar. Their judging experience ranged from enthusiasts just beginning to consider judging to CC awarding judges from other toy breeds.

The three Assessors were Virginia Barwell, Brian Claydon and Pauline Sidgwick who between them have almost 100 years of experience with Cavaliers. Candidates continued with individual ‘hands on’ judging tuition and the judging of 5 dogs that were all kindly brought along and handled by committee members and helpers of the club.

The whole day was a great success and concluded with the presentation of certificates by the club chairman Dick Terry.

Megan Cumberledge (13 yrs old)

Before we begin !!!

Officers of the Society

Mrs. Barwell & Charlottetown Motivator

Candidate who had travelled all the way from France.

Can you name these Cavalier enthusiasts ?

and these enthusiasts enjoying a leisurely lunch

prepared by Margaret Mallows ( Binglui )

Receiving our certificates from Club Chairman, Dick Terry.